Learner FAQ
If you can’t find the information you are looking for in these frequently asked questions (FAQs), please email or call your local centre or our national centre. If you don’t understand any of the words used here have a look at the glossary in our Terms and Conditions.
Bookings (Enrolments)
We accept bookings via our booking form for first time learners. If you have trained with us before we prefer you making your booking using the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal.
If you have problems accessing the online booking options please contact your local centre for support.
Yes.
Bookings can only be confirmed if all requested information has been provided. Practical Training Solutions may seek additional information before confirming a booking. We will send a confirmation email to the email address provided to us. This email includes important information for your training, including the self-directed learning (if applicable), start and finish time of your practical session and what to bring.
If you are enrolled in our blended course your confirmation email will include details for accessing the online learning. Please check your spam folder for this email.
Please read your confirmation email carefully and reply to it if you have any questions.
We accept payment via online banking. Some Practical Training Centres offer additional payment methods. Please note that we cannot accept cheques. You will receive an invoice when your booking/enrolment has been processed. This will include payment instructions.
Due date
Course fee payments are due by the date shown on the invoice.
Information to be provided with payment
Payments made via online banking must include the invoice number (or numbers) as reference or a remittance advice must be sent to the Practical Training Solutions email address from which the invoice was issued at the same time as payment is made. If this requirement is not met, any discounts may be revoked and the invoice may be amended (or a separate invoice issued) to reflect the full course fee.
Invoice contact details
Invoices are sent to the contact provided by the learner or organiser at the time of booking. Invoice contact details cannot be changed after the booking has been submitted.
Yes, you can request one change of date or time free of charge if your request is made at least two working days before your practical session. Later, and additional changes, may incur a rebooking fee. Changes are subject to availability.
All rebooking requests must be made via the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal, via email or via phone during office hours.
If your booking/enrolment was made by a representative of your workplace or organisation, the contact person must authorise any date changes.
If you no longer require the course please submit a cancellation request via the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal, email or phone during office hours. There may be a cancellation fee.
We offer a cooling off period. If you request a cancellation within 48 hours of booking, you are eligible for a 100% refund of the course fee, providing your practical session is later than 48 hours after your cancellation request.
For more information see section ‘Practical session cancellations and refunds’ in our Terms and Conditions. This provides a full breakdown of our refund terms.
International Students
We welcome international students on our first aid courses. Practical Training Solutions is guided by the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (“the Code”), which ensures that our international students have a positive experience in their interaction and training with us.
If you think you may be an international student, please read our international student page.
Group bookings
If you like to organise a group booking with us, please contact your local centre via email or phone.
Please read our group booking Terms and Conditions.
Prerequisites and eligibility for first aid training
First aid revalidation training is required every two years to maintain your certificate.
To be eligible for revalidation training, you must hold a valid first aid certificate that is no older than 2 years and 3 months. Your revalidation training can only revalidate your existing certificate. To complete workplace first aid revalidation training your previous certificate must show that your previous course was assessed against NZQA unit standards 6402, 6401 and 6400.
This means that, in order to obtain a revalidation certificate, you must complete all parts of your revalidation training within 2 years and 3 months of the date of your previous certificate. This includes completing your training session and handing in your completed self-directed learning homework (if applicable).
If you have not done your previous training with us, we need a copy your previous certificate for verification before, or on, the practical session. Please provide your previous certificate at the time of booking or some other time before your training session if possible as this will make the practical session day less complicated for you and us. You can upload it via the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal or email us a copy.
Revalidation certificates are not issued until all course requirements, including proof of eligibility, are met.
If you are unable to provide a valid previous certificate, you can attend an additional session to enable you to complete a full workplace first aid course. An additional cost applies for the extra session.
The extended grace period of 6 months due to COVID-19 reverted to 3 months on 1 February 2023. To read the Toitū te Waiora notice visit their website.
Many first aid organisations use the term "refresher" for the renewal of a first aid certificate. At Practical Training Solutions we differentiate between unit standard-based and non-unit standard-based certificates.
