The right first aid course starts with the unit code you need, then the way you want to learn and where you can attend. A familiar brand, a low advertised price or a short classroom session does not tell you everything about the assessment or the total time involved.
This is a comparison of nine providers from the supplied research, checked against their published course information on 11 October 2026. It is a shortlist, not a quality ranking or an endorsement. Course dates, prices and formats vary by location, so confirm the details before paying.
First, choose the right first aid unit
- HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the CPR unit.
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid covers a wider first aid response, including CPR skills.
- HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting is designed for workers responding to emergencies involving infants and children in education and care settings.
The national HLTAID011 record requires practical CPR demonstration on manikins. Online theory can reduce classroom time, but ask exactly how the provider assesses practical skills. If training is for work, check the required unit with your employer and the applicable regulator; Safe Work Australia’s model first aid code is guidance, and its legal effect depends on the jurisdiction.
Nine providers to compare
The differences below come from each provider’s published course pages. A provider’s RTO registration and scope should be checked again on training.gov.au when you are ready to enrol.
St John Ambulance Australia
St John offers nationally recognised first aid and CPR training through its state and territory network. Its national RTO is 88041; St John WA handles accredited training in Western Australia under RTO 0392. It is worth comparing if you want a well established provider with public and workplace training options. Check the local branch, issuing RTO, timetable and assessment format for your state.
Australian Red Cross
Australian Red Cross (RTO 3605) publishes one day, blended and virtual options for HLTAID011, as well as CPR and education and care first aid courses. That gives learners several ways to fit training around other commitments. Compare the total online and practical assessment time for the particular course you select.
CPR First Aid
CPR First Aid (RTO 21903) advertises first aid and CPR training across several states and the ACT, including workplace group sessions. It may suit people looking for a broad venue and schedule choice. Check whether the advertised session includes online preparation, and confirm the location and final fee before booking.
FirstAidPro
FirstAidPro (RTO 31124) offers a blended HLTAID011 pathway with self paced online theory and an in person practical session. That can work for someone who wants to complete the reading separately from the assessment. Confirm the current session length, venue and any requirements to finish the online component in advance.
National Courses
National Courses (RTO 41072) publishes a face to face HLTAID011 course with practical assessment. Its current first aid brand lists venues in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. This is an option for learners who prefer a classroom session without online homework. Check the venue timetable and the units included on the Statement of Attainment.
Australia Wide First Aid
Australia Wide First Aid (RTO 31961) describes its HLTAID011 course as online learning followed by face to face training and assessment. It also advertises group training. Compare the online preparation time with the classroom session when weighing it against a fully face to face course.
The First Aid Training Company
The First Aid Training Company, trading through E Firstaid Pty Ltd (RTO 91232), publishes HLTAID011, CPR and education and care first aid training. Its site describes online learning followed by hands on practical sessions and workplace group options. It is a regional option to investigate if you are in or near the Newcastle area; confirm upcoming sessions and whether the provider can deliver at your workplace.
Set2Learn
Set2Learn (RTO 45249) publishes a blended HLTAID011 course combining self paced eLearning with a one day practical workshop. Its wider training focus includes aged care and disability support. If you work in those sectors, ask how scenarios relate to your role and confirm the course fee and available workshop location.
Australian Training Institute
Australian Training Institute (RTO 30200) lists a blended HLTAID011 and HLTAID009 course in Queensland. It may suit local learners who want online preparation alongside practical training. Check current campus dates and the complete assessment and certification details.
What to compare before you book
- The exact code: Match the unit or combination of units to your employer, industry or study requirement. Browse our first aid and CPR course pages for a starting point.
- The issuing RTO: Search the RTO number on training.gov.au and check that the specific unit is on its current scope. An RTO’s scope does not guarantee that a particular session is available.
- The complete timetable: Include online theory, pre-course work, classroom time, practical assessment and any resit process.
- The real price: Check the fee for your venue and date, plus transfer, cancellation and resit terms. Published “from” prices are not a quote for every session.
- Workplace fit: For a team, ask about onsite delivery, minimum numbers, accessibility needs, invoicing and how completion records will be supplied.
If you are choosing for a workplace, start with the role and its actual first aid risks. For an individual, location and learning format may carry more weight. Either way, use the provider’s current course information and the national training record as the final check.
Training Connect is not affiliated with or endorsing the providers named here. This article does not test instructor quality or rank learner outcomes, and the providers’ published details can change.