How to Recertify or Renew First Aid & CPR Certifications in 2026
Staying up to date with your First Aid, CPR/AED, BLS, ACLS, or PALS certification matters for work, school placements, healthcare programs, and being ready for emergencies.
The biggest thing to remember is simple:
If your certificate is expired, you cannot take a shorter recertification course. You will need to take the full course again.
This guide will show you how to check your expiry date, which certifications you can renew, how long each one lasts, and what the 2026 WSIB First Aid Program update in Ontario means for you.
On June 22, 2026, Ontario's WSIB First Aid Program will update its workplace first aid training to match the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z1210:24 standard.
The main change for students and employees is the new names for the courses:
| Older / Regulation 1101 Name | Updated WSIB Program Name | Common Course Equivalent |
|---|
| Emergency First Aid | Basic First Aid | Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED |
| Standard First Aid | Intermediate First Aid | Standard First Aid & CPR/AED |
This does not mean your current certificate becomes invalid. Existing Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid certificates issued by WSIB-approved providers before the June 22, 2026 update remain valid until they expire.
Here's what most learners need to know:
- If your employer asks for Standard First Aid, they may also refer to it as Intermediate First Aid after June 22, 2026.
- If your employer asks for Emergency First Aid, they may also refer to it as Basic First Aid after June 22, 2026.
- If you are unsure, ask your employer, school, or placement coordinator which level they require before booking.
For the full breakdown of what's changing and what stays the same, read our guide: Ontario First Aid Training Is Changing in 2026
When Does My First Aid, CPR/AED, or BLS Certification Expire?
Expiry dates depend on the organization that issued your certificate.
| Certification | Common Issuer | Typical Validity |
|---|
| Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C | Canadian Red Cross | 3 years |
| Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C | Canadian Red Cross | 3 years |
| CPR/AED Level C | Canadian Red Cross | 3 years |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider | Heart & Stroke | 1 year |
| ACLS Provider | Heart & Stroke | 2 years |
| PALS Provider | Heart & Stroke | 2 years |
Some employers, schools, hospitals, clinics, or placement sites might ask you to renew your certification more often than the expiry date. If your workplace or program has stricter rules, be sure to follow them.
How to Check Your Canadian Red Cross Certificate Expiry Date
For Canadian Red Cross certifications such as Standard First Aid, Emergency First Aid, and CPR/AED Level C:
- Go to myrc.redcross.ca.
- Log in to your My Red Cross account.
- Go to My Profile.
- Select My Certifications.
- Open your certificate and check the expiry date.
If you can't find your certificate, check that you're using the same email address you used when you signed up for the course.
How to Check Your Heart & Stroke Certificate Expiry Date
For Heart & Stroke provider certifications such as BLS, ACLS, and PALS:
- Go to cpr.heartandstroke.ca.
- Log in to your Heart & Stroke account.
- Select the Certifications or Completion Cards area.
- Open your certificate and check the expiry date.
If you're a healthcare student, it's best to renew early. Many placements want your certification to stay valid for the whole placement, not just the first day.
Can I Recertify My Canadian Red Cross Certification?
You need a valid, unexpired certificate on the day of your course to take a Canadian Red Cross recertification class.
Expiry dates are set by the certifying organization and cannot be extended by the training provider. If your certificate has already expired, you must register for the full certification course again.
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Recertification
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Recertification is for learners who already hold a current Canadian Red Cross Standard First Aid certification and need to renew before it expires.
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C is valid for 3 years. In Ontario, this is the level commonly required for childcare, ECE placements, many workplaces, security roles, fitness settings, and general employment requirements.
After the 2026 WSIB update, this level may also be referred to as Intermediate First Aid for workplace first aid purposes.
You should choose this recertification course if:
- Your Standard First Aid certificate is still valid.
- You need to renew before the expiry date.
- Your employer or school accepts recertification instead of requiring the full course.
- You are renewing the same level of certification.
Keep in mind that Standard First Aid may only be recertified once — after that, you are required to take the full course again before becoming eligible for recertification.
If your certificate has expired, register for the full Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C blended course instead. This course can be completed with only 1 day of in-person training.
Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C — No Recertification in Ontario
Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C is valid for 3 years.
Emergency First Aid is commonly used in lower-risk workplaces, for volunteers, in retail and service roles, and for some general employment requirements. After the 2026 WSIB update, this level may also be referred to as Basic First Aid for workplace first aid purposes.
Currently, Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C cannot be recertified in Ontario. When your certificate is due for renewal, you take the full Emergency First Aid / Basic First Aid course again, whether your certificate is current or expired.