Revalidation training (Unit standard-based)
Unit standard-based first aid certificates are valid for two years. To be eligible for first aid revalidation training, a learner must hold a valid first aid certificate that is no older than 2 years and 3 months. Revalidation training can only revalidate the unit standards of the previous certificate. If a certificate is not revalidated within three calendar months from the second anniversary date of issue, the learner will have to repeat the initial first aid training.
Refresher training (Non-unit standard-based)
Non-unit standard-based certificates or certificates showing unit standards other than 6402, 6401 and 6400 can be refreshed by attending our first aid revalidation training providing they meet minimum content and time requirements. Due to the large range of first aid certificates issued in New Zealand, non-unit standard certificates are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine their eligibility for refresher training.
All first aid courses have practical components and may involve group participation. As part of the assessment you will be required to demonstrate to the Trainer that you are physically able to perform first aid skills. This includes demonstrating cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the floor sufficiently long so that your trainer can assess competency. You will also have to perform other activities, such as roll-overs and recovery position on the floor.
You will be asked about any limitations that may affect your ability to perform these tasks on the booking form. We invite you to contact us prior to your practical session to discuss options.
You are required to have an acceptable level of spoken English. A translator may be used, with prior consent from Practical Training Solutions when you are not a confident English language speaker. In such a case you will be required to meet all the assessment criteria by demonstrating all the skills learnt during the course.
If you require support because of difficulties with the English language, you must contact us at least 24 hours before your practical session so that we can discuss this with you.
If you are deaf and require a Sign Language interpreter, please make a note of this on the booking form.
You will be asked about any learning difficulties that may affect your ability to engage with the course content and perform assessment tasks on the booking form. We invite you to contact us prior to your practical session discuss options.
If you like to gain recognition of prior learning (RPL) for existing knowledge and skills gained through previous training, you need to discuss this with us. Requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Before your practical session
Our traditional and blended courses include pre-course learning which must be completed before your practical session (unless special arrangements have been made). Under no circumstances must the pre-course learning be completed during the practical session, including breaks.
To prepare for your traditional first aid course practical session please:
- Complete your self-directed learning homework. Make sure you read the self-directed learning information pack carefully as this provides required information and instructions.
- Make arrangements for your day to ensure that you can arrive on time and can stay until your scheduled finish time. Please be mindful of early morning traffic.
- Check your confirmation email for details (for example, clothing, parking, lunch arrangements and payment).
- Read our Learner Code of Conduct
To prepare for your Blended course practical session please:
- Complete your online learning. Make sure you fully complete all your online learning lessons and quizzes, including marking the final lesson as complete.
- Complete your emergency plan documents. Ensure you have fully completed your emergency plan documents and submitted them on the relevant online learning lesson. If you experience technical issues, you can print the templates, or hand write them, and upload the completed plan to the PTS Online Portal or email them to your local centre.
- Check your confirmation email for details and session time.
- Read our Learner Code of Conduct
You need to complete your self-directed learning homework before the practical session for your Traditional Workplace First Aider, Revalidation or Foundation course. Doing these activities prepares you for your practical session.
The self-directed learning homework is a component of the Traditional Workplace First Aid and Revalidation course. You must complete it in your own time, outside the time of your practical session. You cannot work on your worksheets during the breaks of your practical session because that would mean you miss out on breaks and therefore your learning would be less effective.
Please note that because the self-directed learning homework is a part of your first aid course, we cannot complete your certification until we have received your completed and signed worksheets. Therefore, importantly for you, completing the self-directed learning homework before your practical session means that we can issue your certificate on the day of your training session (providing all other requirements of your training are met).
If you don’t hand in your completed self-directed learning homework at the beginning of your training session, you must hand it in on another day within one month of your training session.
Yes, if we have your correct mobile phone number and email address.
Your confirmation email will list any items you need to bring. These may include:
- Lunch if attending a full day session
- Pre-course learning
- A pen
We recommend that you wear comfortable, casual clothing as the practical components of the course require you to move around and work on the floor. Scenario work may include liquid fake blood.
