Eligibility for Recertification
This course is available only to delegates whose existing ILS or PILS certificate is still valid or has expired within the last 12 months.
If your certification has lapsed by more than one year, you will need to complete the full ILS or PILS course instead of the shorter recertification programme.
Please note: You may be asked to provide evidence of your current or recently expired certificate when booking, to ensure compliance with RCUK training standards.
Course Overview
This recertification course provides a concise but comprehensive refresher of the essential skills covered in your original ILS or PILS training. It focuses on core emergency response techniques required to manage cardiac or respiratory arrest, including:
- ABCDE patient assessment
- Early recognition and prevention of cardiopulmonary arrest
- High-quality CPR
- Safe use of manual and automated defibrillators (AEDs)
- Basic airway manoeuvres and adjuncts
- Effective communication and leadership in emergency situations
- Scenario-based team simulations
The training reinforces the competence needed to respond quickly and effectively in life-threatening situations, enabling delegates to function confidently as part of a cardiac arrest or paediatric resuscitation team.
Learning Outcomes
This recertification course revisits the key learning outcomes from both the ILS and PILS programmes.
ILS Recertification Outcomes
Delegates will refresh their ability to:
- Recognise and treat the deteriorating adult patient using the ABCDE approach
- Identify causes and support the prevention of cardiopulmonary arrest
- Deliver effective CPR and defibrillation (manual or AED)
- Perform simple airway manoeuvres using basic adjuncts
- Use non-technical skills (communication, leadership, teamwork) to support safe emergency care
PILS Recertification Outcomes
Delegates will reinforce their skills to:
- Apply a structured ABCDE approach for seriously ill infants and children
- Provide timely treatment to prevent paediatric cardiorespiratory arrest
- Deliver effective care during paediatric respiratory or cardiopulmonary arrest
- Act as a confident member of the paediatric resuscitation team
Course Length:
At least 4 contact hours (half-day)
Course Assessment:
Continuous practical assessment throughout the course
Certification
Successful delegates receive a Resuscitation Council UK ILS/PILS certificate, valid for 1 year
Course Structure & Programme
This refresher course uses a blend of teaching methods to update and reinforce your original knowledge and skills.
Teaching Methods
- Interactive, instructor-led lectures
- Group workshops and discussion
- Targeted skills stations
- Hands-on scenario-based simulations
- Team-based resuscitation exercises
Practical & Scenario Elements
- ABCDE assessment refresh
- CPR and safe defibrillation skills
- Basic airway adjuncts
- Cardiac arrest team participation
- Adult or paediatric emergency simulations (depending on ILS or PILS pathway)
Further Information
For official guidance from the Resuscitation Council UK, please visit:
ILS/PILS Recertification Training FAQs
This course is only available to healthcare professionals with a valid ILS or PILS certificate, or one that has expired within the last 12 months, issued by an RCUK-approved centre.
If your certificate has been expired for more than 12 months, RCUK requires you to complete the full ILS or PILS course, as the half-day refresher is no longer sufficient to meet current standards.
The course takes a minimum of 4 contact hours and is delivered as a half-day practical training session.
Yes. Upon successful completion, you will receive a Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) ILS/PILS certificate, valid for 1 year.
- ILS covers the management of critically ill adults, focusing on adult cardiac arrest and deterioration.
- PILS focuses on paediatric emergencies, including respiratory arrest, collapse, and cardiac arrest in infants and children.
The structure of the course is similar, but the clinical emphasis and scenarios differ.
Yes. To ensure eligibility, delegates may be required to provide proof of their valid or recently expired ILS/PILS certificate when booking.
Most candidates will benefit from reviewing their previous ILS/PILS manual. If additional learning is required (e.g., online modules), this will be provided before your course date.
Yes. We regularly deliver ILS/PILS recertification for hospital teams, GP practices, community services, dental clinics, and private healthcare providers.
Group bookings can be arranged on-site.
Comfortable clothing suitable for practical CPR, any required identification, and your previous ILS/PILS certificate (if requested).
Yes — our training centre is an RCUK-accredited provider, and all certificates issued meet RCUK Immediate Life Support standards.
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Simply complete the form below and one of our practising healthcare professionals will be in touch shortly to discuss your training needs or answer any questions you may have.
Contact Details
Whether you’d like to discuss your training requirements, book a course, or get expert advice, our friendly clinical team would love to hear from you.
Phone: 0333 0122 999
Email: info@rcmstraining.co.uk
Resuscitation Consultancy Medical Services Ltd
86 Forest Walk
Buckley, Flintshire
CH7 3AR
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday: Closed