Before you book a first aid course, one practical question always comes first: how long will it take? You need to know if you can fit it around work, whether you need to arrange cover and when you will be home.
The short answer is that the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course takes one day, with at least six hours of training time. But there is more detail behind that number, including what counts as training time, how start and finish times work and how EFAW compares with other courses. This guide explains it all in plain English. If you want to see a real course page as you read, here is the Emergency First Aid at Work course in London.
The Short Answer
- Training time: at least 6 hours, according to HSE guidance.
- Length of the day: usually one full day, often around 9:00 to 4:00 or 4:30, including breaks.
- Certificate validity: three years.
Exact start and finish times differ between providers, so always check your booking details.
Why Is It Six Hours?
The six hour figure comes from HSE guidance on first aid training. It says the Emergency First Aid at Work course should include a minimum of six hours of training time, not counting breaks. The Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF) is built around this standard.
Why does a number matter? Because first aid is a hands-on skill. Time in the room means time to practise CPR, use a defibrillator, try the recovery position and apply dressings. A course far shorter than six hours would struggle to cover all of this properly.
What Counts as Training Time?
This is where many people get confused. The six hours is training time, which means time when you are being taught, practising or being assessed. It does not include:
- Lunch breaks.
- Tea and coffee breaks.
- Time spent signing in or waiting for others to arrive.
- Travel time.
So if a course runs from 9:00 to 4:30, that is seven and a half hours on the clock. Take away a lunch break of around 45 minutes to an hour and two short breaks of 15 minutes each, and you are left with at least six hours of actual training.
A Typical Day on the Clock
Here is an example of how the time might add up. Your provider’s timetable may differ.
- 9:00 to 9:30: Welcome and introduction.
- 9:30 to 10:30: Role of a first aider, safety and assessing an incident.
- 10:30 to 10:45: Break.
- 10:45 to 12:15: CPR and using an AED.
- 12:15 to 1:00: Lunch.
- 1:00 to 2:00: Unresponsive casualty, recovery position and choking.
- 2:00 to 3:00: Bleeding, shock and minor injuries.
- 3:00 to 3:15: Break.
- 3:15 to 4:00: Practice, assessment and questions.
- 4:00 to 4:30: Wrap-up and certificate details.
In this example, the total time on site is about seven and a half hours. After deducting breaks, you have at least six hours of training time.
Why Start and Finish Times Vary
Providers in London set their own timetables. You might see:
- Early starts, such as 8:30, to finish by mid afternoon.
- Standard days, such as 9:00 to 4:30.
- Late starts, such as 10:00, which may finish at 5:30 or later.
- On-site courses, where the trainer works around your workplace needs.
The length of breaks also differs. A provider with a short lunch may finish earlier. Always read the timetable in your booking confirmation.
What If I Arrive Late or Leave Early?
Because the course must include the full training time, you generally need to attend the whole day to pass. Missing part of the course can mean you cannot complete the qualification. If you think you may be late or need to leave early, speak to the provider before you book. They can tell you what their policy is and whether another date would suit you better.
EFAW vs Other Courses: How Do the Hours Compare?
It helps to see EFAW next to other common courses.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
- One day.
- At least six hours of training time.
- Focus on emergencies in low risk workplaces.
First Aid at Work (FAW)
- Three days.
- At least 18 hours of training time, according to HSE guidance.
- Covers emergencies plus a wider range of injuries and illnesses.
- Suits higher risk or larger workplaces.
First Aid at Work requalification
- Usually two days.
- Around 12 hours of training time.
- For people whose FAW certificate is expiring and who want to renew it.
Paediatric first aid
- Varies. Fuller courses often run over about two days, with shorter emergency versions also available.
- Designed for people who care for babies and young children.
So EFAW is the quickest of the main workplace first aid options. That is one reason it is popular with small and low-risk workplaces.
How Long Is the Refresher?
HSE recommends that first aiders take a short refresher each year to keep their skills fresh, although this is not a legal rule. The length of a refresher differs between providers. Many are shorter than the full course, often a few hours, and focus on skills such as CPR and using an AED.
After three years, your EFAW certificate expires. To keep it valid, you need to retake the course. Many providers run the full one-day course again, but ask your provider how they handle renewals and how long they take.
Does Blended or Online Learning Change the Hours?
Some providers offer blended learning. You do some of the theory online, and then attend a shorter practical session in person. The total learning time may be similar, but the way it is split changes. If you choose this route:
- Check that the qualification is still a regulated Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF).
- Make sure the practical session is led by a qualified trainer.
- Ask how much time is spent on hands-on practice.
- Confirm that your employer accepts the format.
First aid skills such as CPR need hands-on practice, so avoid courses that are mostly or entirely online with no real practical element.