Please note that that you will be physically active during your session. Please be mindful that body odour or poor personal hygiene can affect other learners. We would appreciate if you could take any possible steps to address any potential personal hygiene matters.
If you are wearing dirty footwear (for example work boots), you will be asked to remove them during your session. Think about the state of your socks 😊 or bring some extra socks or shoes.
Please do not wear anything offensive or intimidating to others.
Free car parking is available at most of our venues. Options will be outlined in your confirmation email. If only paid parking is available, you will be notified. Learners who park illegally or in areas not designated for parking will be asked to move their vehicle.
Practical Training Solutions does not provide childcare facilities. No children or babies are permitted in the classroom during the training and assessment delivery.
Appropriate facilities to breastfeed or express milk can be made available for use during teaching breaks. Please notify us before your practical session date if you require this service.
What to expect during your training session / practical session
To get the most our of your course and meet course requirements, learners are expected to arrive at the time stated in their confirmation email. Practical sessions start on time.
If you are late you may not be able to join the practical session and must reschedule. This is because you would be missing content, interrupt other learners and fail to meet NZQA time requirements.
If you are late due to exceptional circumstances, you may be allowed to join the session providing the trainer has time work through the course component(s) you missed. You may be given additional activities to complete (for example a quiz) to make up for lost time.
You must also return on time from any breaks.
When you arrive at your session your Trainer will welcome you. The Trainer will explain the structure of the session and you’ll be able to talk about any concerns you may have.
For the Traditional course, your day comprises a series of sessions which cover the course content and assessment. There will be some delivery by the Trainer but most of the day you will participate in different learning and assessment activities. Our aim is to keep you interested and promote an engaging learning environment.
For the Blended course, your practical session is an opportunity to consolidate your online learning, ask the Trainer questions and practise your skills before the assessment. If you think you may need a longer session than usually scheduled please contact us to discuss options.
Our learning environment
For the Traditional course delivery learners can expect a classroom style practical session where they will receive instruction from the Trainer as well as working in groups to complete learning activities.
For the Blended course learners can expect a small group session (between 1 and 3 learners per session) focused on assessing their skills. The Trainer is available to clarify anything the learner is unsure about and support them in successfully completing the assessment.
Practical Training Solutions provides a respectful, safe and enabling learning environment. To explain and specify the behaviour we expect from our Learners and staff, we have a Learner Code of Conduct that is displayed during training at all venues (see next question).
No harassment or discrimination will be tolerated. All learners and Practical Training Solutions staff share responsibility for achieving such an environment. If you feel harassed or discriminated against, please raise this with your Trainer as soon as possible. You can also ask your Trainer who else you can talk to. If this is not practical, you should submit a grievance in writing via our website or to our National Centre by email to [email protected].
Learners whose behaviour, attitude or hygiene adversely affect others will be asked respectfully to address the respective issue.
Yes. Click to view our Learner Code of Conduct and Wellbeing. We work with our learners to create an inclusive, respectful, safe and supportive learning environment.
For the Traditional course, every practical session includes breaks. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided for courses scheduled by Practical Training Solutions. For group bookings please refer to the information provided by your organiser.
Break times are given by your Trainer. Please ensure you return from breaks on time because you must attend the full practical session.
Due to the short length of practical sessions for the Blended course there are no scheduled breaks. However, if a learner needs a break this can be arranged with the Trainer.
For more information see section ‘Returning late from breaks’ in our Terms and Conditions.
Trainers may request that learners who are disruptive, breach our Learner Code of Conduct or whose behaviour or attitude adversely affects others, be removed from the practical session when it is fair and reasonable to do so. In this case, the learner will be given the opportunity to express their view first. The trainer will make all reasonably possible attempts to support the learner in addressing and correcting their behaviour.
Learners who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs will be turned away from the course and will be required to rebook on another available date. This will incur additional cost.
Please turn off your mobile phone during class time and schedule any calls and/or text messages for break times. This is to ensure they don’t miss any aspects of training and to respect other learners and the trainer.
