Recertification is one of the easiest ways to stay current. We strongly encourage you to maintain a current certification, as frequent refresher courses will help ensure you are prepared to respond in the event of an emergency. That, and the fact that medical curricula are constantly changing and being updated.

Studies have shown that individuals tend to start losing information from first aid training after about two years if not using the skills consistently in that time period.

CPR/AED + First Aid

Due to the constantly changing nature of community health + safety CPR/AED and standard first aid courses, in order to recertify any CWS issued Adult + Pediatric CPR/AED, Infant + Child CPR/AED or Standard First Aid certification, you must take another CPR/AED or first aid course.

There are no refresher or ‘challenge’ courses available at this time. All community health + safety certificates issued by CWS are valid for two years.

Wilderness First Aid

Currently recertification of your Wilderness First Aid certificate can only be renewed by taking another Wilderness First Aid course in full. Since wilderness medicine is constantly changing as science and medical research make greater and greater strides, there is no “refresher” course for Wilderness First Aid.

Center for Wilderness Safety’s Wilderness First Aid course curriculum changes every several years, as new and improved techniques and science move forward to offer better ways of providing patient care. Both 100% in-person -AND- hybrid/online formats are acceptable for recertification.

Wilderness First Aid Afloat

Currently, your Wilderness First Aid Afloat certification can only be renewed by taking another Wilderness First Aid Afloat course. Because wilderness medicine is constantly changing as science and medical research make greater and greater strides, there is no “refresher” course for Wilderness First Aid.

Center for Wilderness Safety’s Wilderness First Aid Afloat course curriculum changes every several years, as new and improved techniques and science move forward to offer better ways of providing patient care.

Wilderness Advanced First Aid

Recertification is offered to anyone who holds a current Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification from one of the following organizations: Center for Wilderness Safety (CWS), NOLS Wilderness Medicine (formerly WMI), Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) or Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO). CWS does not recognize any other organization’s “grace periods” for recertification.

Recertifying a valid Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification can be done by successfully completing either a Wilderness Advanced First Aid -or- Wilderness First Aid course, taught by Center for Wilderness Safety.

Professional Rescuer Recertification

Wilderness First Responder

Your Wilderness First Responder certification may be renewed by successfully completing any Wilderness First Responder Refresher course, or any Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness Advanced First Aid, or by taking another Wilderness First Responder course taught by Center for Wilderness Safety. In-Person and Hybrid/Online format courses are both acceptable.


Criteria to Recertify:

  • • Current WFR certification (not expired)
    .
  • • Current Adult CPR/AED certification (not expired; must be by an accredited certifying body)
    .
  • • Candidates must successfully pass all practical scenarios and skills tests
    .
  • • Candidates must successfully pass the written WFR exam (even if taking a WFA to recertify)
    .

Recertification is offered to anyone who holds a current WFR certification from one of the following organizations: Center for Wilderness Safety (CWS), NOLS Wilderness Medicine (formerly WMI), Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) or Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO). CWS does not recognize any other organization’s “grace periods” for recertification.

Wilderness EMT

Your Wilderness EMT certification may be renewed by successfully completing any Wilderness First Responder (or WFR Refresher) course, or a Wilderness EMT Upgrade course taught by Center for Wilderness Safety.

Criteria to Recertify:

  • • Current state issued or National Registry EMT certification (not expired)
    .
  • • Current Healthcare Provider (BLS) CPR/AED certification (not expired; must be AHA or Red Cross)
    .
  • • Candidates must successfully pass all practical scenarios and skills tests
    .
  • • Candidates must successfully pass the written exam
    .

 

Recertification is offered to anyone who holds a current WEMT certification from one of the following organizations: Center for Wilderness Safety (CWS), NOLS Wilderness Medicine (formerly WMI), Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) or Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO). CWS does not recognize any other organization’s “grace periods” for recertification.

Getting Recertified