Top 10+ Government-Accredited Online Childcare First Aid Courses in Australia
In Australia, every childcare worker must have proper first aid training. This is required by the Education and Care Services National Law. It means all educators and careers need to complete certified courses in first aid, asthma, and anaphylaxis management.
The main qualification for this is the HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting course (previously known as HLTAID004). This course is the recognized standard for anyone working with children and teaches how to handle emergencies in childcare and school settings.
All the courses listed below are nationally accredited and approved by ACECQA (Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority). When you complete these, you’ll receive the HLTAID012 certificate along with HLTAID009, HLTAID010, and HLTAID011 units.
These units together cover essential life-saving skills such as CPR for adults, children, and infants, as well as how to manage bleeding, burns, choking, and other common childhood emergencies like asthma attacks, anaphylaxis, and febrile convulsions.
In simple terms, completing this training gives you the right knowledge and an approved certificate to safely care for children and meet all legal and licensing requirements in childcare and education settings.
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Key Course Features (All Providers)
Nationally Recognised Certification
All the courses listed below give you an official Statement of Attainment for the following nationally recognised first aid units:
HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting (Childcare First Aid)
These qualifications are accepted across Australia and are valid for three years, although the CPR unit (HLTAID009) is usually recommended to be renewed every year.
Child-Focused Curriculum
The HLTAID012 course is designed especially for people working with children and infants. It covers how to handle emergencies like fever, vomiting, dehydration, convulsions, as well as asthma and anaphylaxis management.
Unlike general first aid courses, this one includes child-specific situations that often happen in preschools, childcare centres, and schools. Trainers also use real-life examples and scenarios that reflect what you might experience while working with kids.
ACECQA-Compliant Training
The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) officially recognises HLTAID012 as meeting all the first aid, asthma, and anaphylaxis training requirements for people working in childcare or education settings.
So, if you complete an HLTAID012 course, you’ll meet the legal and professional first aid requirements needed for jobs such as teachers, educators, and childcare staff.
Hands-On Practical Training
Every accredited first aid course includes practical skill sessions where you actually practice what you learn. For instance, during CPR training, you’ll perform realistic chest compressions on a manikin that’s placed on the floor just like a real emergency situation.
You’ll also get hands-on experience using AED trainers (defibrillators) and handling scenario-based emergencies such as asthma attacks or choking incidents. These activities help you build confidence and real-life skills you can use when it matters most.
Same-Day Certificates
Most registered training providers (RTOs) issue your digital certificate either immediately or within 24 hours after you complete the course.
That means once you finish the final class or assessment, you can quickly download your official Statement of Attainment—perfect if you need proof of qualification for a new job or childcare position.
Flexible Learning Options
Many training providers now offer blended learning, which combines online theory lessons with a short in-person practical session.
This setup is great for busy people, as you can complete the theory part at home and then attend a short, hands-on workshop at your convenience.
Some providers also have fully in-person or live online (Zoom) courses, allowing you to choose the style that best suits your schedule.
Course Cost and Duration
The cost and duration of childcare first aid courses can vary depending on the provider and delivery method:
Cost: From under $100 for short blended courses to a few hundred dollars for full in-person training.
Duration: From 3–4 hours (for short or refresher courses) up to 6–8 hours for full-day face-to-face classes.
No matter which option you choose, every accredited HLTAID012 course includes hands-on CPR practice using adult, child, and infant manikins until you’re confident with your skills.
Get Certified for Childcare Work
After successfully finishing the HLTAID012 course, you’ll receive an official Statement of Attainment showing you have completed HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011, and HLTAID012.
This certificate qualifies you to meet the first aid requirements for working in childcare centres, kindergartens, and schools across Australia.
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1. FirstAidPro – HLTAID012 (Childcare First Aid)
FirstAidPro is a national Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that offers a blended HLTAID012 Childcare First Aid course, which combines online theory with a short 2-hour practical session. This course replaces HLTAID004 and is fully approved by ACECQA.
The course covers all HLTAID012 childcare content along with the usual HLTAID011 first aid topics. It includes child-specific situations such as fever, vomiting, and convulsions.
Delivery: You complete online self-paced modules, followed by a 2-hour face-to-face skills workshop. You can also choose a full traditional classroom option.
Duration: Around 3–4 hours of online learning plus 2 hours practical training. Certificates are issued on the same day after assessment.
