Obtaining a first aid certificate in Belgium to participate in a half-pair program in Australia

Going to Australia as an au pair is an enriching experience that allows you to travel while working. However, certain conditions are often required to be accepted into a demi-pair , notably obtaining the European First Aid Certificate (BEPS) . This certificate, offered by the Belgian Red Cross , can be a decisive advantage for candidates wishing to go to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) .

Why obtain a first aid certificate to become a demi-pair in Australia?

demi-pair program , you will be responsible for children and must ensure their safety on a daily basis. Host families and placement agencies often require first aid to guarantee a rapid response in case of an incident.

The European First Aid Certificate (BEPS) equips you with essential skills, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bleeding control, and how to respond to illness or domestic accidents. Having this certification increases your chances of being accepted by a host family and starting your Working Holiday Visa (WHV) with peace of mind.

How to obtain a first aid certificate in Belgium?

The BEPS course is offered by the Belgian Red Cross and is aimed at anyone wishing to learn the basics of life-saving techniques . This training is accessible without prerequisites and takes place over one day or several sessions, depending on the training center chosen.

To obtain your certification, simply register on the official Red Cross and complete the training. The program includes practical scenarios and hands-on exercises that will prepare you to act effectively in an emergency. Once you have your first aid certificate , you can present it when applying to the half-peer .

This training costs €75 and may possibly be covered by your health insurance, check with them.

The Working Holiday Visa (WHV): an opportunity to go to Australia as a demi-pair

The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) , also known as the Working Holiday Visa , is the most suitable visa for going to Australia as a demi-pair . It allows young people aged 18 to 30 (or 35 depending on nationality) to travel while working to finance their stay.

Applicants for the demi-pair program must demonstrate certain qualifications, including English proficiency child safety skills . Having a first aid certificate strengthens your application and reassures host families. The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) allows you to work for up to six months for the same employer in Australia, which is perfectly suited to a demi-pair .

Other useful training courses to help you succeed in your half-pair experience in Australia

In addition to first aid certification , other training courses can be beneficial to improve your employability and safety in Australia. These include:

• For supervising teenagers, it can be useful to obtain the Holiday Camp Leader Certificate (BACV), equivalent to the BAFA in France. Click here to discover the organizations that offer this training in Belgium.
• An English certification (such as IELTS or TOEIC ) will facilitate your integration and communication with your host family. A minimum level of B1 will always be required. For more information on our complete packages including English courses , click here .
• Childcare training , which may be required by some agencies.
• A certificate in hygiene and safety , especially if you plan to work in the hotel or restaurant industry alongside your mentoring role.

Preparing properly with these courses will allow you to have a more serene and enriching experience in Australia .

Conclusion

Obtaining a first aid certificate in Belgium is often a prerequisite for joining a demi-pair program in Australia . This certification strengthens your profile and reassures host families. Combined with a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) , it opens the door to a unique adventure, combining travel , professional experience , and cultural immersion in Australia.