Workplace Safety Excellence: Level 3 FAW Award
The QualCert Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (FAW) is a specialized certification designed to equip candidates with the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage medical emergencies in the workplace. This course goes beyond basic first aid, focusing on essential skills such as CPR, treatment of choking, managing severe bleeding, burns, fractures, and other common workplace injuries. It combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical training, allowing candidates to gain the confidence required to respond quickly and effectively in real-life emergency situations.
Ideal for workplace first aiders, supervisors, safety officers, and employees responsible for health and safety, this qualification ensures candidates can act decisively during incidents until professional medical help arrives. The training also covers risk assessment, incident management, and compliance with workplace health and safety regulations.
By completing the QualCert Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (FAW), candidates enhance their ability to provide immediate and effective care, improving workplace safety and creating a secure environment for colleagues. This award is recognized internationally and meets high standards for professional first aid training.
Program Framework
The QualCert Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (FAW), offers 6 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 30 hours, including 18 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
| QC14018-1 | Roles and Responsibilities of a First Aider | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14018-2 | Assessing an Incident and Scene Safety | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14018-3 | Managing an Unresponsive Casualty and CPR/AED Use | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14018-4 | Providing First Aid to a Casualty with External Bleeding | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14018-5 | Recognising and Managing Minor Injuries and Shock | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14018-6 | Managing Illnesses and Major Conditions in the Workplace | 1 | 3 | 5 |
Eligibility Criteria
The QualCert Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (FAW) is designed for candidates who want to gain advanced first aid knowledge and practical skills to handle workplace emergencies confidently. To ensure candidates are fully prepared, the following entry requirements apply:
- Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 16 years old or meet local workplace training regulations.
- Educational Background: Candidates should have basic literacy and comprehension skills to understand course materials and complete assessments.
- Experience: No prior first aid experience is required, although familiarity with workplace safety procedures is advantageous.
- Professional Experience: Ideal for employees, supervisors, safety officers, or anyone responsible for health and safety in the workplace.
- Language Proficiency: Candidates should have sufficient English proficiency to follow instructions, read course content, and actively participate in practical exercises.
Proficiency Targets
Roles and Responsibilities of a First Aider
- Understanding the legal duties and employer responsibilities under health and safety legislation
- Understanding the role of a first aider in the workplace
- Personal hygiene and infection control procedures
- Communication and incident reporting protocols
- Consent, confidentiality, and managing bystanders
Assessing an Incident and Scene Safety
- Conducting a primary survey of the scene and casualty
- Assessing danger to self, casualty, and others
- Applying the DRABC (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) approach
- Identifying when to call emergency services
- Recording and reporting incidents clearly
Managing an Unresponsive Casualty and CPR/AED Use
- Performing CPR on an adult (and child if required)
- Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) safely
- Recovery position techniques
- Dealing with an unconscious but breathing casualty
- Resuscitation Council UK and international protocols alignment
Providing First Aid to a Casualty with External Bleeding
- Identifying types of wounds and degrees of bleeding
- Applying direct pressure and dressing
- Use of haemostatic dressings and tourniquets (where appropriate)
- Monitoring the casualty for signs of deterioration
- Recognising the risk of infection and control methods
Recognising and Managing Minor Injuries and Shock
- Treating cuts, grazes, bruises, minor burns and scalds
- Recognising and treating shock (including anaphylactic shock)
- Managing nosebleeds, splinters, and eye injuries
- Comforting and reassuring the casualty
- Monitoring for signs of improvement or deterioration
Managing Illnesses and Major Conditions in the Workplace
- Recognising signs and symptoms of common medical emergencies, including:
- Heart attack and angina
- Stroke (F.A.S.T. assessment)
- Asthma and breathing difficulties
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Diabetes (hypo/hyperglycaemia)
- Providing appropriate first aid until medical help arrives
- Understanding individual care plans (where relevant)
Ideal Participants
The QualCert Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (FAW) is designed for individuals who want to gain advanced first aid skills and confidently manage medical emergencies in the workplace. This course is suitable for a wide range of professionals across industries who are responsible for workplace safety or want to enhance their emergency response capabilities.
- Workplace first aiders responsible for handling medical emergencies
- Health and safety officers ensuring compliance with workplace regulations
- Supervisors and team leaders overseeing staff safety
- Employees seeking advanced first aid knowledge and practical skills
- HR and training managers responsible for staff safety programs
- Professionals in industrial, corporate, or office environments
- Teams aiming to create a proactive and secure working environment
- Anyone committed to improving workplace safety and emergency preparedness
By completing this course, candidates will develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge required to respond effectively to a variety of workplace emergencies, helping to create a safer and well-prepared work environment.
Assessment and Verification
Assessment Framework :
The qualification is assessed through a structured Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ)–based examination, designed to measure both theoretical understanding and practical application of knowledge. Key features of the assessment framework include:
- Evidence-Based Assessment:
MCQs are developed using industry-aligned standards to ensure the assessment reflects real-world competencies and current professional practices. - Structured Examination Format:
The exam consists of scenario-based and knowledge-based MCQs, requiring learners to demonstrate critical thinking and subject mastery. - Performance Threshold:
Learners must obtain a minimum score of 70% to successfully complete the qualification. This benchmark ensures that every certified learner meets QualCert’s required level of competence. - Assessment Integrity:
All assessments are conducted under controlled, secure conditions at approved training centres to maintain fairness, consistency, and integrity.
Quality Assurance & Verification :
QualCert applies a comprehensive, multi-layered quality assurance system to uphold international standards and ensure the reliability of all assessment outcomes.
1. Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
Conducted by the approved training centre:
- Assessment Review:
Centre-approved Assessors and Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) review learner evidence, scoring accuracy, and compliance with assessment criteria. - Standardisation Activities:
Regular standardisation meetings are conducted within centres to ensure consistent marking practices across all assessors. - Continuous Improvement:
IQAs provide feedback to Assessors to enhance assessment delivery, marking reliability, and learner support.
2. External Quality Assurance (EQA)
Conducted by QualCert:
- Independent Verification:
QualCert External Quality Assurers review a sample of learner assessments to confirm accuracy, consistency, and compliance with QualCert and regulatory standards. - Centre Compliance Audits:
EQAs examine centre procedures, assessor qualifications, assessment environments, and record-keeping to ensure full adherence to quality assurance policies. - Quality and Standards Validation:
EQAs verify that assessment decisions are fair, valid, reliable, and aligned with national and international benchmarks. - Final Approval:
Once the EQA is satisfied that all quality standards have been met, the centre’s results are approved, and QualCert officially releases the certification to the learner.
QualCert delivers all qualifications exclusively through its global network of officially approved training centres.
For registration, guidance, or programme details, please contact your nearest approved training centre.