Units Included:
HLTAID009
HLTAID010
HLTAID011
HLTAID012 (Childcare First Aid)
Content Highlights: CPR for infants, children, and adults, basic life support, allergic reactions, asthma, anaphylaxis, bleeding, choking, burns, and common injuries in young children.
Accreditation: The course is nationally recognised under the HLT training package and approved by ACECQA. The certificate meets all childcare first aid requirements across NSW, QLD, WA, and other states.
Pricing: FirstAidPro often offers discounted rates and daily deals. Even at the regular price, this blended course is faster and cheaper than a full-day class.
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2. Red Cross – HLTAID012 First Aid for Teachers & Carers
The Australian Red Cross (RTO #3605) offers the HLTAID012 course in two ways – in-person and blended learning through their “First Aid for Teachers & Carers” program, also known as Education & Care First Aid. This course is designed especially for childcare workers, teachers, and parents of young children.
Course Units
This training includes four nationally recognised units:
HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting
After completing the course, you’ll receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for all four units.
Course Content
The program covers the complete Provide First Aid syllabus, along with child-focused topics. It includes training on asthma and anaphylaxis management for infants, children, and adults, which are essential skills for anyone working in childcare or education.
Delivery Options
The Red Cross offers face-to-face classes (usually full-day sessions) in major cities, as well as blended options in some states. These blended courses combine online pre-learning with a shorter, practical classroom session.
Who It’s For
This course is ideal for childcare educators, kindergarten staff, carers, and parents. The Red Cross mentions that it meets the training requirements for first aid, asthma, and anaphylaxis under the National Law for education and care services.
Certification
Once you complete the training, you’ll receive your Statement of Attainment (HLTAID009–012). The Red Cross usually issues certificates on the same day of completion.
Locations
Courses are available across Australia, and the Red Cross also offers group training sessions at workplaces. You can check the Red Cross First Aid website for the latest schedules and locations.
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3. St John Ambulance – Education & Care First Aid (HLTAID012)
St John (in NSW, VIC, and other states) offers an Education and Care First Aid course that covers the HLTAID012 unit. This is a complete, one-day first aid course specially designed for people working in childcare.
Delivery:
The course is delivered face-to-face in one full day, with no pre-course work required. St John uses its special SJx training format, which makes the learning process faster and easier with the help of technology while still including all the important hands-on practice sessions.
Price:
The course costs around $245 in both NSW and VIC (prices can vary slightly between states).
Units Covered:
HLTAID009
HLTAID010
HLTAID011
HLTAID012
After you finish the course successfully, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment.
Course Content:
This course includes the full standard first aid training, plus extra focus on asthma, anaphylaxis, and common child injuries. St John makes the sessions practical and realistic with scenarios like CPR, choking, and allergic reactions.
Accreditation:
The course is ACECQA-approved and fully meets the Education and Care Services National Regulations for first aid, asthma, and anaphylaxis training.
Extras:
St John’s trainers are qualified and experienced many are nurses or paramedics. You can also get your certificate printed on the same day after completing the course. Classes are available at many locations across NSW and VIC (check the St John state websites for details).
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4. Skills Training College – Childcare First Aid (HLTAID012)
Skills Training College (RTO) offers a very affordable HLTAID012 Childcare First Aid course through blended learning.
Cost: $99 (at the time of writing) – one of the cheapest options in Australia.
Delivery: The course is offered in a blended format, which includes an online self-paced theory module and a short face-to-face practical session.
Duration: The in-person session takes around 3.5 hours, and the online part can be completed at your own pace. Certificates are issued on the same day after completion.
Units Included: HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011, and HLTAID012. These units cover CPR, basic life support, wound care, and childcare-specific first aid.
Approach: Skills Training College focuses on practical, hands-on learning using baby and adult manikins. The course also includes real-life scenarios commonly found in schools and childcare settings. The short in-person time makes it convenient for working adults.
Outcome: This nationally recognised qualification allows you to work in childcare or any educational environment. Even though the course is affordable and short, it fully meets all government and industry standards.
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5. Vital First Aid – HLTAID012 (Education & Care First Aid)
Vital First Aid (RTO 31124) offers the HLTAID012 course designed especially for educators and childcare workers. The course is available in a flexible blended format or as a full classroom option.
In the blended option, students complete an interactive online module followed by a 3.5-hour practical session in person. The online part is adaptive, allowing experienced learners to skip topics they already know, making the in-person training shorter and more focused. Those who prefer a traditional method can choose the 7-hour face-to-face class instead.
