First Aid Training Costs in the UK (2025)
- Denver Naguit
- Dec 5, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: 11 minutes ago
Understanding first aid training costs is essential whether you're a business owner meeting legal obligations or an individual looking to gain life-saving skills. Knowing what to expect helps you budget effectively and choose the right course for your needs.
Quick Answer: How Much Does First Aid Training Cost in the UK?
First aid training costs in the UK vary by qualification level and delivery format:
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): £60-£100 per person for 1-day course
First Aid at Work (FAW): £200-£300 per person for 3-day comprehensive course
EFAW Recertification: £50-£80 per person (required every 3 years)
FAW Recertification: £120-£200 per person for 2-day refresher (required every 3 years)
Group discounts: Typically 15-25% off for teams of 6+ participants
On-site training: More economical for larger teams, eliminating travel time and costs
All HSE-approved first aid certificates last 3 years before recertification is required, so factor ongoing costs into your long-term safety budget.
First aid training costs vary depending on qualification type, course duration, location, and training provider, this guide breaks down what you can expect to pay for different first aid courses in 2025, what influences pricing, and how to get genuine value without compromising on quality or compliance.
As the founder and first aid trainer for NAGS Training Solutions, I have been a certified trainer for over 16 years and have run first aid courses since 2022, ensuring you pay for the correct courses and qualifications you or your business need is the first step in the journey.
Table of Contents
Summary (TL;DR)
Emergency First Aid at Work costs around £60-£100 per person for a 1-day course, suitable for lower-risk workplaces.
First Aid at Work costs around £200-£300 per person for a 3-day comprehensive qualification required in higher-risk environments.
Recertification courses cost around £120-£200 for FAW (2-day course) and £50-£80 for EFAW (1-day course) every 3 years.
Group bookings and on-site training significantly reduce per-person costs for teams of 6+ people.
Certificates last 3 years before recertification is required, so factor ongoing costs into your budget.
HSE-approved training ensures compliance and genuine value - the cheapest doesn't mean best.
What Actually Affects First Aid Training Cost?
Several key factors determine what you'll pay for first aid training, and understanding these helps you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs.
Course Type and Duration
The course type and duration is the primary cost driver.
A one-day Emergency First Aid at Work course costs considerably less than a comprehensive three-day First Aid at Work qualification, the level you need depends on your workplace risk assessment and HSE guidelines for your industry.
Location and Delivery Format
Location and delivery format also matter, public courses at training centres typically have lower per-person rates, whilst on-site training costs more initially but becomes more economical for larger groups and eliminates staff travel time.
Training Provider Accreditation
Training provider accreditation affects pricing too, HSE-approved providers and those accredited by recognised awarding bodies like Qualsafe might charge slightly more, however, this ensures your certificates meet legal requirements and will be recognised by insurers.
Going with cheap, unaccredited providers can cost you far more in the long run.
Group Size
Group size makes a significant difference, most providers, ourselves included, offer substantial discounts for teams of six or more participants, which makes bulk training considerably more cost-effective.
Emergency First Aid at Work: The Entry-Level Option
Emergency First Aid at Work is the most accessible workplace qualification, you're looking at £60 to £100 per person for a one-day course across most of the UK.
This price typically covers course materials, certification upon passing, and usually refreshments throughout the day, the EFAW certificate stays valid for three years and teaches essential skills, including CPR, treating unconscious casualties, bleeding control, and managing shock.
EFAW works well for lower-risk workplaces or as additional training alongside colleagues with the more comprehensive First Aid at Work qualification. Many Scottish businesses choose EFAW for general staff whilst having specific team members trained to the higher FAW level - a sensible, cost-effective approach.
Recertification
Recertification requires a full one-day refresher course every three years, typically costing £50 to £80 per person, this is slightly cheaper than initial training but covers the same content to ensure your skills remain current.
First Aid at Work: Comprehensive Training for Higher-Risk Workplaces
First Aid at Work represents a bigger investment but provides significantly more comprehensive training, typical costs sit between £200 to £300 per person for the full three-day course.
This qualification covers everything in EFAW, plus advanced topics including fracture management, burns, eye injuries, anaphylaxis, and a deeper understanding of medical conditions, FAW is often required in manufacturing, construction, warehousing, and other higher-risk industries.
The HSE recommends that workplaces with 50 or more employees, or those with significant hazards, should have at least one FAW-qualified first aider on site during working hours.
FAW Recertification
FAW recertification is a two-day course rather than the full three days, you're looking at £120 to £200 per person for recertification, which you'll need to complete before your certificate expires at the three-year mark, the recertification covers essential content and updates you on any changes to first aid protocols.
Protect Your Team with Professional First Aid Training
Don't wait for an emergency to discover your first aid provision isn't adequate,
We deliver first aid courses that genuinely prepare people for real emergencies, not just passing assessments. Our HSE-approved training ensures your business meets all legal requirements whilst giving your team the confidence to respond effectively when seconds count.
What our first aid training includes:
HSE-approved certification (EFAW or FAW)
Practical, scenario-based learning with real equipment
Comprehensive course materials and reference guides
Flexible scheduling including on-site training options
📞 Call 07942 468967 or Contact NAGS Training Solutions for a tailored quote on first aid training for your Scottish business.
Based in Inverness, serving businesses across Highlands, Moray & throughout Scotland
Specialist First Aid Courses
Beyond standard workplace qualifications, specialist courses serve specific sectors:
Paediatric First Aid
Paediatric First Aid costs between £80 and £150 per person, it is essential for childcare, schools, or any setting involving children, ofsted-registered providers must have staff with valid paediatric first aid certification.
