St John certified

First aid training that prepares you to act

Learn to save a life with South Africa’s most trusted first aid experts. Our accredited, hands-on courses give you real skills and the quiet confidence to step in when it counts, at work, at home, or wherever life happens.

Why train with St John

For more than 140 years, St John has helped everyday South Africans become the person who knows what to do when it matters most. Our courses are hands-on from the very first minute, so the skills feel natural, and they stay with you long after you have left the room.

  • ✓ Backed by the global Order of St John, first aid experts since 1877
  • ✓ Certified to the global St John standard
  • ✓ Experienced instructors and real hands-on practice
  • ✓ Training centres in six provinces, plus on-site training
  • ✓ Courses for every level, no prior experience needed
Our courses

St John first aid courses

Choose the level that fits your role. Every St John course includes the anatomy and physiology behind the skill, taught with plenty of hands-on practice.

St John certifiedL1

First Aid Level 1

◷ 2 days◆ Beginner

The workplace essentials: CPR, bleeding control, shock and fracture management for everyday first aiders.

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St John certifiedL2

First Aid Level 2

◷ 4 days◆ Intermediate

Builds on Level 1 with deeper practical training for life-threatening and non-life-threatening emergencies.

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St John certifiedL3

First Aid Level 3

◷ 5 days◆ Advanced

Advanced knowledge and extensive practical application for team leaders and dedicated first aiders.

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A global standard

We are part of the Order of St John, a worldwide first aid family that has been teaching people to save lives since 1877 and works in more than 40 countries today. Train with us, and you are learning to a standard trusted right around the world.

You’ll walk away with a St John certificate of competence, valid for three years, and something that matters even more: the quiet confidence that you’d know exactly what to do if someone needed you.

Need a formally accredited QCTO qualification for work? We do those too, over on our QCTO First Aid Levels page.

View our accreditations
Other St John training pathways
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Accredited qualifications

QCTO-accredited First Aid Levels

Formal, unit-standard first aid qualifications that meet the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Ideal for compliance and formal workplace requirements.

QCTO First Aid Levels →
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For healthcare providers

American Heart Association courses

Internationally recognised Basic Life Support and provider-level courses for clinical and healthcare staff.

AHA Courses →
"I would like to appreciate the wonderful First Aid training that Mr Bheko Hlengwa and Sis Irene Mampuru did for us. Thank you also for the First Aid kit. It will be of great use as we work with children at church. May the good Lord bless St John abundantly as you do the good work."
Johannesburg Training CentreFacilitated by Bheko Hlengwa & Irene Mampuru
"Thank you for the training I received during the 2-day QCTO accredited First Aid training course attended at St John's this week. The training was extensive and well-presented, and I enjoyed the opportunity for practical application of the theory. I will highly recommend this training to others and I feel confident to apply what I have learned when called upon to act as a First Aid responder."
Cape Town Training CentreFacilitated by Lezani September
"I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the first aid training provided. The trainer delivered the course in a very informative and engaging manner, unpacking each topic clearly and making it easy to understand and apply in real-life situations. Her approach went beyond expectation, ensuring that all participants felt confident and well prepared. I truly enjoyed the course."
Durban Training CentreFacilitated by Nombali Mzipazi
First aid training FAQs
Are St John first aid courses accredited?
Yes. Every St John course is delivered to the global St John standard set by the Order of St John, and your St John certificate of competence is recognised across South Africa and by St John organisations worldwide.
What is the difference between St John and QCTO first aid courses?
St John first aid courses are certified to the international St John standard and focus on practical, confident first aid skills. If you need a formally accredited QCTO qualification for workplace compliance, see our QCTO First Aid Levels.
How long is a St John first aid certificate valid?
A St John certificate of competence is valid for three years. We'll help you refresh your training before it expires so you stay qualified.
Do I need any prior experience to do a first aid course?
No prior experience is needed. Our courses are designed for everyone, from complete beginners to people refreshing skills they learned years ago.
Will I receive a certificate after the course?
Yes. Every learner who completes a course receives a St John certificate of competence for the level completed.
Can St John train at our workplace or school?
Yes. We regularly run on-site first aid training for workplaces, schools, community centres and events. Get in touch with your nearest St John office to arrange a group booking.
Where does St John offer first aid training?
St John has training centres in six provinces across South Africa, and we regularly deliver off-site training for companies and community groups nationwide.

Ready to get trained?

Book a St John first aid course, or talk to us about training for your team. We’ll help you find the right course and the nearest centre.

Book your training