How On-Site Training Works With Time
If you train a team at your workplace, the course can be arranged around your needs. Typical options include:
- A full-day session with the whole group.
- Two or more sessions, if you cannot release everyone at once.
- Early starts or late finishes to avoid peak hours.
The training time remains at least six hours, but the schedule can be flexible. On-site training saves travel time too, which means less time away from work.
Planning for Your Team: Cover and Time Off
If you are an employer, you will want to plan for staff to be away for a day. Here are some tips.
- Book early. Choose a date that suits your quietest period.
- Split the team. Train a few people at a time so the business keeps running.
- Arrange cover. Plan who will handle the phones, the shop floor or the front desk.
- Tell your staff. Share the start time, finish time and what to bring.
- Treat training as working time. First aid training for work should be during paid time. Check your own policies.
HSE guidance says employers should consider first aid cover for absences, holidays and shifts, so training an extra person helps.
How Many First Aiders Does Your Workplace Need?
This is separate from the length of the course, but it affects how much training time you need to plan. As a starting point for low risk workplaces, HSE suggests:
- Fewer than 25 employees: at least one appointed person. Training someone in EFAW is a smart upgrade.
- 25 to 50 employees: at least one trained first aider.
- More than 50 employees: at least one first aider for every 50 people.
Higher risk workplaces usually need the three day First Aid at Work course. A first aid needs assessment gives the best answer for your workplace.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Day
A full day of training can feel long, but a few small steps help.
- Get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast.
- Wear comfortable clothes you can kneel in.
- Bring water and a snack if refreshments are not included.
- Arrive a little early.
- Tell the trainer about any health or access needs in advance.
- Join in every activity and ask questions.
- Make notes of the key steps in your own words.
Is One Day Really Enough?
For the skills the course is designed to teach, yes. EFAW covers adult CPR, using an AED, the recovery position, choking, bleeding, shock and minor injuries. It is a strong foundation for first aiders in low risk workplaces.
But one day is not the end of your learning. Practise your skills, take a yearly refresher and retake the course before your certificate expires. For higher risk workplaces, a longer course such as First Aid at Work may be more suitable.
What Makes a Good Course Timetable?
When comparing providers, look at the timetable as well as the price. A good timetable has:
- At least six hours of training time, not counting breaks.
- Plenty of hands on practice, especially for CPR.
- Sensible breaks, so you stay alert.
- A clear start and finish time.
- Enough time for questions and assessment.
You can review the Emergency First Aid at Work training page to see how a course is described and what details to check.
Why Train in London?
London has thousands of workplaces, and many people commute long distances. Roads and transport can be crowded, so trained people nearby are often the first help in an emergency. There are many venues across the city, and many providers can deliver on site training too. This makes it easier to pick a time and place that suits you.
Final Thoughts
So, how many hours does Emergency First Aid at Work training take in London? It is a one-day course with at least six hours of training time, not counting breaks. Most days run from morning to late afternoon, though the exact timetable depends on the provider. The certificate lasts three years, and HSE recommends a short yearly refresher.
Before you book, check the start and finish times, ask what the timetable looks like and plan cover if you are training staff. When you are ready, take a look at the Emergency First Aid at Work course in London and choose a date that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many hours is the Emergency First Aid at Work course?
HSE guidance says the course should include at least six hours of training time, not counting breaks. Most providers run it as one full day.
2. How long is an Emergency First Aid at Work course in total, including breaks?
Usually around seven to seven and a half hours on the clock, for example 9:00 to 4:30. The exact time depends on your provider and the length of breaks.
3. Is the Emergency First Aid at Work course one day or two days?
It is one day. The longer First Aid at Work course takes three days.
4. What time does an EFAW course start and finish in London?
Many courses start around 9:00 and finish around 4:00 or 4:30, but times differ by provider. Check your booking confirmation for the exact timetable.
5. Do breaks count towards the six hours?
No. The six hours is training time, which does not include lunch or other breaks.
6. How long is the First Aid at Work course compared with EFAW?
First Aid at Work takes three days, with at least 18 hours of training time. Emergency First Aid at Work takes one day, with at least six hours.
7. Can I finish the course early if I already know first aid?
Generally no. You need to attend the full course to complete the qualification, even if you have some experience. A good trainer can use your knowledge to help other learners.
8. How long does the EFAW certificate last?
The certificate is valid for three years. After that, you need to retake the course. HSE recommends a short yearly refresher, but it is not a legal requirement.
9. Can I do part of the course online to save time?
Some providers offer blended courses with online theory and a practical session in person. Make sure the qualification is regulated, the practical part is led by a qualified trainer and your employer accepts the format.
10. Where can I book an Emergency First Aid at Work course in London?
You can book through a training provider that offers the regulated qualification, either as a public course or as on-site training for your team. Check the timetable, trainer experience and what the price includes before you book.