The course covers three key units — HLTAID009 (CPR), HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid), and HLTAID012 (Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting). Although HLTAID010 isn’t listed separately, its child-related emergency elements are included within the HLTAID011 content.
Training includes all essential first aid skills with extra focus on child-specific care, especially managing asthma and anaphylaxis in children. The aim is to equip educators with the confidence to handle any child emergency.
Classes are conducted live in Sydney and nearby areas, with onsite training available across Australia. Sessions include realistic role-play activities, and trainers ensure small group sizes for personal attention.
After completing the course, participants receive a Statement of Attainment for HLTAID009, HLTAID011, and HLTAID012, issued by Vital First Aid (RTO 31124).
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6. Coastal Training College – Childcare First Aid (HLTAID012)
Coastal Training College (Gold Coast) offers a very simple and fast HLTAID012 childcare first aid course.
Price: $130 per person
Format: The course includes online theory and a short in-person practical session. You first complete the free online learning modules, then attend a 90-minute practical assessment. These practical sessions run daily in the Gold Coast and Northern NSW. This setup makes it a quick and convenient option.
Duration: The in-person hands-on session takes only 1½ hours, after you finish the online study. Certificates are issued on the same day you complete the practical.
Units Covered: HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011, and HLTAID012 — giving you the full childcare first aid qualification.
Content: The course teaches essential first aid skills such as CPR for infants, children, and adults, using an AED, treating asthma and allergic reactions (EpiPen use), and managing wounds, burns, choking, and shock. It meets all the ACECQA and education & care compliance requirements.
Outcome: This course is perfect for people who already have first aid experience or anyone who wants to update their childcare first aid skills quickly. With an affordable price and short duration, it’s a very practical way to earn a nationally recognised HLTAID012 certificate.
7. FirstAidPro Adelaide – Childcare First Aid (HLTAID012)
FirstAidPro Adelaide (RTO #31124) offers a face-to-face HLTAID012 Childcare First Aid course.
Duration: It’s a one-day class that runs for about 6.5 hours in the classroom, and there’s no pre-course work required.
Cost: The course costs around $119 per person, and sometimes they have daily deals that make it even cheaper.
Units Covered: The course includes HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011, and HLTAID012, giving you the full Childcare First Aid and CPR qualification.
Course Content: It covers comprehensive first aid with extra focus on child-related emergencies, such as fever, vomiting, and febrile convulsions. The training follows Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines and is ACECQA-approved.
Delivery Method: It’s an instructor-led, hands-on class, and you can get your printed certificate on the same day.
Accreditation: The course is nationally recognised, industry-approved, and meets ACECQA requirements for those working in childcare or education settings.
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8. Australian Training Institute (ATI) – Childcare First Aid (HLTAID012)
ATI (RTO) offers the HLTAID012 course through blended learning.
Cost: $120 per person.
Format: You start with self-paced online learning that takes about 3 to 6 hours, and then attend a 4-hour face-to-face practical session.
Units included: HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011, and HLTAID012.
Content: The course teaches all standard first aid skills. It especially focuses on emergencies involving children, such as asthma, anaphylaxis, convulsions, and dehydration. It also includes everything from HLTAID011 and adds more details for infants and children.
Accreditation: The course is ACECQA-approved, which means it meets the legal requirements for first aid, asthma, and anaphylaxis in childcare.
Outcome: After completing the course, students receive a certificate that qualifies them for teaching or childcare jobs. ATI recommends this training for educators and carers, and suggests taking additional official asthma and anaphylaxis units for those in leadership roles.
9. FirstAidPro (ZoomFirstAidCourse) – HLTAID012 (100% Online via Zoom)
FirstAidPro offers a fully online HLTAID012 course that you can do over Zoom. This means you can complete the course entirely from home.
Price: $149 – the pricing is clear and straightforward.
Format: The course is run as live Zoom classes for both theory and practical parts. Before the course, a first-aid kit (including manikins, AED trainer, etc.) is sent to you so you can practice and show your skills on camera.
Units: The course covers HLTAID011 (First Aid) and HLTAID009 (CPR), along with HLTAID012 content through real-life scenarios. After finishing, you get the HLTAID012 Statement of Attainment.
Content: The course focuses on childcare topics like CPR for children, asthma, and anaphylaxis in schools. The interactive format lets you practice on a real manikin while your instructor guides you.
Delivery: You enrol online, complete the theory at your own pace, attend scheduled live Zoom practical sessions, and submit videos of your skills.
