RLSS UK’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course teaches candidates how to give effective CPR and use an AED – meaning they feel confident if an emergency occurs and need to deliver lifesaving CPR procedures either in public or the workplace. 

This 4-hour Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Programme is for anyone over 16. Knowing how to use an AED could save your family, friends, or co-workers' lives if they have a cardiac arrest. After completing an RLSS UK AED course, candidates receive a Level 2 Award in Automated External Defibrillator qualification. 

RLSS UK’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Programme is CIMSPA endorsed, which means it has been quality-assured by CIMSPA. 

The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Programme is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland.



Skip to a specific section to learn more about the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) qualification: 



About the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Programme 

The RLSS UK Qualifications Level 2 Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Programme enables someone to give CPR and use an AED. 

The Automated External Defibrillator course can be covered in 4 hours. It comprises practical work and theoretical classroom work, including practical assessment on CPR and AED. 

The AED qualification is Ofqual, CCEA and Qualification Wales accredited and valid for two years after the assessment date. 

Find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course near you



Download and print the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) qualification fact sheet using the button below. 






Prerequisites to do the AED Qualification 

Candidates must be a minimum of 16-years-old at the time of taking the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Programme, and no prior first aid knowledge is required. 



Who is the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Course Recommended For? 

Everyone! Individuals and organisations are advised to take the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training to feel confident if an emergency occurs, and they need to deliver lifesaving CPR procedures in public or the workplace. 



Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Course Content 

A range of subjects are covered within the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Programme, including: 

  • Assessing an incident 
  • Managing an unresponsive casualty 
    • CPR including AED 
    • Pocket mask 
    • Recovery position 
  • Safety consideration with an AED 



AED Assessment Criteria 

The RLSS UK AED course comprises practical work and theoretical classroom work. There is a practical assessment on CPR and the safe use of an AED, and all assessment criteria must be met to pass the AED course. 



Renewal Process for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certificate 

To renew an Automated External Defibrillator certificate, candidates must re-qualify by being assessed against all learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the qualification. A renewal is achieved by redoing the initial 4-hours of course content.  



RLSS UK Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Programme Specification 

You can view the full RLSS UK’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) programme specification here.



AED Programme CPD Points 

A graphic stating that this qualification is worth 2 CIMSPA CPD points

RLSS UK’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Programme offers candidates the following continual professional development (CPD): 

CPD = 2 CIMSPA Points  



How to Book an RLSS UK Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Course 

RLSS UK AED courses are delivered by RLSS UK Approved Training Centres (ATCs) or Approved Training Providers (ATPs). ATCs and ATPs across the UK and Ireland run first aid qualifications regularly. 

Find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course near you



Interested in Becoming an RLSS UK First Aid Trainer Assessor? 

RLSS UK Trainer Assessors (TA) deliver RLSS UK First Aid qualifications at Approved Training Centres (ATCs) or Approved Training Providers (ATPs). If you are interested in becoming an ATP or a First Aid Trainer Assessor at an ATC, please visit our Become a First Aid Trainer Assessor page to learn more about the prerequisites and how to apply. 



RLSS UK’s Complete First Aid Qualification Suite 

* is used to highlight regulated qualifications.