Standard vs. Occupational First Aid Course: What’s The Difference?

According to Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health (First-Aid) Regulations, if your workplace has more than 25 employees, you must have at least one trained first-aider on site. 

When your employer requires you to take first aid training to comply with workplace safety policies, be sure to register for a course that meets the standards of the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act. 

A standard first aid course alone doesn’t cover workplace compliance; an occupational first aid course is what you need. However, what’s the difference between the two? 

Read on to find out.

What is Standard First Aid (SFA)?

Standard First Aid (SFA) training prepares individuals for a wide variety of emergencies that can happen anywhere, whether in public spaces or everyday urgent response scenarios. Such a course is for the general public, teachers, sports coaches, and community volunteers. 

For SFA, some of the topics covered include learning how to perform CPR (hands-only), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, respond to bleeding, burns, fractures, unconscious casualty, etc.

Upon completion of the course, you can be issued two certificates approved by the Singapore Resuscitation and First Aid Council (SRFAC): 

•  CPR(Hands-Only)+ AED Provider certificate 
• Standard First Aid Provider certificate 

What is Occupational First Aid (OFA)?

Unlike SFA, the Occupational First Aid (OFA) training addresses emergencies and injuries specific to the workplace.

It focuses on tailoring first aid practices to address the specific hazards and risks associated with a particular industry.

In an occupational first aid course, participants will identify industry-specific risks and scenarios so that they have the knowledge and capacity to address such workplace incidents effectively. 

The course is designed for safety officers, Emergency Response Team (ERT) members, and WSH personnel. They will learn topics such as advanced trauma care, chemical exposure, workplace-specific injuries, performing CPR, and using an AED. 

Participants who complete the course will be recognised as competent to administer first aid in the event of a workplace emergency or accident.

Key Differences: SFA vs. OFA

Which First Aid Course Should You Take?

Deciding to choose whether to take the standard or occupational first aid course depends on your role and responsibilities. 

Ask yourself: “Am I preparing for general situations and emergency response, or workplace duties?”

• Standard First Aid Course: If you’re looking to be generally prepared or are involved in community-based roles like teaching, coaching, or volunteering, the Standard First Aid course is a great fit. It equips you with essential skills to handle common emergencies in daily life.

• Occupational First Aid Course: If you’re appointed as a workplace first aider, the Occupational First Aid course is mandatory under local regulations. It focuses on industry-specific risks and ensures you’re ready to manage workplace injuries and incidents.

Enrol with TECS Fire & Safety Training

TECS is a recognised training provider, offering a wide range of courses approved by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), and the Singapore Resuscitation & First Aid Council (SRFAC).

Our first aid training courses are designed to equip individuals with practical, lifesaving skills that meet both regulatory requirements and real-world needs. 

1. Occupational First Aid Course

Designed for professionals, our occupational first aid course in Singapore is ideal for individuals assigned to Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) roles or those seeking to enhance their first aid knowledge in a work setting.

To take the course, you must have at least ESS Workplace literacy and numeracy level five or above. 

The course will take about 3 days. By the end of the training, every participant will be capable of applying first aid to accident victims in the workplace, listing the legal requirements under WSH regulations, and managing a medical emergency in the workplace, among others. 

2. CERT First Aid Course 

For first aid training with a strong focus on performing hands-only CPR and the proper use of an AED, our CERT First Aid course is the option. It is specifically designed for the members of Company Emergency Response Teams (CERT), healthcare providers, and other rescuers who need to respond to cardiac emergencies. 

The course duration is one day, and by the end of it, a CPR & AED certificate valid for 2 years will be issued to the participants. They will learn how to use an AED, perform CPR, handle and transport the injured, acquire basic knowledge of burn management, fractures, and more. 

For Broader WSH Compliance 

TECS also offers other WSH training courses for workplace safety and compliance. Some courses include Confined Space Rescue, Chemical Safety Awareness, and Supervising Work in Confined Space Operations, among others. 

Our industry-recognised courses are led by certified, experienced trainers, ensuring participants gain practical, real-world skills that meet both regulatory and workplace demands. 

Our programmes—many of which offer CPD points—are designed with flexible scheduling to suit working professionals and corporate teams.

Get the right first aid training to handle emergencies wherever they arise.

Choosing the right first aid course ensures you’re adequately prepared for emergencies in the context relevant to you, whether it’s in your community or at your workplace. 

Consider your environment, your responsibilities, and how you want to make a difference when an emergency occurs. With the right training, you’ll feel confident in your ability to respond quickly and effectively to help those in need.

As a WSH training provider, TECS is dedicated to delivering high-quality, accredited courses that prepare you for emergencies with expert instruction. 

With over 30+ years of professional safety and consultancy experience, we’ll help you make the right choice in choosing the best first aid course according to your needs. Contact us to get started.