Red Cross First Aid & CPR Instructor Training in Alberta
AHASTI is a recognized Canadian Red Cross Instructional Development Centre (IDC) that delivers certified Instructor training programs for individuals seeking to teach First Aid, CPR, Basic Life Support, and more. All Instructor pathways follow Canadian Red Cross program standards and are fully recognized across Alberta. Whether you're just beginning your Instructor journey or advancing into Discipline-Specific training, we support you through every step of the Instructor Development Pathway.
The Instructor Development Pathway includes required prerequisites, Fundamentals of Instruction, Discipline-Specific training, teaching experience, and certification. Each instructor course listed below provides information on the required prerequisites, course length, delivery format, and the steps needed to complete your certification.
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Need to recertify a current Red Cross Instructor Certification - click here
Browse Red Cross Instructor Courses
Select an Instructor course below to view prerequisites, program structure, certification requirements, and upcoming availability.
After You Become a Certified Instructor
Becoming a certified Canadian Red Cross Instructor is the first step — to teach Red Cross courses, you must either register as a Red Cross Training Partner or teach under an existing Training Partner such as AHASTI. Instructor certification alone does not grant the authority to deliver Red Cross courses independently. Click here for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prerequisites to become a Red Cross First Aid Instructor?
Instructor candidates must hold a current First Aid certification (appropriate to the discipline they wish to teach), complete the online Fundamentals of Instruction prerequisite, and meet all Canadian Red Cross eligibility requirements. Some Instructor disciplines also require additional certifications or experience.
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What is the Red Cross Instructor Development Pathway?
The Instructor Development Pathway includes several stages: a prerequisites check, the Fundamentals of Instruction course, Discipline-Specific Instructor training, a teaching experience (team teach), and a final certification step with the Canadian Red Cross. AHASTI supports candidates through each stage.
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Do I need to redo Fundamentals of Instruction each time I add a new Instructor discipline?
No. Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) must be completed only once. If you are adding a new teaching discipline (e.g., CPR Instructor, BLS Instructor, First Aid Instructor), you will do a skills evaluation, take the relevant Discipline-Specific Instructor course and complete a teach experience.
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How does the teaching experience (team teach) work?
After completing Instructor training, candidates must teach with a certified Red Cross Instructor who also holds the Teach Experience Supervisor designation. You will deliver portions of a class and receive documented feedback. Once completed, you submit your records to the Canadian Red Cross for certification.
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Can I take Instructor training if my First Aid certificate has expired?
No. Instructor candidates must hold a valid, current certification in the discipline they wish to teach. If your certification has expired, you must recertify before entering Instructor training.
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How long does Red Cross Instructor certification last?
Instructor certifications are valid for three years, provided you meet annual teaching requirements and stay compliant with Red Cross program policies. Recertification involves completing required training or refreshers.
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Do you offer mentorship or support for new Instructors?
Yes. As a recognized Red Cross Instructional Development Centre (IDC), AHASTI provides ongoing Instructor mentorship, pathway guidance, and access to resources to support your teaching career.
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Can I transfer Instructor credentials from another training agency (e.g., St. John Ambulance, Heart & Stroke)?
Instructor equivalency may be possible depending on your certifications and experience. Candidates must be assessed through the Red Cross Instructor Development Pathway - Transfer Options, and additional training may be required. Contact AHASTI to review your eligibility.
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