These certificates also last three years and require recertification at similar costs.
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid has become increasingly popular as workplaces recognise the importance of supporting mental wellbeing with courses typically costing £200-£300 per person for the two-day programme.
Getting Genuine Value From Your Training Investment
Cost matters, but it shouldn't be your only consideration, I've seen too many businesses go for the cheapest option only to end up with staff who barely remember what they learned, or worse, they discover their certificates don't meet compliance requirements.
Choose HSE-Approved Training Providers
Choose HSE-approved training providers with experienced instructors who make sessions engaging and practical, our countless years of healthcare experience at Nags Training means we focus on delivering training that genuinely prepares people for real emergencies, not just passing assessments - this should be considered when evaluating training providers.
Consider On-Site Training for Larger Groups
Consider on-site training for larger groups, bringing a trainer to your premises for groups of eight or more often reduces per-person costs whilst eliminating travel time and expenses, plus, everyone trains together, building team confidence.
Look at the Total Cost
Look at the total cost, not just the course fee, staff time away from work, potential travel costs, and three-yearly recertification all contribute to your true investment - scheduling training during quieter periods minimises productivity impact.
Planning Your Long-Term Training Budget
Smart businesses treat first aid training as an ongoing operational cost, with three-year certificate validity, plan recertification well in advance to avoid coverage gaps.
Yearly Breakdown
Year 1: Initial training costs (£60-£100 for EFAW or £200-£300 for FAW per person).
Years 1-3: Optional annual refreshers at £50-£100 per person, whilst not mandatory, these help maintain skills and confidence, I've seen the difference refreshers make - staff respond far more confidently in genuine emergencies.
Year 3: Recertification (£50-£80 for EFAW or £120-£200 for FAW per person), book these before certificates expire - there's no grace period. If your certificate lapses, you'll need the full initial course again at a higher cost.
Factor in staff turnover too, new employees in first aider roles need training. It's wise to maintain more qualified first aiders than your minimum requirement for continuous coverage during holidays, sickness, and staff changes.
Pro Tip
Track when each team member's certification expires, this helps plan recertification in batches, which is more cost-effective through group discounts and minimises business disruption.
Making the Right Choice
Understanding first aid training costs, including ongoing recertification, helps you make informed decisions about workplace safety without budget surprises. Whilst initial prices range from £60 for EFAW to £300 for FAW, remember to factor in three-yearly recertification when planning your safety budget.
Quality training from experienced, accredited providers ensures your staff gain genuine competence, not just a certificate, look at the complete picture, including recertification needs, group discounts, and which format best suits your organisation.
The key is finding real value - instructors with genuine expertise, courses meeting all compliance requirements, and pricing fitting your budget without compromising quality, staying on top of recertification isn't just about compliance, it's about ensuring your first aiders feel confident and capable when emergencies happen.
Get Your Team Properly Trained
NAGS Training Solutions offers competitive first aid training costs without compromising quality, our experienced instructors deliver engaging courses across Scotland, ensuring your team is genuinely prepared for workplace emergencies.
Whether you need initial EFAW or FAW training, recertification courses, or a combination, we'll find the most cost-effective solution meeting your compliance requirements and budget - we can also help set up a training schedule, ensuring you never miss recertification deadlines.
📞 Call 07942 468967 or Contact NAGS Training Solutions for a tailored quote.
Let's chat about your needs and how we can help get your first aid provision sorted properly - both now and long term.
Serving businesses across Inverness, Highlands, Moray & throughout Scotland with HSE-approved first aid training
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does first aid training cost for a small business?
For a small business with 5-10 employees, expect to pay £300-£500 total for group EFAW training (£60-£100 per person with group discounts), or £1,000-£1,500 for FAW training if your risk assessment indicates this higher level is required. On-site training often proves most economical for groups this size, eliminating travel costs and lost productivity.
Do first aid certificates really expire after exactly 3 years?
Yes, HSE guidance is clear that first aid certificates are valid for precisely three years from the date of issue with no grace period, If your certificate expires on January 15th, you're not compliant from January 16th onwards. Plan recertification at least 2-3 months before expiry to allow scheduling flexibility.
Is EFAW enough for my workplace, or do I need FAW?
This depends entirely on your workplace risk assessment, lower-risk environments like offices typically need only EFAW, whilst higher-risk settings with machinery, chemicals, or 50+ employees generally require FAW. When in doubt, consult HSE guidance for your specific industry sector.
Can I get free first aid training?
Whilst some volunteer organisations offer free basic first aid awareness, HSE-compliant workplace first aid certification requires accredited training from approved providers, which isn't offered free. The investment ensures your business meets legal requirements and your staff receive quality, recognised training.
How many first aiders does my business legally need?
HSE guidance suggests at least one first aider for every 50 employees in higher-risk workplaces, or one for every 100 in lower-risk environments, however, these are minimums - consider shift patterns, holidays, building layout, and your specific risks. Many businesses exceed minimums to ensure robust coverage.
About NAGS Training Solutions: Based in Inverness, NAGS Training Solutions delivers expert first aid training across Scotland, helping businesses protect their workforce whilst ensuring full HSE compliance. Founded by Denver Naguit, who brings 16+ years of certified first aid training experience including extensive NHS healthcare background, we provide practical, engaging training that genuinely prepares Scottish businesses for workplace emergencies.
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