What Level of First Aid & CPR Training Do I Need in 2026?
Choosing the correct First Aid, CPR, AED, or BLS certification can sometimes be confusing so we're here to help out! Whether you need it for work, school, placement, licensing, or workplace compliance we've got you covered.
This guide updated for 2026 explains the differences between:
It also explains the new 2026 WSIB naming update so you know what to choose if you see terms like Basic First Aid, Intermediate First Aid, Emergency First Aid, or Standard First Aid.
All courses listed here are available through First Aid Connect, with training options in both Ottawa East and Ottawa West.
Ontario’s WSIB First Aid Program is being updated on June 22, 2026 to align with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) first aid training standard.
The most important thing to know is that the course names may start appearing differently:
| New / CSA-aligned wording | Regulation 1101 wording | What it means |
|---|
| Basic First Aid | Emergency First Aid | Shorter workplace first aid course |
| Intermediate First Aid | Standard First Aid | More comprehensive workplace first aid course |
For most students, workers, and employers, all you have to look out for is the required course name:
When in doubt, send the course name to your employer, school, or placement coordinator before registering. If you're uncertain where to find your specific course you can also reach out to us for more help!
For a deeper look at what's changing on June 22, 2026 and what it means for your current certificate, read our full guide: Ontario First Aid Training Is Changing in 2026
Understanding First Aid & CPR Training Levels
Ontario workplaces, schools, and training programs may require different levels of training based on:
- The number of workers on shift
- The risk level of the job
- WSIB workplace first aid requirements
- School or placement requirements
- Employer policies
- Licensing or professional requirements
- Whether you work with children, seniors, patients, or vulnerable populations
Below is a practical breakdown of the four most common course types.
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
Best for: Workplaces, childcare, early childhood educators (ECE), schools, fitness, security, construction, placements, and general certification
Valid for: 3 years
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C is the most widely accepted First Aid course in Ontario.
If you are not sure whether you need Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid, Standard First Aid is usually the safer choice because it covers more topics and is accepted for a wider range of workplace, school, and placement requirements. Because it's a higher level than Emergency First Aid, it satisfies any requirement that calls for Emergency First Aid as well.
What Standard First Aid & CPR / AED Level C Covers
Standard First Aid & CPR / AED Level C usually includes:
- Emergency scene management
- Check, Call, Care
- EMS activation
- Adult, child, and infant CPR
- AED training
- Choking emergencies
- Airway, breathing, and circulation emergencies
- Cardiac emergencies
- Severe allergic reactions
- Wound care and severe bleeding
- Head, neck, and spinal injuries
- Bone, muscle, and joint injuries
- Sudden medical emergencies
- Environmental emergencies
- Opioid poisoning awareness
Who Typically Requires Standard First Aid & CPR / AED Level C?
Standard First Aid & CPR / AED Level C is commonly required or recommended for:
- Childcare and daycare workers
- Early Childhood Education students
- School staff and coaches
- Fitness professionals
- Security guards
- Construction workers, depending on the workplace
- Camps and recreation staff
- Community support workers
- Office and workplace first aid attendants
- Students completing placements
- Anyone who wants the most complete general First Aid option
Standard First Aid & CPR / AED Level C Recertification
Standard First Aid & CPR / AED Level C is typically valid for 3 years.
If your certificate is still current, you may be eligible for a recertification course:
Standard First Aid Recertification
If your certificate is expired, you may need to take the full course again. Always confirm before registering, or contact us if you're unsure whether you're eligible.
Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
Best for: Smaller or lower-risk workplaces, retail, hospitality, volunteers, and basic workplace requirements
Also known as: Basic First Aid under CSA-aligned wording
Valid for: 3 years
Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C is a shorter course focused on life-threatening emergencies.
It is a good option when your workplace, volunteer role, or organization specifically asks for Emergency First Aid.
