Learning Hours and Employer Responsibility

Blended learning is an opportunity to offer flexibility for employers and individuals wanting to achieve a First Aid qualification. While blended learning offers flexibility, it will not suit every employer or individual and must not compromise the minimum overall learning hours as required by the HSE & Dept for Education.

Under Regulation 13 of the Management of Health & Safety Regulations 1999, employers are required to allow paid time for employees to complete First Aid training. Employees must not be expected to undertake the online learning element in their own time.

Blended Learning Assessment Requirements - Theory (Online Learning)

To deliver a FAIB-regulated First Aid course that incorporates blended learning, the Training Provider must use an online learning package that has been approved by FAIB to ensure all relevant non-practical learning outcomes are covered.

A list of FAIB approved online learning packages can be found at the bottom of this page.

These packages ensure students complete a secure built-in multiple choice assessment to demonstrate their knowledge. This assessment records completion times to reflect the standards of classroom based written tests, in line with FAIB standards. The assessment may be completed throughout or at the end of the online learning. All results are stored securely and are made available to FAIB upon request.

Auditable evidence in the form of a certificate or other supporting documentation is generated. This evidence confirms that the student has successfully completed the online learning element and achieved all of the relevant FAIB learning outcomes relating to the non-practical elements required for the qualification.

Previously Approved FAIB Packages

Before the current system was introduced over two years ago, FAIB approved a small number of blended-learning packages developed by individual FAIB Training Providers. These approvals were granted solely for the provider’s own use and do not permit the packages to be sold, licensed or otherwise supplied commercially to other Training Providers.

FAIB will allow these existing packages to continue to be used, but only by the Training Provider for whom they were originally approved and only with their own students.

These packages must still be submitted to FAIB for re-approval whenever relevant first aid guidance or provisions are updated by the appropriate medical bodies.

Please note that FAIB no longer approves individual blended-learning packages created by Training Providers.

Availability of Technology, Suitability of Students and Prevention of Fraud

Training Providers must ensure that students are able to use the technology required to access and complete the online learning and that appropriate support is available throughout the course. A robust system must also be in place to confirm student identity and prevent fraud.

Blended Learning Assessment Requirements - Practical (Face to Face)

First Aid practical assessments must be carried out in person as strongly recommended by the HSE. After the student has successfully completed the online theory element of the course, the face-to-face section is used to teach and then assess the remaining FAIB learning outcomes, which relate specifically to the practical skills required for the qualification.

There is flexibility in how much of the theoretical content can be delivered via online learning. The table below outlines the minimum classroom time required for each regulatory course.

Whether the minimum face to face contact hours are sufficient will depend on the specific needs and capabilities of the students attending.

It is the responsibility of the Training Provider, in consultation with the employer (client). However The Training Provider will make the final decision to determine the suitability of the blended learning approach and to identify the minimum number of face-to-face contact hours appropriate for each specific case.