Most core care training refreshes every three years, but basic life support is yearly. Skills for Care's refresher periods, topic by topic.
Most core care training should be refreshed at least every three years. The big exception is basic life support, which Skills for Care recommends at least once a year. Medication training is reviewed yearly too, through a competency check rather than an automatic repeat course.
What are the recommended refresher periods?
These are the minimums in Skills for Care's statutory and mandatory training guide (December 2025):
| Topic | Minimum refresher | Refresh sooner if… |
|---|---|---|
| Basic life support | At least annually | Identified as needed |
| Medication administration | Review needs and competency yearly | Needs, risks, medicines or policy change |
| First aid (formal) | Every 3 years | Set by the accrediting body |
| Health and safety awareness | Every 3 years | A new risk or activity is introduced |
| Fire safety | Every 3 years, plus a fire drill at least yearly | A new risk is introduced |
| Moving and handling objects | Every 3 years | A new risk or activity is introduced |
| Assisting and moving people | Every 3 years | Needs change or new equipment arrives |
| Infection prevention and control | Every 3 years | A new risk or activity is introduced |
| Adult safeguarding | Every 3 years | Needs change or a new risk appears |
| Child safeguarding | Every 3 years | No trigger given |
| Food hygiene | Every 3 years | A new risk or activity is introduced |
Why do so many providers refresh every year?
Three years is a minimum, not a target. Many providers choose yearly refreshers because commissioners require it, because their insurer expects it, or because yearly updates are easier to schedule and track. Either approach works, as long as it is written into your training policy and you follow it.
Does a care qualification count as a refresher?
Often, yes. Skills for Care says that if a worker completes a recognised adult social care qualification that covers a topic, the three-year clock restarts from the completion date, so staff do not repeat the same learning twice.
What about the Oliver McGowan training?
Skills for Care points providers to the government's Oliver McGowan Code of Practice for refresher expectations. We cover them in Is the Oliver McGowan training mandatory?
What about topics with no set refresher?
For additional training such as dementia or end of life care, the employer decides. Skills for Care suggests reviewing it whenever risks, needs, the care environment, the team or the law change, or when a worker's competence is in doubt.