Certificate Validity: Your certificate is valid for 3 years. Renewal is possible through reassessment. Group discounts and payment plans are often available.
RTO: The course is run by First Aid Pro (RTO 31124). This is a great option if you want flexibility or live far from a classroom since there is no travel required.
(Additional Accredited Options)
Many local RTOs and TAFEs also offer HLTAID012 training, sometimes called “Childcare First Aid Course” or “First Aid in Education Settings.” For example, Charter (charter.edu.au) and KKT (kktc.com.au) provide government-accredited HLTAID012 courses. When choosing a course, make sure the provider is a registered RTO and that the course includes the HLTAID012 code. Also, check whether the course is online or in a classroom so it fits your schedule.
Comparing Costs and Outcomes
As you can see, prices for courses vary a lot. Quick half-day courses can cost less than $100, while full-day courses usually range from $200 to $300. Cheaper courses may need you to do more learning on your own, but the full-day courses include all the training in person. No matter which course you choose, they all give the same nationally recognised qualifications (HLTAID009–012). You can pick a course based on how you like to learn and what fits your budget. After finishing, you will be fully qualified to work in childcare, preschool, or school settings. The most important thing is that you get a valid first aid certificate and the confidence to handle emergencies with children – exactly what parents and regulators expect.
Meeting Childcare Regulatory Requirements
Completing an HLTAID012-accredited course is a must for anyone working in childcare. The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) says that HLTAID012 (Provide First Aid in an Education & Care Setting) “meets most occupational licensing requirements for teachers, educators, support staff, centre and family day care staff, including first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training.”
This means that your Statement of Attainment from these courses covers the first-aid requirement for any childcare or Early Childhood Teaching job. Employers in nurseries, daycares, and schools look for this certificate when checking your resume.
By completing an accredited course, you not only meet the rules but also learn life-saving skills. You will practice staying calm in emergencies and know how to respond if a child stops breathing or has a severe allergic reaction. These practical skills, along with a government-backed certificate, make you a stronger candidate. In childcare, having a current HLTAID012 certificate can even be the key factor in getting hired.
In summary, the table below outlines each course’s core details (format, duration, price and certification):
| Provider / Course | Delivery Mode | Duration | Units Awarded | Cost (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FirstAidPro – HLTAID012 Childcare (Online + 2h face) | Online modules + 2h practical | ~4–6 hrs total | HLTAID009/010/011/012 | Varies (often <$150) | ACECQA-approved; same-day cert |
| Australian Red Cross – First Aid for Teachers | Face-to-face or blended | 1 day (~6.5h) | HLTAID009/010/011/012 | ~$150–$200 | Includes asthma & anaphylaxis |
| St John Ambulance – Education & Care First Aid | Face-to-face (1 day) | 6.5–7 hrs | HLTAID009/010/011/012 | ~$245 | ACECQA-approved; SJx tech format |
| Skills Training College – HLTAID012 | Blended (online + short face) | ~3.5 hrs + online | HLTAID009/010/011/012 | $99 | Very cost-effective; same-day cert |
| Vital First Aid – HLTAID012 | Blended (3.5h face + online) or full face | 3.5–7 hrs | HLTAID009/011/012 | ~$100–$200 | “Reactive” online learning; childcare focus |
| Coastal Training – HLTAID012 | Blended (online + 90min face) | ~1.5 hrs face | HLTAID009/010/011/012 | $130 | Tailored to educators; quick renewal option |
| FirstAidPro Adelaide – HLTAID012 | Face-to-face (6.5h) | 6.5 hrs | HLTAID009/010/011/012 | $119 | Covers child-specific cases |
| Australian Training Institute – HLTAID012 | Blended (3–6h online + 4h face) | 4–8 hrs total | HLTAID009/010/011/012 | $120 | Pre/post study; recommended for leaders |
| FirstAidPro (Zoom) – HLTAID012 | 100% Online (Zoom) | ~3–4 hrs live | HLTAID009/011 (and HLTAID012) | $149 | Live Zoom sessions; equipment supplied |
All of these courses are offered by approved Registered Training Organisations and provide nationally recognised first aid certificates. They all meet the childcare industry’s strict health and safety standards. When choosing a course, think about the location, how it’s delivered, and the cost. For example, some courses are fast and inexpensive, while others are full-day and more detailed. In the end, any accredited HLTAID012 qualification gives you the same opportunities. The most important thing is to complete a current course from a recognised provider so you have the skills to keep children safe and the certification that employers require.