What to expect on the day of your practical assessment

At your first aid practical assessment, your trainer watches you perform each skill the unit requires, both on manikins and in simulated emergencies. For HLTAID011 Provide First Aid and HLTAID009 Provide CPR alike, that includes at least 2 minutes of uninterrupted CPR on an adult manikin on the floor, CPR on an infant manikin and use of a training automated external defibrillator (AED). No mark is given, as your result is recorded as either competent or not yet competent.

For guidance on what to bring and wear, see how to prepare for your first aid practical session.

What does the assessor check in a first aid practical assessment?

Your trainer, who is also your assessor, judges your performance against each unit's assessment requirements on training.gov.au. Before assessing you, they will check your photo ID, explain what they need to see and coach each skill.

Both units list the same CPR tasks, which require you to:

• position an unconscious casualty who is breathing so that their airway is protected
• perform "at least 2 minutes of uninterrupted single rescuer" CPR (5 cycles of compressions and breaths) on an adult manikin placed on the floor
• follow a training AED's prompts to deliver at least one shock
• swap rescuers with minimal interruption to compressions
• respond appropriately if the casualty regurgitates or vomits
• perform the same 2 minutes of uninterrupted CPR on an infant manikin placed on a firm surface

CPR must follow Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines, which are published by the Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR). For an adult, that means 30 compressions to 2 breaths at 100 to 120 a minute, pressing about a third of the chest's depth. If the casualty vomits, roll them onto their side and clear the airway before continuing. The steps that come before CPR count as well, including calling Triple Zero (000).

HLTAID009 adds a handover to emergency services, an accurate verbal report and a review of the incident. On our HLTAID009 Provide CPR course, these take place in a simulated cardiac arrest scenario.

How do first aid assessment scenarios work?

Scenarios are simulated emergencies that you handle as you would a real one, and the units require them to be realistic and to use proper equipment.

In HLTAID011 Provide First Aid, you also manage casualties with:

• anaphylaxis and asthma
• choking
• non-life-threatening bleeding, minor wounds and a nosebleed
• envenomation, such as a snake bite, using pressure immobilisation
• fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains, using immobilisation
• shock

At least one HLTAID011 scenario is set somewhere like your workplace or community, and you are not told the casualty's condition beforehand. You will be expected to:

1. work out the illness or injury from their history, signs and symptoms
2. use personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed
3. give the right first aid
4. pass the details to emergency services, or advise the casualty what to do next
5. give an accurate verbal and written report, using an incident report form
6. review the incident

Even in a group, you will perform your own 2 minutes of CPR, because the assessor has to see each person complete each task.

What does "competent" mean in a first aid course?

Competent means that your assessor has enough evidence that you can do everything the unit requires, to the standard it sets. Because assessment in vocational education and training (VET) is competency-based, there is no score or grade.

Each task is marked satisfactory or not yet satisfactory, and the unit result is competent or not yet competent. Nothing is averaged, which means neat bandaging cannot make up for CPR that is not yet effective. The knowledge questions in the online theory count too, and you need to finish them before the session.

Under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2025, your evidence must be your own and current, which is why your ID is checked.

Can a first aid assessment be adjusted for injury or disability?

Yes, within limits. A reasonable adjustment changes how you are assessed, although you still have to demonstrate everything the unit requires.

Our Student Handbook gives examples such as large print, extra time, assistive technology and one-on-one support. The physical requirements above still apply, though some changes may be possible as long as your CPR remains effective.

Please tell us before you book if an injury, disability, pregnancy or health condition could make kneeling or compressions difficult. If you cannot meet the requirements even with adjustments, you will receive a Statement of Attendance in place of a Statement of Attainment. If we cannot make an adjustment you have asked for, we will explain why in writing, and you can appeal.

What happens if you are not yet competent on the day?

Your trainer explains what needs to improve and arranges another attempt with you. Under our Fees, Payments and Refunds Policy, your first two further attempts are free, and each one after that costs $25.

If you believe the result is wrong, you can appeal within 20 business days of being told it, in which case a different assessor will review it and may reassess you.

When do you get your results and Statement of Attainment?

We usually issue your Statement of Attainment by email within 1 business day of you finishing the online theory and the practical, once your Unique Student Identifier (USI) is verified and your fees are paid. Our terms and the national RTO standards both set 30 calendar days as the outer limit. If an employer booked your place, an unpaid invoice will not delay your certificate, and the employer only receives your results with your written consent.

Although a Statement of Attainment does not expire, WorkSafe Victoria's compliance code recommends refreshing CPR every year and first aid every three years, as does Safe Work Australia's model code in other states and territories, and employers and industries often require it. Our post on CPR and first aid refresher timing explains this in more detail.

If you have questions before your session, you are welcome to call us on 1300 508 809 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Sources

• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid: unit details and assessment requirements – training.gov.au
• HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation: unit details and assessment requirements – training.gov.au
• Assessment Practice Guide (Standards 1.3 to 1.5) – Australian Skills Quality Authority
• Basic Life Support guidelines 4 (Airway), 6 (Compressions) and 8 (CPR) – ANZCOR
• Compliance code: First aid in the workplace – WorkSafe Victoria
• Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace – Safe Work Australia