Signing up for a first aid course sounds simple until you see the list of options: Standard First Aid, Occupational First Aid, Child First Aid, CPR and AED, and refreshers. Each type covers a different set of requirements; therefore, you will need to pick the right one, otherwise you may end up getting a certificate that doesn’t meet your requirements, or paying for more than you need. This guide breaks down the main first aid course types in Singapore, what each one covers, what you can expect to pay in 2026, and how funding works, so you can choose with confidence.
Why is first aid training worth it
Emergencies rarely happen in hospitals. A cardiac arrest, a choking incident or serious bleeding often occurs at home, at work or in public, and frequently to someone you know. First aid training gives you the skills to stabilise a casualty in those first critical minutes before professional help arrives. Beyond the personal value, a valid certification is a practical requirement for many jobs and licences in Singapore.
The main first aid courses in Singapore
Standard First Aid
The most commonly taken course is the right starting point for most people. It covers adult, child and infant emergencies, including CPR and AED use, bleeding control, fractures, choking, burns and stroke recognition. It’s widely required for coaches, instructors, teachers and caregivers, and is accredited by the Singapore Resuscitation and First Aid Council. Expect roughly 16 to 20 hours across online and in-person sessions.
Occupational First Aid
The workplace-focused option, approved by the Ministry of Manpower and built around Workplace Safety and Health requirements. It’s longer than Standard First Aid because of the added workplace content, and it’s the course employers usually need for appointed workplace first aiders, especially in higher-risk industries like construction and marine.
Child First Aid
Designed for parents, caregivers and childcare professionals, this course focuses on infants and young children, covering child and infant CPR, choking response, and the common emergencies families face. It aligns with Early Childhood Development Agency needs, making it the go-to for preschool educators and anyone responsible for young children.
CPR and AED
A focused, shorter course centred on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and using an automated external defibrillator. It can typically be completed in about half a day, which makes it popular for people who want the core lifesaving skill without a full first aid syllabus.
Refresher courses
Because skills fade and guidelines change, certifications need renewing, usually every two years. Refresher courses let you renew without starting from scratch, rebuilding hands-on confidence with CPR and AED in a shorter, structured session. They’re best completed shortly before expiry, within the allowed grace window, or you may have to retake the full course.
How much do first aid courses cost in Singapore (2026)?
As a guide, a first aid course in Singapore typically costs between S$100 and S$350, depending on the certification level and whether it’s a new or refresher course. Occupational courses sit at the higher end because of their longer duration. Here’s a rough picture by course type.
| Course type | Typical full fee | Notes |
| CPR + AED | lower end (~half-day) | Core lifesaving skill, shortest course |
| Standard First Aid | S$100 – S$300 | Most common: 16 – 20 hours |
| Child First Aid | S$200 – S$220 (new) | Refresher slightly lower |
| Occupational First Aid | higher end | Longer duration, workplace-focused |
| Refresher | lower than the new course | Renewal only, shorter session |
These are full fees before any subsidy. Many eligible Singapore Citizens pay significantly less once funding is applied, and in some cases, the course can be fully subsidised.
SkillsFuture and funding
Eligible Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above can use SkillsFuture Credit to offset course fees, subject to the funding policies in force at the time you register. Companies can also tap schemes such as Absentee Payroll funding or the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit to support team training. Permanent Residents aren’t eligible for SkillsFuture Credit but may still qualify for other subsidies, so it’s worth checking your net fee before booking.
How to choose the right course
Start with why you need it. For general everyday readiness, Standard First Aid is the natural choice. For workplace compliance, you’ll likely need MOM-approved Occupational First Aid. For young children, Child First Aid fits best, and if you just want the core lifesaving skills quickly, CPR and AED do the job. Then check the provider’s accreditation, class size and how hands-on the sessions are, and confirm your funding eligibility. A practical, accredited course taught in a small group is what turns training into skills you can actually use.
Frequently asked questions
Which first aid course should I take?
It depends on your need. Standard First Aid suits most people for everyday readiness, Occupational First Aid is for workplace compliance, Child First Aid is for those caring for young children, and CPR and AED is the quickest route to the core lifesaving skill.
How much does a first aid course cost in Singapore?
Most courses cost between S$100 and S$350 at full fee, with occupational courses at the higher end. Many eligible Singapore Citizens pay considerably less after SkillsFuture and other subsidies, and some courses can be fully subsidised.
Are first aid courses SkillsFuture claimable?
Many are. Eligible Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above can use SkillsFuture Credit to offset fees, subject to prevailing policies. Companies may also use Absentee Payroll funding or the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit for staff training.
How long does first aid certification last?
Certification is generally valid for two years. You can renew through a refresher course rather than repeating the full programme, as long as you do so within the allowed window around your expiry date.
