Two of the most commonly searched first aid qualifications in Australia are HLTAID009 and HLTAID011. They sound similar, they're offered by the same providers, and many people aren't sure which one their workplace actually requires. This guide clears it up.
What Is HLTAID009?
HLTAID009 — Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation — is a CPR-only certificate. It covers the skills needed to respond to an unconscious casualty: checking for danger, assessing responsiveness, calling 000, performing chest compressions, rescue breathing, and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
The in-person session takes 1.5 hours at our Canberra venue. It includes a short online pre-learning module completed before you arrive. HLTAID009 is recommended to be renewed every 12 months.
What Is HLTAID011?
HLTAID011 — Provide First Aid — is the full generalist first aid certificate. It includes everything in HLTAID009 plus Basic Emergency Life Support (HLTAID010) and a comprehensive range of first aid scenarios.
Topics covered beyond CPR include:
- ·Anaphylaxis and severe allergic reactions
- ·Asthma and respiratory emergencies
- ·Bleeding control and wound management
- ·Burns and scalds
- ·Fractures, dislocations and sprains
- ·Choking in adults and children
- ·Stroke, heart attack and chest pain
- ·Diabetes-related emergencies
- ·Poisoning and envenomation
- ·Head, neck and spinal injuries
The in-person session takes 3 hours. HLTAID011 certificates are recommended to be renewed every 3 years, with the CPR component renewed annually.
Key Differences at a Glance
| HLTAID009 (CPR) | HLTAID011 (First Aid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Price (Canberra) | $45 | $95 |
| CPR covered | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wound/fracture/burns | ✗ | ✓ |
| Anaphylaxis & asthma | ✗ | ✓ |
| Renewal recommended | Every 12 months | Every 3 years |
Which One Does My Workplace Require?
Most Australian workplace health and safety requirements and industry codes of practice specify HLTAID011(or its predecessor HLTAID003, which has now been superseded). If your employer, licencing body, or registration requirement mentions “first aid certificate” without specifying a code, HLTAID011 is almost always what they mean.
HLTAID009 alone is appropriate when:
- ·You already hold a current HLTAID011 and only need to renew your annual CPR
- ·Your employer specifically requires annual CPR renewal separately
- ·You want a quick refresher on CPR technique
What About HLTAID003?
HLTAID003 was the previous code for Provide First Aid. It has been superseded and is no longer offered. HLTAID011 is the direct replacement — if your employer specifies HLTAID003, an HLTAID011 certificate satisfies that requirement.
Can I Upgrade from CPR to First Aid?
Yes — but only on the same day. If you complete HLTAID009 and decide you want the full HLTAID011, you can upgrade on the day by calling 1300 628 299 and paying the difference. Upgrades on a different day are not available for CPR to First Aid.
Ready to Book in Canberra?
Both courses run daily at our Phillip venue. Certificates issued the same day.