05/11/2021
Extended timelines: First Aid recertification and blended learning courses in Ontario
The evolving COVID-19 situation has presented unique circumstances in certain regions. We are committed to supporting our Training Partners and course participants with solutions that respect local public health recommendations and also underscore our high training standards.
In March, we communicated a return to requirements outlined in our program standards. We are pleased to share that we have extended our timelines once again for First Aid recertification courses (participant levels) and blended learning courses in Ontario to meet the emerging needs.
First Aid recertification (participant levels)
First Aid participant-level certificate holders in Ontario with certifications that expire between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, may attend a recertification course until December 31, 2021. This extended window allows those with expired certifications the opportunity to recertify as facilities reopen and training resumes.
This is not an extension of the certification expiry date. It is important that recertification courses are completed to ensure certificate holders have refreshed their knowledge and demonstrated their skills competency. This extended timeline to recertify is in line with WSIB Ontario guidelines and allows Training Partners to retain customers who are due for recertification (rather than taking a full course).
While regulators and governing bodies may choose to accept expired certifications for employment purposes, those certifications remain expired. Our focus is on the learning needs of the participant, ensuring they are confident and competent in performing first aid and the best way to accomplish this is by attending formal first aid training frequently.
Blended learning
The window between the online and in-class components for a blended learning course is extended to 90 days. The 90-day extension will remain in place until December 31, 2021. Anyone who has completed or will complete an online blended learning component until December 31, 2021, will have 90 days to complete the in-class component. This window accommodates those who are unable to complete their certification under the current measures but also ensures participants are able to apply and build upon concepts learned in the online component during the in-class component and facilitates successful completion of all certification requirements. WSIB Ontario is currently accepting the blended online course as initial certification for employment purposes, understanding participants would complete the classroom portion as soon as training becomes available. Participants who completed the blended online course to gain employment will still be required to have a valid blended online course certificate within 90 days of the blended classroom course.
Example 1: Participant completed the online component of a Blended Standard First Aid Course on March 15, 2021. This participant now has until June 15, 2021, to complete the classroom component and achieve certification.
Example 2: Participant completed the online component of a Blended Standard First Aid Course on October 31, 2020. This participant has been unable to complete the classroom component due to public health restrictions. The participant will be required to re-take the online component prior to completing the classroom component (within 90 days).
