Grandfathering - available till 31 August 2026

Purpose

The grandfathering process is a time-limited pathway designed to formally recognise experienced emergency response professionals who do not hold all required qualifications but can demonstrate equivalent competence through extensive field experience. It acknowledges those who have been operating at a high standard prior to the introduction of the Emergency Response Certification Program.

This pathway is only available during the first 12 months following the program launch in August and will close on 31 August 2026.

Eligibility

To be eligible for grandfathering into either the Emergency Response Officer (ERO) or Emergency Response Leader (ERL) certification level, candidates must demonstrate their capabilities through a combination of assessed skills, practical experience, and professional endorsement.

Essential Criteria (Mandatory)

Applicants must provide evidence addressing the following:

1. Emergency Services Skills Assessment (ESSA)

A recent and satisfactory Emergency Services Skills Assessment (ESSA) completed through an endorsed provider. This structured, practical assessment evaluates emergency response skills against recognised industry benchmarks and must reflect the candidate’s capability across key disciplines such as medical, technical rescue, breathing apparatus, fire response, and road crash rescue.

2. Experience Logbook

A completed logbook detailing relevant emergency response experience mapped against the 7 Emergency Response Capabilities.

  • ERO: Minimum of 80 hours
  • ERL: Minimum of 160 hours (80 ERO + 80 ERL-level experience)

3. Professional References

  • At least two referees (senior colleagues or supervisors) who can provide insight into the applicant’s emergency management capabilities.
  • Referees must be familiar with the applicant’s performance and willing to participate in a short virtual interview with an assessor.

 

Non-Essential Criteria (Recommended)

These components are not mandatory but will strengthen the application and may streamline assessment:

1. Evidence of Prior Training

  • Copies of historical training certificates or unit codes from previously completed emergency response courses.
  • These help identify prior learning that aligns with current competency expectations.

2. Mental Wellbeing Certification

  • Evidence of completion of recognised training in Psychological First Aid, High Adversity Resilience Training (HART), or Resilience First Aid (RFA).
  • Supports psychological safety and resilience expectations in high-risk roles.

 

Assessment and Review

  • All grandfathering applications are initially reviewed by the AIHS Certification Team to confirm completeness.
  • If the submission meets the essential requirements, it is forwarded to a qualified assessor for formal evaluation.
  • The assessor will review the logbook, industry assessment outcome, referee interviews, and supporting evidence to determine whether the candidate meets the standard expected of a certified ERO or ERL.
  • Assessors may request further information or clarification if needed.

 

Timeframe and Expiry

  • The Grandfathering Pathway will remain open for 12 months from the project launch and conclude on 31 August 2026.
  • Certification awarded via grandfathering is subject to the same **recertification requirements** as standard certifications, including maintenance of CPD, qualifications, and currency of assessment (i.e. Industry Assessment renewal every 3 years).