Red Cross Extends First Aid Re-Certification Window For 2020: What You Need To Know

Update on 12/18/2020: The Red Cross has updated the extended recertification window for its First Aid courses: Participant-level certificate holders with certifications that expire between March 1, 2020, and March 1, 2021 can attend a recertification course until March 31, 2021.

2020 has been a difficult year for many of those seeking to re-certify their Red Cross First Aid. Fortunately, the Canadian Red Cross has made an exciting announcement. Now, any certificates that have expired between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 can still qualify for a recertification course until January 31, 2021 (as opposed to taking the full program again). This recert extension will help accommodate those who require their certification, yet are encumbered by long wait-lists or Covid-related issues.

Red Cross First Aid is a certification that comes with a three-year expiry date. This timing aligns with changes in medical practices and standards, as well as a general understanding that one’s skills will deteriorate over time. In normal circumstances, holders of Red Cross First Aid certifications are required to attend a re-certification course within the time period before their certification expires; otherwise, it is mandatory that they take the program from the beginning.

ProSafe offers recertification options for most of our Canadian Red Cross First Aid courses, including Standard First Aid (SFA), CPR/AED, Emergency Child Care, and Basic Life Support. If you are looking to renew or have questions about your eligibility for the extended recert period, don’t hesitate to get in touch.