If you need to use your phone as a matter of urgency, please inform your trainer as early as possible.
For more information see section ‘Phone use’ in our Terms and Conditions.
No.
Practical Training Solutions is a smoke free environment. Learners may only smoke in designated smoking areas. Ask your trainer where venue-specific smoking areas are.
We are aware that you may find it difficult to role play or discuss some first aid scenarios, especially if you had personal experiences that relates to them. You also need to be aware that some graphic course content (e.g. photos of wounds, CPR scenarios) may cause an emotional response. Be aware that during your training you will use fake wounds and fake blood.
If any of the practical session content triggers an emotional response or you are worried about any content that you may find difficult please talk to you trainer as early as possible. Your trainer will support you to achieve your learning outcomes.
Learning and assessment
We offer two NZQA approved delivery methods. Both have been developed to meet the 12 hour time requirement for unit standard based workplace first aid training.
1. Blended course made up of online learning (completed in the learner’s own time) + a short, small group practical session. The session will be up to 2 hours (actual length depends on course type and number of learners) and compliments the online learning which is completed before the practical session. Learners should allow several days to work through the online learning; it cannot be started and completed on the same day as your practical session.
During your practical session you will discuss your emergency action plan (explained online) and clarify any questions you have. There will be opportunities for practise and questions and trainer feedback to support you in meeting learning outcomes and become a confident first aider.
2. Traditional course made up of self-directed learning homework (completed in the learner’s own time) + a full day or half day (depending on course type) practical session.
Theoretical knowledge is delivered by your trainer and provides opportunities for learner discussion and questions. Learning activities are set up for learners to apply knowledge and skills and practice practical activities. Recap activities are specific activities designed to summarise knowledge and emphasise key messages, for example quizzes.
The session’s structure is designed to deliver effective training to ensure you obtain appropriate training, opportunities for practice and questions and trainer feedback to support you in meeting learning outcomes and become a confident first aider.
For our Traditional course we minimise reading and writing as much as possible. However, a certain amount is required to meet NZQA requirements for example the Self-directed learning homework which includes a booklet to read and worksheets to complete.
For our Blended course the online learning is predominantly reading with some videos and images / infographics. We are making regular improvements to this to cater to all learning styles.
Please talk to us if you have any concerns. We can make arrangements to ensure that you are not disadvantaged if you have reading or writing difficulties.
To achieve a certificate of completion and NZQA unit standards, you are required to demonstrate competency in a range of tasks, including simulated emergency situations. The trainer will explain what learners are expected to do as part of assessment and what they need to demonstrate in order to meet requirements. You must complete all assessment tasks. The forms of assessment will vary throughout your course. They may include questions from your trainer, teach-back (e.g. explaining what you have learnt), practical work (e.g. performing CPR on a manikin), written assessments (e.g. worksheets) and scenario assessments (e.g. managing a role-played simulated emergency situation).
Your trainer will explain what you are expected to do as part of your assessment and what you need to demonstrate in order to meet requirements. Please listen to and read all instructions carefully before the start of your assessment. You are expected to ask questions if you do not understand what is expected of you.
You will typically work in groups of 2 or 3 during scenarios. You are assessed one at a time. While you are assessed the other learners are typically acting as patients or bystanders. You will each be assessed on a different scenario that is described on a scenario card. You will also receive resources to use during your assessment, for example first aid supplies, materials available for treatment and manikins for CPR and choking. You will be observed by your trainer or another learner, and evidence of your performance will be documented. To confirm your understanding of first aid knowledge, your trainer may ask you to describe what it is you are doing and why you are doing it. On completion of each task you will be told whether you have met the assessment requirements. If you have not yet met the requirements you will be provided with the opportunity to be reassessed.
If you are assessed as not yet competent on any part of the assessment you will have at least one opportunity for reassessment. Scenario reassessments will be done using a different scenario. Your trainer will explain what you need to improve and give opportunity for further training if requested.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your assessment you can appeal the assessment outcome. In this event you are encouraged to speak with your trainer in the first instance. If you prefer, you can also contact other staff at Practical Training Solutions or NZQA (0800 697 296 or https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/contact-us/).
