FAQ Frequently Asked Questions – First Aid CPR Courses

No. When you enrol in HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid, the course includes the unit HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation as part of the training.

Yes. HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is a standalone nationally recognised unit, and you may complete it on its own without enrolling in HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid.

However, HLTAID011 includes HLTAID009 as a mandatory prerequisite, meaning you cannot complete HLTAID011 without also undertaking CPR training. If you enrol in HLTAID011, CPR is included as part of the course and is required for successful completion.

International Paramedic College offers nationally recognised certificate and diploma-level qualifications that may support your pathway into further study or employment. You can explore our current accredited courses here:

• HLT51020 — Diploma of Emergency Health Care
• HLT41120 — Certificate IV in Health Care
• HLT31220 — Certificate III in Basic Health Care
• HLT31120 Certificate lll in Non-Emergency Patient Transport NEPT
• HLT21020 Certificate II in Medical Service First Response

For students seeking higher education pathways, we recommend contacting universities or higher education providers directly to discuss credit transfer, articulation agreements, or recognition of prior learning (RPL) opportunities.

You can view detailed information about each unit of competency we offer by visiting our Individual Health Sector & Paramedical Units. Each unit outlines:

• The skills and knowledge you will develop
• Assessment requirements
• Delivery methods
• Any entry or physical requirements

These details will help you make an informed decision before enrolment and understand what is required to achieve competency.

HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is a Nationally Recognised CPR qualification that will give you the skills and knowledge required to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in line with the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Guidelines. You will develop the confidence to effectively perform CPR, manage an unconscious patient and use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) to administer the required shocks to a patient who has stopped breathing and requires life-saving treatment. Full details of the course content are available here.

HLTAID011 Provide first aid certificate is valid for three (3) years. You can see the course content here

HLTAID009 CPR is valid for twelve (12) months. The Australian Resuscitation Council recommends you renew your CPR certificate every 12 months. You can see the course content here

HLTAID012 Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting or childcare first aid as it is sometimes called is valid for three (3) years. The Australian Children’s Education & Care Authority (ACECQA) has endorsed HLTAID004 as meeting their requirements for anaphylaxis, asthma, and first aid training. You can see the course content here

Low Voltage rescue including CPR or as it is sometimes called Rescue from a Live LV Panel UETDRRF004 LVR/CPR is valid for twelve (12) months. You can see the course content here

HLTAID015 Provide Advanced Resuscitation or Oxygen training as it is sometimes called is valid for twelve (12) months. The Australian Resuscitation Council recommends advance resuscitation to be renewed every 12 months. You can see the course content here

For detailed information on the duration of each course, please visit the relevant course page.

All students are required to attend the full duration of their training session to meet the competency and assessment requirements of nationally recognised units.

We understand that unexpected delays may occur. If you anticipate being late, please contact our office as soon as possible. However, arriving late or leaving early may result in your removal from the course, as you must complete all required course content and assessment tasks to be deemed competent.

Please note that leaving training early is not allowed if you wish to receive your certificate. All assessment items and course content must be completed to achieve competency. Certificates will not be issued if competency requirements are not met.

For nationally recognised training:

• Students under 18 years of age must provide a signed parental or guardian consent form before participating in accredited courses such as HLTAID009 – Provide CPR or HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid. This form must be presented on the day of training.

• Some courses may have higher age requirements, depending on the nature of the training or workplace suitability. Please contact us to discuss eligibility for specific courses.

For non-accredited training:

• Students under 14 years of age may participate in non-accredited first aid or CPR awareness sessions only when accompanied by a parent or guardian for the full duration of the course. A signed consent form is still required.

​You can book your course online by clicking the ‘Book a Course’ tab at the top of our website and selecting your preferred location and date.

If you have questions or need assistance with your booking, our team is here to help. Please contact us on 1300 244 994 to speak with a staff member.

All bookings are subject to our Fees, Refunds, and Cancellation Policy, which is available on our website and should be reviewed prior to enrolment.

International Paramedic College delivers training and courses from Monday to Saturday, depending on course availability and location.

Our administrative office is open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (AEST) to assist with enquiries, bookings, and student support.

No, lunch and catering are not provided during our courses. However, students are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. Our training venues are equipped with basic kitchen facilities, including a sink, refrigerator and microwave, for your convenience.

To see where our courses are available, please visit our locations page.

While our courses are designed to be supportive and easy to follow, competency is not guaranteed, as all students must meet the assessment requirements for nationally recognised training.