The good news: the full course is short, and you leave with a fresh 3-year WSIB-approved Ontario workplace certificate every time.
CPR/AED Level C Recertification
CPR/AED Level C Recertification is for learners who need to renew CPR without taking a full First Aid course.
CPR/AED Level C is valid for 3 years and covers CPR and choking skills for adults, children, and infants, as well as AED use.
This course is commonly used by:
- Fitness professionals
- Coaches
- Teachers
- Parents and caregivers
- Volunteers
- Workplaces that only require CPR/AED
To qualify for CPR/AED Level C recertification, your current CPR certification must still be valid on the day of training. If your certificate is expired, you will need to take the full CPR/AED Level C course.
Can I Renew My Heart & Stroke Provider Course?
Heart & Stroke provider courses are commonly required for healthcare students, healthcare workers, and clinical placement requirements.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Renewal
Basic Life Support (BLS) Renewal is for learners who already hold a current Heart & Stroke BLS Provider certification.
BLS is valid for 1 year and is commonly required by:
- Nursing students
- Paramedic students
- Dental hygiene and dental assisting students
- Medical students
- PSWs in some placements
- Hospital and clinic staff
- Healthcare professionals
Your BLS certificate must be current. If it is expired, you may need to take the full BLS Provider course.
ACLS Provider Renewal
ACLS Provider Renewal is designed for healthcare providers who already hold ACLS and need to renew before expiry.
Common requirements include:
- Current Heart & Stroke BLS Provider certification
- Current ACLS Provider certification
- Completion of the ACLS pre-course self-assessment
- A passing score on the required pre-course work, if applicable
ACLS is commonly required for professionals who work in emergency, acute care, critical care, advanced clinical, or resuscitation-focused environments.
PALS Provider Renewal
PALS Provider Renewal is designed for healthcare providers who already hold PALS and need to renew before their PALS certification expires.
Common requirements include:
- Current Heart & Stroke BLS Provider certification
- Current PALS Provider certification
- Completion of the PALS pre-course self-assessment
- A passing score on the required pre-course work, if applicable
PALS is commonly required for providers who respond to pediatric emergencies or work in clinical settings caring for infants and children.
What If My Certificate Is Already Expired?
If your certificate is expired, do not register for a recertification course unless your school, employer, or training provider has specifically confirmed that you are eligible.
In most cases:
| If this happened... | You should book... |
|---|
| Standard First Aid expired | Full Standard First Aid / Intermediate First Aid course |
| Emergency First Aid expired | Full Emergency First Aid / Basic First Aid course |
| CPR/AED Level C expired | Full CPR/AED Level C course |
| BLS expired | Full BLS Provider course, unless otherwise accepted |
| ACLS or PALS expired | Check Heart & Stroke and your employer/school requirements |
Booking the wrong course can delay your certification, especially if you need it for a job, school placement, licensing requirement, or upcoming shift.
How Early Should I Renew?
We recommend booking your renewal at least 30 to 60 days before your expiry date.
This gives you time to:
- Find a course date that fits your schedule
- Avoid last-minute registration issues
- Complete any required online or pre-course work
- Give your employer or school time to process your updated certificate
- Avoid having to retake the full course because your certificate expired
For healthcare placements, check whether your certificate must be valid for the entire duration of the placement. Some programs will not accept a certificate that expires midway through placement.
Preparing for Your Recertification Course
Before attending your recertification or renewal course:
- Review your previous course materials.
- Bring proof of your current certification if required.
- Complete any online learning or pre-course assessment before class.
- Arrive on time and be prepared for hands-on practice.
- Wear comfortable clothing suitable for CPR and first aid skills practice.
For First Aid and CPR courses, you may be asked to demonstrate practical skills and complete a knowledge evaluation. Recertification courses move faster than full courses because they are designed for learners who already have the background knowledge.
Quick Course Links
Canadian Red Cross Courses
Heart & Stroke Courses
Conclusion
Renewing your First Aid, CPR/AED, BLS, ACLS, or PALS certification before it expires helps you stay compliant, confident, and ready to respond in an emergency.
For most learners, the rule is simple: renew before your expiry date. If your certificate has already expired, book the full course instead of a recertification course.
First Aid Connect offers First Aid and CPR training in Ottawa, including Ottawa East and Ottawa West locations, with Red Cross and Heart & Stroke courses for workplaces, students, healthcare providers, and personal emergency preparedness.
Ready to renew?
View all recertification and renewal courses
Not sure whether you need a recertification or the full course? Contact us before registering and our team will help you match the right course to your employer, school, placement, or workplace requirement.
