Can I Just Do the Cert Online? Here’s What You Need to Know

🧯 Can I Just Do the Certification Online? Here’s What You Need to Know About Blended First Aid Training in Australia

At Gungahlin First Aid, we’re often asked this question:

“Can I just complete my first aid or CPR certification online?”

It’s a great question — especially in today’s busy world, where flexible learning is more important than ever. The short answer? Not entirely. But the good news is our blended learning approach gives you the best of both worlds — convenient online learning combined with hands-on practice that meets all legal and safety requirements.

Let’s walk you through exactly how it works and why this method is designed with you in mind.

✅ Why CPR Certification Can’t Be Done Fully Online (ARC Guidelines)

In Australia, first aid and CPR certification must follow the standards set by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC). According to these guidelines:

• CPR certification must include a face-to-face assessment of practical skills, including chest compressions on a manikin.

• Online-only courses do not meet the national requirement for accredited training.

• Employers, schools, and regulatory bodies will only accept certificates issued after in-person practical assessment.

• So while the knowledge component can absolutely be done online, the skills demonstration must be assessed physically — and that’s where we come in.

👩‍🏫 What is Blended Learning — and Why It’s So Effective?

At Gungahlin First Aid, we use a blended delivery model for most of our nationally accredited courses, including:

• HLTAID009: Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation

• HLTAID010: Provide basic emergency life support

• HLTAID011: Provide First Aid

• And more

Here’s how it works:

1. Student-Centred Online Learning

   • You complete engaging, interactive eLearning modules at your own pace.

   • Learn when and where it suits you — no classrooms, no pressure.

1. Face-to-Face Practical Assessment

   • Once you finish the online part, you attend a short in-person session with one of our experienced trainers.

   • You’ll demonstrate essential skills like CPR, bandaging, using an AED, and more — in line with ARC guidelines.

🕒 Many of our students complete the online learning in just a few hours and book their practical session at a time that fits their schedule. It’s fast, flexible, and fully compliant.

💡 Why Hands-On Training Still Matters

While online learning is fantastic for knowledge-building, nothing replaces real-world practice when it comes to saving lives.

• You’ll gain confidence using equipment like defibrillators (AEDs)

• You'll learn to respond to stressful scenarios with calm and skill

• Our trainers give you immediate feedback, so you leave feeling prepared, not just certified

We hear it all the time:

“I didn’t realise how important it was to feel what CPR is really like until I tried it in person.”

📱 Bonus Safety Tip: Download These Life-Saving Tools

Beyond training, we always encourage our students to use technology that could save a life. Two must-haves:

🚨 1. Emergency+ App (iOS & Android)

• Developed by Australia’s emergency services.

• Shows your exact GPS location when calling 000 — perfect for remote areas or high-stress situations.

📲 2. Set Up Medical ID on Your Smartphone

In an emergency, first responders can access your vital health info even if your phone is locked.

• For iPhone:
  Open the Health app → Tap your profile → Medical ID → Edit → Add allergies, medications, emergency contacts, etc.

• For Android:
  Settings → About Phone or Safety & Emergency → Emergency Information

Encourage your family and coworkers to do the same — it takes 2 minutes and could save precious time during a crisis.

👋 Ready to Book Your Blended Course?

With Gungahlin First Aid, you’ll enjoy:

• Nationally recognised certification

• A friendly, supportive learning environment

• Convenient Canberra-based locations

• Courses that balance flexibility with full compliance

Whether you're upskilling for work, caring for family, or just want to be prepared, our blended training model makes it easy and effective.

👉 Click here to book your CPR or First Aid course now

📝 Final Thoughts

So, can you just do the certification online?
Not if you want it to count.

But thanks to our blended approach, you can enjoy the freedom of online learning and the confidence of hands-on training — all while meeting national safety standards.

Still have questions? Contact us — we’re here to help you learn, certify, and save lives.