Civil-protection approval for first-aid training (PSC1, PSE…)
Mandatory: first-aid training may only be taught by structures authorised by the French civil-protection authority. Since the 2024 reform (decree no. 2024-242), the former approval is replaced by a single authorisation, granted for up to three years.
Issued by: The French Interior Ministry (civil-protection directorate) and prefectures, depending on the approval level
Civil-protection associations and public bodies wishing to teach PSC1, PSE 1 and 2, or to train first-aid instructors.
What this scheme covers
- C.1General-public units (PSC1) and operational units (team first aid PSE1-PSE2), as well as instructor training.
- C.2Approvals issued at national or departmental level depending on the structure, unit by unit.
- C.3Compliance with the national frameworks (civil-protection technical guidelines) and session-reporting obligations.
The link with Qualiopi
Civil-protection approval grounds the right to teach first aid. Not to be confused with the SST authorisation of the Assurance maladie / INRS network, specific to the workplace; and as always, Qualiopi is added when courses draw public or pooled funding.
The process, summarised
- 1.Check eligibility (civil-protection association or authorisable public body) and choose the target teaching units.
- 2.File the approval application (qualified teaching team, equipment, internal frameworks) with the competent authority.
- 3.Declare sessions, issue competency certificates and renew the approval when due.
FAQ — First-aid approval
+Can a private company teach PSC1?
Not directly: PSC1 teaching is reserved for approved civil-protection associations and authorised public bodies. In companies, workplace first aid goes through the SST scheme.
+What is the difference between PSC1 and SST?
PSC1 is the citizen first-aid course (civil protection); SST is workplace first aid (Assurance maladie / INRS network), with a professional certificate and mandatory refreshers.
+Does one approval cover all courses at once?
No: approval is granted per teaching unit (PSC1, PSE1, PSE2, instructor training…), each with its own requirements.
- Renewing Your French First-Aid Authorisation: Deadlines, Annual Report and Fatal Mistakes7 min
- How to Obtain France's Civil-Protection Authorisation to Teach First Aid (PSC) in 20267 min
- Teaching PSE1 and PSE2 in France: What It Takes to Train Team First-Aiders7 min
- Becoming a PSC First-Aid Instructor in France: the Civil-Protection Pedagogical Track7 min
- French First-Aid Approval: National or Departmental — Who Issues What?6 min
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