One of the most common questions people ask before registering for first aid training is simple:
How long does the course take?
The answer depends on the type of course you’re taking, but the time commitment is always intentional. Course duration isn’t about filling hours. It’s about ensuring you leave with the skills and confidence required for certification.
Here’s what to expect.
Why first aid courses have set durations
First aid and CPR courses follow structured guidelines set by the Canadian Red Cross. These guidelines exist to make sure every participant receives consistent, high-quality training and enough hands-on practice to meet certification standards.
That means:
- Courses aren’t shortened or rushed
- Key skills are practiced, not just discussed
- Everyone has time to ask questions and demonstrate understanding
Course Duration is Based on Training Format
First Aid 4U offers different training formats to support different schedules and learning styles. Each format balances flexibility with required in-class learning time.
| In-class courses | Blended courses |
|---|---|
| Fully in-class courses are completed in person over one or more days, depending on the certification level. These sessions include:
Because everything happens onsite, the full course duration is spent in the classroom. | Blended courses combine online learning with an in-class session. In this format:
This option reduces the time spent in the classroom while still meeting certification requirements. |
Typical in-class time by course type
While exact schedules may vary slightly by location and course date, the timelines below give a clear picture of what to expect for the in-class portion of each certification.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Regular (in-class): 6 hours
- Blended: approximately 3 hours in class (theory completed online)
Emergency First Aid (EFA)
- Regular (in-class): 8 hours
- Blended: approximately 5 hours in class (theory completed online)
Standard First Aid (SFA)
- Regular (in-class): 16 hours (delivered over two days)
- Blended: approximately 8 hours in class (theory completed online)
Basic Life Support (BLS)
- In-class only: 4 hours
- No blended option is available for this course
These timelines reflect Canadian Red Cross training standards and ensure adequate time for hands-on skill development, practice, and evaluation.
Attendance matters
Certification requires 100% attendance for the in-class portion of training. This is a Canadian Red Cross requirement and applies to all certified courses.
Hands-on skills like CPR, AED use, and emergency response can’t be assessed online alone. Being present for the full in-class session ensures:
- Skills are practiced correctly
- Instructors can provide feedback
- Certification standards are met
Missing time, even briefly, can affect your ability to be certified.
Is the time commitment worth it?
Many participants are surprised by how quickly the course feels once it begins. Training sessions are designed to be practical, and focused on real-life situations.
The time you spend in training supports:
- Safer workplaces and communities
- Confidence in responding to emergencies
- Certification that is widely recognized and respected
Rather than thinking of course duration as time spent, it can be helpful to think of it as time invested.
The right course for your schedule
If you’re concerned about time, the best place to start is choosing the right course format. Some people prefer the structure of a full in-class day, while others benefit from spreading learning across online and in-person sessions.
If you’re unsure which option fits your needs, our team is always happy to help you understand course lengths, formats, and expectations before you register. Contact us here.
Clear expectations lead to better training
Knowing how long your course will take helps you plan ahead and arrive prepared. When participants understand the time commitment, training runs more smoothly and everyone benefits from the experience.
First aid training is designed to respect your time while ensuring you leave confident, capable, and fully certified.