If you do not achieve competency during your initial attempt:

• You will be provided with feedback and support from your trainer to help you understand any gaps.

• You may be given the opportunity to reattempt the assessment task on the day, where appropriate.

• If further support or time is required, we will arrange for you to return at a later date for reassessment or additional training.

Yes. International Paramedic College is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 45284) and we deliver nationally recognised training that meets the same training package requirements as courses offered by providers such as St John Ambulance and the Australian Red Cross.

All accredited first aid and CPR courses in Australia must follow the same units of competency and comply with the Standards for RTOs 2025 and Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) guidelines. The content, assessment requirements, and learning outcomes are standardised across all compliant RTOs.

A USI (Unique Student Identifier) is a government-issued reference number that creates an online record of your nationally recognised training in Australia. It is mandatory for all students undertaking accredited training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), regardless of age or background.

Your USI allows us to:

• Issue your Statement of Attainment or qualification

• Record and report your completed training to the national USI database

• Ensure your learning history is accessible to you through your online USI account

You can create or retrieve your USI for free at www.usi.gov.au.

To create a Unique Student Identifier (USI) or check if you already have one, simply visit the official government website: www.usi.gov.au

• To create a new USI, click on “Create my USI” under the Students section and follow the prompts.

• If you’re unsure whether you already have a USI, select “Find my USI” or “Forgotten my USI” to search using your personal details.

You will need a form of valid ID (e.g. driver’s licence, Medicare card, or passport) to complete the process.

If you experience any difficulties, our staff are happy to assist you over the phone or when you attend training.

Your training will appear on your USI transcript after we report your completed nationally recognised training to the national USI registry system.

As required by the National VET Data Policy, Registered Training Organisations must submit data for the previous calendar year by 28 February each year. This means that if you completed your training recently, it may not yet appear on your USI transcript until after this reporting deadline. Once submitted, it is up to NCVER (on behalf of the USI Registry) to process and upload the data. We do not control the exact upload date.

If you have further questions, you can contact the USI Registry Office on 1300 857 536, available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6:30pm (AEST), or visit www.usi.gov.au.

Yes, we offer on-site workplace training for many of our nationally recognised courses, subject to minimum participant numbers and the suitability of your training environment. To ensure compliance with assessment and safety requirements, your workplace must have an appropriate space for training and access to necessary equipment. Our team will work with you to confirm these details in advance.

To discuss your workplace training needs or request a quote, please contact our office on 1300 244 994 or email us at training@internationalparamediccollege.com.au

​Yes, you can reschedule your practical training through the student portal.

• If you provide at least 5 days’ notice before your scheduled course date, you can change your booking free of charge.

• If you provide less than 5 days’ notice, a $35 re-enrolment fee will apply—regardless of the reason, provided the course has not yet started.

• If you require our administration team to process the change on your behalf, a $35 administration fee will apply.

• Important: If your training was booked by a third party (e.g. employer, workplace, government program, or other organisation), the person or organisation that made the booking must contact us directly to request any changes to the course date. We cannot accept change requests from individual participants in these cases without written approval from the original booking contact.

Our courses are nationally recognised and accredited, and many are aligned with common workplace compliance and industry standards. In most cases, your employer or industry body will advise you of the required course by name (e.g. Provide First Aid) or unit code (e.g. HLTAID011). It’s important to check this information directly with your workplace before enrolling.

If you’re unsure which course is right for your role or work setting, please contact our administration team on 1300 244 994. We’re happy to help you interpret course requirements and match them with the correct nationally recognised unit of competency.

Yes. All nationally recognised training delivered by International Paramedic College includes assessment tasks to determine your competency.

On the day of your course, you will complete:

• Practical assessments, where you demonstrate key skills (e.g. CPR techniques, using an AED, managing a casualty)

• Written assessments, which may include multiple-choice questions and short-answer responses. These are usually completed in manageable sections throughout the day in full-day courses.

If you have concerns about literacy, reading, writing, or language, please contact our administration team on 1300 244 994 before booking. We are committed to supporting all learners and may be able to provide reasonable adjustments, in line with the Standards for RTOs 2025 and our Student Support Policy.

Absolutely. We welcome all students, including those with a physical disability, and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

To help us best support your needs, please complete your booking over the phone by calling 1300 244 994. This allows us to discuss your circumstances and determine any reasonable adjustments that may be required to support your full participation in the course. Whether in training, assessment, or access to the venue.