We recognise that some learners have difficulties in assessment environments and encourage requests for special assessment conditions, such as support with reading, writing or additional rest breaks. Please talk to us as early as possible if this applies to you so that we can remove barriers to achievement and give you a fair opportunity to successfully complete your course. Special assessment conditions are assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that entitled learners can demonstrate their knowledge and skills, without providing unfair advantage over other candidates.
Yes. You must attend, and participate in, the entire course to become certified.
If you have difficulties with any activities, please talk to your trainer as early as possible.
Administration
You will usually receive your certificate on the day of your practical session if you have met all course requirements, including assessment, payment and homework (self-directed learning homework or online learning, if applicable). Certificates are available for download from the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal. If anything is outstanding on the day you will receive an email within a few days after your practical session explaining what you need to do in order to complete your course requirements and receive your certificate.
Your first aid certificate is evidence that you have completed all course requirements.
For more information see section ‘Issuing of certificates’ in our Terms and Conditions.
Yes. You can download a copy of your certificate by logging into to the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal. Typically, learners are also emailed a copy of their certificate if we have a valid email address.
If you would like to have unit standard credits recorded on your New Zealand Record of Achievement (NZROA), you need to inform us (preferably by completing the relevant section of your booking form, or afterwards by email) and provide us with your National Student Number (NSN) and date of birth.
Requests to report credits and required information (including NSN and date of birth) need to be provided to us within two months of completion of training so that we can report credits within NZQA regulatory timeframes. This information can be provided on the booking form, in the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal, via email or by completing the relevant section of their enrolment form during the practical session.
If you cannot remember or do not have a NSN, please call NZQA on 0800 697 296.
Please note that there is a cost for reporting NZQA credits of $15 per learner.
NZQA credits are processed within ten working days of us receiving all required information or course completion (if information was provided before course completion) and payment.
If you request NZQA credits to be reported within three to six months of completion of training, i.e. the date on your certificate, you need to complete a quiz to demonstrate that you are still competent in first aid. There may be an additional late NZQA credit reporting fee. NZQA credits are processed within ten working days of your request.
We are not able to report NZQA credits later than six months after completion of your training. If you require first aid credits after that time, you need to attend revalidation training and we can report your credits upon completion of that course.
You need to submit your completed self-directed learning homework in order to get your certificate. You can upload it in your PTS Online Portal account, send it to us via email, deliver it in person or post it. If this was your last outstanding course component, your certificate will be available in your PTS Online Portal account within a few days. We will also email it to you.
Please be mindful of any time limits associated with your training. For example, if you are booked in for revalidation training you need to complete your course while you are still eligible (2 years and 3 months from the issue date of your previous certificate).
Please see section ‘Responsibility for items sent by post’ in our Terms and Conditions.
If payment was the last outstanding component of your first aid training your certificate will be processed within ten working days. Your certificate will become available on the PTS Online Portal - login to download it.
If you ask for your certificate to be send by post, please see section ‘Responsibility for items sent by post’ in our Terms and Conditions. A cost applies for this service.
Practical Training Solutions ensures the privacy of your personal information and complies with the Privacy Act 2020. Your personal information is stored in a secure database that is managed by Practical Training Solutions.
The information collected by Practical Training Solutions during the booking and enrolment process and during the period in which the learner is enrolled at Practical Training Solutions is intended for use in connection with the education and well-being of the learner and may be used by any of the staff of Practical Training Solutions or government department (NZQA, MOE) in connection with that purpose. You have right of access to, and correction of, the personal information collected by Practical Training Solutions.
First aid resources
Yes. Please talk to us what you like to have them for and how many copies you require. We are usually happy to provide additional Quick Reference Guides free of charge.
