Quick answer
A nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for an accredited unit like PUARCV001 Provide psychological first aid does not legally expire. In practice, though, skills and confidence fade — so most workplaces and program providers recommend a refresher every 2 to 3 years, and sooner if your role changes or after a serious incident.
Does mental health first aid training expire?
There are two situations:
- Accredited training (PUARCV001): the Statement of Attainment is permanent — it doesn’t have an expiry date. What can lapse is your currency: how fresh and confident your skills are.
- Non-accredited branded programs: these are not accredited, and providers typically recommend refreshing roughly every 3 years to keep a current certificate.
Some employers set their own currency period as part of their WHS system, so always check your workplace policy.
Why refresh even if it doesn’t expire?
- Skills you don’t use regularly fade — refreshers rebuild confidence to act
- Guidance, language, and referral pathways evolve
- It signals to auditors that your psychosocial-hazard controls are maintained, not one-off
A simple refresh cycle
A practical approach for most organisations: complete accredited PFA, then schedule a refresh every 2–3 years, with a shorter check-in after any critical incident. Keep records of who is trained and when, so currency is easy to evidence.
Refresh with FMS
FMS Training (RTO 45189) delivers PUARCV001 Provide psychological first aid — online and self-paced, or 1-day on-site at workplaces across Australia — whether you’re training for the first time or refreshing. See the course →
Frequently asked questions
How often should I refresh mental health first aid training?
Most workplaces and providers recommend every 2–3 years, and sooner after a serious incident or a change in role.
Does accredited psychological first aid (PUARCV001) expire?
No. The Statement of Attainment is permanent. Refreshing keeps your skills current, but the qualification itself doesn’t lapse.
Do I have to do the whole course again to refresh?
Refreshing is about keeping skills current; many people simply re-complete the accredited unit. Check your workplace’s currency policy.
Keep your skills current
FMS Training (RTO 45189) delivers PUARCV001 online and self-paced, or 1-day on-site across Australia, with a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment. Explore the course →
Last updated June 2026 · FMS Training, RTO 45189