No. To meet the national assessment requirements for HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, students must demonstrate 2 minutes of uninterrupted CPR on an adult manikin placed on the floor, using correct technique. This requirement ensures that students can apply the physical skills realistically and in accordance with the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Guidelines and the assessment conditions outlined on HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

If you have concerns about your ability to perform floor-based CPR due to a medical condition, injury, or disability, please contact our administration team before booking to discuss possible support or reasonable adjustment options.

Yes, you are welcome to attend our training sessions for personal knowledge only, even if you do not wish to complete the assessment or receive a nationally recognised certificate.

If you choose not to participate in the practical assessments or do not meet the physical or competency requirements, please inform our administration team at the time of booking. In such cases, we can provide a Letter of Attendance instead of a Statement of Attainment.

Please note: A Letter of Attendance is not a nationally recognised qualification and may not meet workplace or compliance requirements. If you are unsure, we recommend checking with your employer or regulatory body before enrolling.

All trainers at International Paramedic College are qualified professionals with extensive industry experience in pre-hospital care. Our team includes paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals who bring years of hands-on experience to the classroom.

In line with the Standards for RTOs 2025, our trainers and assessors:

• Hold the required training and assessment qualifications

• Maintain current industry knowledge and vocational competency in the subjects they teach

• Use their real-world experience to deliver engaging, practical, and compliant training

You can learn more about our trainers’ qualifications and backgrounds by visiting our Trainer Profile Page

After completing their training, participants are invited to provide feedback through a formal evaluation included in their course workbook. This helps us continuously improve the quality of our training and services, in line with our obligations under the Standards for RTOs 2025 

In addition, many students choose to leave public reviews on platforms such as Google and Facebook, which you’re welcome to view for insights into their learning experience with International Paramedic College. We value all feedback and use it to enhance our training delivery and student support.

If you’ve lost your certificate or Statement of Attainment, please contact our office. We’ll be happy to email you a PDF copy of your A4 certificate at no charge.

If you require a printed replacement, the following fees apply:

• $5 for a reprinted A4 Statement of Attainment or wallet-sized card

Replacement certificates are only issued to students who have successfully completed training with us and whose records are held in our system, in accordance with our Record Keeping and Certification Policy.

Yes. We offer a range of First Aid kits, equipment, and supplies available for purchase at many of our training venues. If you’re attending a course and would like to purchase items on the day, please speak with your trainer or our admin team. Alternatively, you can browse and order products anytime through our online store.

We are sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your training. Please contact our office at 1300 244 994 to discuss your concerns with a member of our team. We would appreciate the opportunity to address your issues. You are also welcome to email us if you prefer to submit your complaint in writing.

We understand that first aid and emergency training can sometimes bring up past experiences or emotional responses, particularly if you’ve previously supported someone in a crisis or trauma situation.

While International Paramedic College is not a counselling service, we are here to listen and support you in seeking appropriate help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, you are welcome to call us confidentially on 0413 244 994.

Recognising Signs of Distress

Emotional and psychological distress can show up in many ways. While not a diagnosis, the following are common signs that may indicate the need for support:

Physical Signs:

• Fatigue, paleness, sweating

• Muscle spasms or breathing difficulties

• Sleep disturbances or persistent illness

Psychological/Emotional Signs:

• Tearfulness, confusion, anxiety

• Panic attacks or mood swings

• Racing thoughts or persistent negative thinking

Behavioural Signs:

• Social withdrawal, poor self-care

• Avoiding tasks or increased impulsivity

• Expressing hopelessness or self-harm

Academic/Everyday Functioning:

• Difficulty focusing or staying motivated

• Non-attendance or missed responsibilities

• Reduced performance or increased overwhelm

Where to Get Help

There is support available. You are not alone. If you’re struggling emotionally, we encourage you to contact a qualified mental health professional or support service:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

• Head to Health – www.headtohealth.gov.au

• Your local GP – for a referral to a mental health professional

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) – if available through your workplace

Your wellbeing matters. Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.

Visit our Student Information Page to learn more.

Payment plans are only available on certain courses and with certain Terms and Conditions

We have a page with payment plan information here

Our Payments, Refund and Cancellation Policy outlines the terms and conditions relating to course fees, rebooking, cancellations, and refunds.

If your email address is incorrect, you can still access the student portal by following the steps below:

1. Go to our student portal login page: Student Portal Login

2. Use your username, which is typically your firstname.surname (e.g. john.smith).

3. Click “Forgot your password?” to reset your login details.

Once logged in, you can update your email address and other personal information in your account settings.

If you continue to experience difficulties, please contact our admin team on 1300 244 994, and we’ll be happy to assist you.​

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