We recommend you contact
F.A.S.T – First Aid Supply Team
Email: [email protected]
Ph 07 854 6737
www.fastonline.co.nz
General information about first aid training
You can find detailed information about our first aid courses here. Find your local centre to find out more about the specific courses available in your are.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, employers must ensure that people are available at the workplace who are trained in administering first aid. These people are called workplace first aiders. The type of training and number of first aiders must be adequate for your workplace. WorkSafe recognises that some workplaces have greater risks of injury and illness because of the sort of work they do. These risks are an important factor in deciding first aid requirements, because different first aid facilities may be needed for different activities.
Employers are required to provide first aid that takes into account the individual circumstances of their workplace. Circumstances that can affect your first aid needs include things like hazards common in your industry or workplace, the number of employees you have, and how far away you are from medical help. The NZQA requirements for first aid training are described in a document titled First Aid as a Life Skill.
An important requirement for first aid training is the training and assessment time. The minimum duration of first training and assessment is:
- 12 hours for first aid training assessed against unit standards 6400, 6401 and 6402;
- Eight hours for first aid training assessed against unit standards 6401 and 6402; and
- Six hours for refresher or revalidation training.
If you are unsure about the requirements for your workplace, please call us. We are happy to talk to you and help you understand your first aid training needs.
“Simply providing first aid will not cover your legal obligation to manage significant hazards. But it will help meet your obligation to provide an appropriate emergency response procedure in the event of an accident.” (WorkSafe)
Yes.
Specifically, Practical Training Solutions is registered by the NZQA as a Private Training Establishment under the provisions of the Education Act 1989 and its subsequent amendments. We have been granted consent by NZQA to assess first aid unit standards and our training is moderated by the Skills Organisation through national external moderation. In addition, we also carry out robust self-assessment. This means that our Trainers, our first aid course content and our delivery methods are continually quality checked. This gives you the assurance that our training is up-to-date and delivered in a way that maximises your learning.
Our training prepares you to be an effective first aider in your workplace, home or community. Our NZQA-approved Workplace First Aider training scheme supports workplaces and organisations in meeting their health and safety requirements relating to first aid through the delivery of first aid training that meets their compliance requirements, including those specified by NZQA, WorkSafe and industry-specific requirements.
Yes.
We are a Category 2 NZQA Provider. This means that NZQA is confident in our educational performance and our capability in self-assessment.
Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice
The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (the Code) defines the requirements and responsibilities that we must meet to support the wellbeing and safety of our learners.
The Code applies to education providers (registered schools, registered private training establishments, Te Pūkenga, universities, wānanga) who:
- enrol international students,
- enrol domestic tertiary students, and/or
- enrol (with a tertiary provider) industry trainees or apprentices.
An education provider must be an approved signatory to the Code before enrolling any international students. Practical Training Solutions is an approved signatory to the Code and is therefore able to enrol international students.
To learn more about the Code visit the NZQA website at https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/tertiary-and-international-learners-code/know-the-code/
Yes, you can view it here.
Feedback and complaints
We welcome any type of feedback. Feel free to talk to your trainer at any time. Also, you will receive an evaluation form at the end of your practical session.
All learners and clients are encouraged to provide feedback and, if they feel aggrieved, raise grievances. Feedback can be provided verbally to your trainer, administration staff, or by email. We see feedback as an opportunity for improvements and provide effective procedures for investigating and resolving any issues raised.
If you are not satisfied with any aspect of your training, please follow these steps:
- In the first instance, speak with your trainer.
- If the issue is still unresolved, speak with or write to the Training Manager (email [email protected] Attn: Training Manager, send a letter by post, call or make an appointment to visit the Training Manager at our national office). If you choose to lay a formal complaint, please note that a complaint form (available on our website) must be completed and submitted.
- If the grievance is still unresolved, you can raise your concerns with NZQA. You can contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) by phone on 0800 697 296 or email [email protected]. Please visit www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/make-a-complaint/make-a-complaint-about-a-provider/ for NZQA information on how to make a formal complaint.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the content of this information/document is correct. The information is subject to a continuous process of review. Practical Training Solutions therefore reserves the right to make changes to training offerings and any other content. Practical Training Solutions will not accept liability for any errors or omissions contained in this document nor for any subsequent actions that may arise as a consequence of decisions made based upon its contents.