A certificate valid for 24 months

The SST certificate awarded after the 14-hour initial course is valid for 24 months. To extend it, the first aider takes a MAC SST (maintaining and updating skills) before the expiry date. Each successful MAC extends the certificate by another 24 months.

What the MAC SST covers

The MAC SST lasts 7 hours, a single day, for groups of 4 to 10 participants. It follows the INRS reference document.

  • Feedback on situations experienced since the initial course.
  • Updates to procedures and the regulatory framework.
  • Hands-on revision: CPR, defibrillator, severe bleeding, choking, recovery position.
  • A new certification assessment through scenarios.

What if the certificate has expired?

After the expiry date, the employee is no longer counted as an up-to-date Workplace First Aider in the company's headcount of first aiders. They keep their knowledge, of course, but skills fade quickly without practice.

To regain a valid certificate, they normally take a MAC SST. If the initial course was a long time ago or the skills are too shaky, the trainer may recommend the full course again. The simplest option is to plan ahead.

Keeping track in your company

  • Keep a list of first aiders with each certificate's expiry date.
  • Schedule MAC sessions in the training plan two to three months before expiry.
  • Group first aiders from the same site in one session.
  • Replace leavers: when a first aider leaves, train someone else to keep enough cover.