CSA Z1210-17 and Why It Matters

CSA Z1210-17 is the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) National Standard for Workplace First Aid Training.
It was developed in partnership with CSA Group and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to standardize how first aid training is taught and assessed across Canada.

In simple terms, it sets the national benchmark for:

• Course structure and minimum instructional hours
• Learning objectives and hands-on skill requirements
• Instructor qualifications and competency standards
• Student evaluation and record-keeping procedures
• Refresher and recertification guidelines

CSA Z1210-17 replaced the older patchwork of provincial and organizational rules, ensuring that every recognized first aid program in Canada follows a consistent, high-quality training framework.

Why It’s Important

For learners and employers, compliance with CSA Z1210-17 means:

1. National Recognition — Your certification is valid and recognized across Canada, not just in Alberta.

2. Regulatory Alignment — Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) requires that approved first aid training agencies follow this standard.

3. Instructional Quality — Every course must include hands-on practice, realistic scenarios, and assessment by qualified instructors.

4. Safety & Accountability — Training records, evaluation, and instructor credentials must meet rigorous standards, ensuring consistent outcomes and reliable skill retention.

5. Workplace Compliance — Employers can trust that staff trained under CSA Z1210-17 meet the national competency expectations outlined in OH&S legislation.

How Calgary First Aid Meets This Standard

All Calgary First Aid courses are delivered through St. Mark James Training, an Alberta OH&S-approved provider listed on the official OH&S registry.
Our programs are fully aligned with CSA Z1210-17, meaning:

• Course content follows the required national curriculum
• Instructors (doctors, nurses, paramedics) meet the qualification criteria set by CSA Group
• Training materials, assessments, and certification processes are standardized and auditable

When you train with Calgary First Aid, you can be confident your certification is current, compliant, and nationally recognized.