What Emergency First Aid & CPR / AED Level C Covers
Emergency First Aid & CPR / AED Level C usually includes:
- Preparing to respond
- Scene assessment
- Calling EMS
- Adult, child, and infant CPR
- AED use
- Choking
- Airway and breathing emergencies
- Circulation emergencies
- Cardiac emergencies
- Severe bleeding
- Opioid poisoning awareness
Who Typically Takes Emergency First Aid & CPR / AED Level C?
Emergency First Aid & CPR / AED Level C is commonly used for:
- Retail workers
- Hospitality and restaurant staff
- Volunteers
- Smaller workplaces
- Lower-risk office settings
- People who need a shorter First Aid option
If your employer, school, or placement simply says “First Aid and CPR” but does not specify the level, ask them before registering. If you cannot get a clear answer, Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C is usually the more flexible option.
CPR/AED Level C
Best for: Fitness, coaching, parents, teachers, volunteers, and roles that only require CPR
Valid for: 3 years
CPR/AED Level C focuses on CPR, choking, and AED use. It does not include the full First Aid content found in Standard First Aid or Emergency First Aid.
What CPR/AED Level C Covers
CPR/AED Level C usually includes:
- Adult CPR
- Child CPR
- Infant CPR
- Choking response
- AED use
- Breathing and circulation emergencies
- Single-rescuer and multi-rescuer CPR concepts
Who Typically Needs CPR/AED Level C?
CPR/AED Level C is commonly required or useful for:
- Fitness instructors
- Coaches
- Teachers
- Parents and caregivers
- Volunteers
- Community programs
- Workplaces that specifically request CPR only
If your requirement says First Aid, CPR alone is usually not enough. In that case, choose either Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid depending on the requirement.
CPR / AED Level C Recertification
CPR/AED Level C Recertification
Basic Life Support (BLS - CPR HCP)
Best for: Healthcare professionals, healthcare students, clinical placements, and medical programs
Valid for: 1 year
Basic Life Support (BLS - CPR HCP) is designed for healthcare environments.
BLS is not the same as regular CPR Level C. It is more focused on high-quality CPR, team-based resuscitation, clinical response, and healthcare provider skills.
What BLS Covers
BLS typically includes:
- High-quality CPR
- Rapid assessment
- Adult, child, and infant resuscitation
- AED use
- Multi-rescuer CPR
- Team dynamics
- Bag-valve-mask ventilation
- Assisted ventilation
- Opioid-associated emergency response
- Skills used in healthcare and clinical settings
Who Typically Requires BLS?
BLS is commonly required for:
- Nursing students
- Paramedic students
- Medical students
- Dental hygiene and dental assisting students
- Respiratory therapy students
- Personal support workers, depending on placement or employer
- Hospital staff
- Healthcare professionals
- Some physiotherapy and occupational therapy placements
BLS Renewal
Most healthcare programs and employers require BLS to be renewed every year.
BLS Recertification
Which Level of First Aid & CPR Do I Need? Quick Guide
Ontario Workplace First Aid: Simple WSIB Rule of Thumb
For Ontario workplaces covered by WSIB, the required level generally depends on how many workers are on a shift:
This is a general workplace compliance guide. Some employers choose to exceed the minimum requirement, and certain industries, job sites, schools, placements, or licensing bodies may require a higher level.
What Level Is Best for Personal Preparedness?
For home, family, and personal safety, the best course depends on how much training you want.
For parents, caregivers, rural households, people who work with children, or anyone who wants broader emergency readiness, Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C is usually the best choice.
Recertifying Your First Aid, CPR, or BLS Certification
Staying current is important because First Aid and CPR skills fade over time, and many employers and schools will not accept expired certificates.
Typical certificate validity:
Recertify here:
Conclusion
The best First Aid or CPR course depends on your goal:
First Aid Connect offers First Aid, CPR, AED, and BLS training options in Ottawa, including Ottawa East and Ottawa West locations, with blended and in-person course options available.
Canadian Red Cross and Heart & Stroke training options
Ottawa East and Ottawa West locations
Blended and in-person courses
Digital certificates after successful completion
Ready to Register?
Not sure which course to choose? Contact First Aid Connect before registering and we can help you match your course to your school, employer, placement, or workplace requirement.
