Introduction to the Qualification: The TQUK Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) is regulated by Ofqual.

The units have been developed and are supported by the First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum to meet the requirements of the:

First Aid at Work Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 Guidance on Regulations (L74)

Resuscitation Council (UK) Guidelines

First Aid at Work Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1982 (Northern Ireland).

The units must be delivered, assessed and quality assured in accordance with Assessment Principles for Regulated First Aid Qualifications. These requirements are in addition to those detailed in this specification.

Qualification Purpose: The purpose of the qualification is for the learner to attain knowledge and practical competences required to deal with a range of workplace first aid situations.

The TQUK Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) is aimed at learners already working or preparing to work in industry. The qualification is usually delivered as a three-day programme of training and assessment for learners to allow them to be first aiders in the workplace.

The qualification has recommended course duration of three days. The course duration may be increased to meet additional learning needs if required but not reduced.

The qualification develops learners’ knowledge, understanding and skills in the following areas: roles and responsibilities of the First Aider; assessing an incident, recognising signs and symptoms of injury and illness, assisting a casualty who is suffering from major injury and illness, chest injuries, spinal injuries and anaphylaxis. The objectives of the qualification include supporting a role in the workplace and giving learners personal growth and engagement in learning.

If this qualification is being used to meet the requirements of the HSE then it is valid for three years, after which learners will need to repeat the qualification, however it is recommended that learners refresh their knowledge annually.

Guidance on requalification: The recommended duration of the requalification course is 12 hours over two days; however the course duration may be increased to meet additional learning needs if required, but not further reduced. Learners must be assessed against all learning outcomes and assessment criteria for both units. To attend the shorter requalification course, learners must provide evidence of their previous FAW qualification. The centre must retain a copy of the original First Aid certificate together with the assessment record for the requalification course.

Learners must repeat the qualification before their FAW certificate expires in order to remain qualified to provide First Aid. If not, the learner can still access the shortened course for up to one month after the certificate expires however during this period, learners are not qualified to provide First Aid.

Entry Requirements: There are no specific entry requirements however, learners should have a minimum of Level 2 in literacy or numeracy or equivalent.

The qualification is suitable for learners aged 14 years and above. 

Progression: Successful learners can progress to other qualifications such as:

TQUK Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid.

TQUK Level 2 Award in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillation.

Structure: Learners must achieve two credits from two mandatory units.

Total Qualification: Time This is an estimate of the total length of time it is expected that a learner will typically take to achieve and demonstrate the level of attainment necessary for the award of the qualification i.e. to achieve all learning outcomes.

Total Qualification Time is comprised of GLH and an estimate of the number of hours a learner is likely to spend in preparation, study or any other learning including assessment, which takes place as directed by, but not under the supervision of a lecturer, supervisor or tutor. The credit value, where given, for a qualification is determined by TQT, as one credit corresponds to 10 hours of learning.

Total Qualification Time for this qualification is 22 hours.

Guided Learning Hours: These hours are made up of all real time contact time, guidance or supervision of a learner by a lecturer, supervisor, tutor, trainer or other appropriate provider of education or training.

Guided learning hours for this qualification is 18.

Up to one third of the GLH (six hours) can be met through blended learning