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How long do training certificates last?
There is no single rule. Each period comes from the body that sets the course, card or register, such as HSE for first aid or CITB for site safety courses. Some certificates never expire, and your own policy decides when to renew them.
The periods below were checked against the sources named on 30 September 2026. Periods change, so check the source and your sector's own guidance before relying on them.
First aid
First aid certificates last three years. A first aider whose certificate has expired is no longer considered competent to act as one at work, so requalification needs booking before the expiry date.
- First Aid at Work (FAW): 3 years, renewed by a two-day requalification course
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): 3 years, renewed by a one-day requalification course
- Annual first aid refresher: strongly recommended by HSE, but not mandatory
- Paediatric first aid in early years settings: renewed every 3 years
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA England): refresher every 3 years
Construction and security
Site safety courses and cards mostly run for five years, and the SMSTS and SSSTS refreshers only count if they are done before the expiry date. SIA licences carry their own expiry date and can be renewed from 4 months before it.
- SMSTS: 5 years, renewed by the two-day SMSTS-R before expiry
- SSSTS: 5 years, renewed by the one-day SSSTS-R before expiry
- CSCS cards: most last 5 years, some less, and some cannot be renewed
- SIA licence: apply to renew from 4 months before the expiry date, with refresher training for door supervisors and security guards
Checks with no fixed expiry
Some checks never expire on paper, so your policy has to set the next date. Record the date you choose, or it will never come round.
- DBS certificate: no expiry date. Set a re-check interval in your policy, or use DBS Update Service status checks
- Right to work: for time-limited permission, a follow-up check before the permission ends
- Driving licence checks: a re-check routine set by your own policy
Health and care registrations
Professional registrations lapse if they are not renewed, and a lapsed registration means the person cannot practise in a registered role.
- NMC: an annual fee, and revalidation every 3 years
- HCPC: renewed every 2 years, in a renewal window set for each profession
Schools, early years and food hygiene
In schools, KCSIE 2026 sets safeguarding updates for all staff at least every year and designated safeguarding lead training at least every two years. No law sets an expiry date for a food hygiene certificate, but many councils recommend a refresher at least every three years.
- Safeguarding updates for school staff: at least annually
- Designated safeguarding lead training: at least every 2 years
- Level 2 food hygiene: no legal expiry date, with refresher training commonly recommended every 3 years
Use the free renewal tracker
The Excel tracker has one row per person and certificate. Enter the completed date and the renewal period in months, and it works out the renew-by date, the days left and a status: current, due soon, overdue or missing evidence. A second sheet lists the periods on this page with their sources.
- Anything due in the next 90 days shows as due soon
- Mark a certificate as not held and the status shows missing evidence
- For checks with no fixed period, type your policy date
- Dates are entered day first, such as 30/09/2026
How SkillProof helps
A spreadsheet only works if someone opens it. SkillProof keeps every certificate, card and registration with the person, with the expiry date and a copy of the evidence, and sends reminders to staff and managers before each renewal. SkillProof does not deliver training or check certificates with the bodies that issue them.
If you already track renewals in a spreadsheet, you can import it rather than starting again.
Official guidance used for this guide
Checked
The official and sector sources used for the periods on this page. Check your own sector guidance before relying on a period.
Questions this guide answers
How long does a first aid certificate last?
First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work certificates are valid for three years. Requalify before the expiry date on the certificate.
How long does an SMSTS certificate last?
Five years. The two-day SMSTS-R refresher renews it if it is completed before the expiry date.
Do DBS checks expire?
No. A DBS certificate has no expiry date. Your policy sets a re-check interval, or you can use the DBS Update Service.
Do food hygiene certificates expire?
No law sets an expiry date. The law requires food handlers to be supervised and instructed or trained in food hygiene for their work, and many councils recommend refresher training at least every three years.
How often should school staff have safeguarding training?
KCSIE 2026 says staff should receive safeguarding updates at least annually, and designated safeguarding leads should have their training updated at least every two years.
Does SkillProof provide training?
No. SkillProof records certificates and renewal dates and sends reminders before renewals are due. Book training with the relevant training provider.