Ontario requirements
What first aid and CPR does your job require in Ontario?
“You need first aid” is where most people start, and it isn’t enough to book with. Find your line of work below to see the certification that applies, where that requirement comes from, and the course that meets it. We link the source every time, so you can check it yourself.
Workplaces (Regulation 1101)
Depends on workers per shift: Basic at five or fewer, Intermediate above that
The rule almost every Ontario employer is actually working to.
See the requirement →Security guards
Basic First Aid & CPR
A real licensing rule, and it is the shorter course, not the longer one.
See the requirement →Childcare & early years
Intermediate First Aid + CPR-C (infant & child)
Real law, and the strictest rule on this list. Every ratio staff member, not one designate.
See the requirement →Dental practices
CPR & AED at the BLS level
A College requirement, not a workplace one, and it is CPR, not first aid.
See the requirement →Personal trainers & fitness
CPR & AED, level depends on your certifying body
No law at all. Your certifying body sets this, and they don't agree with each other.
See the requirement →Teachers & school staff
Intermediate First Aid + CPR-C, where your board or activity asks for it
No rule binds you personally, but your board almost certainly has one.
See the requirement →Long-term care & PSWs
Intermediate First Aid + CPR-BLS, what most employers ask for
The sector's own laws are silent. What binds is the workplace rule plus your employer.
See the requirement →Not on the list, or working to a requirement written in language you don’t recognise? Call us at 705-985-3478 or send us a message. Sorting this out is most of what we do on the phone. You can also answer one question and we’ll suggest a course.
Where first aid requirements come from
Three different things get called “the requirement”, and they don’t carry the same weight. Knowing which one applies to you is the difference between booking the right course and wasting a day.
A law or regulation
Set out in Ontario legislation, for example the WSIB first aid regulation that applies to most workplaces. Not optional, and enforceable.
A college or licensing body
A condition of holding your licence, registration or certification. Not a law as such, but you can’t practise without it.
An employer or insurer
No law names a level, so your employer, school or insurer picks one. This is the most common case, and the one where you must check rather than assume.
Ready to book?
Pick a date, choose your CPR level, and pay online. Your online theory access is emailed the moment you book.