If you look after acutely unwell children, sooner or later you will be asked to hold an advanced paediatric life support certificate. In the UK that usually means one of two courses: APLS (Advanced Paediatric Life Support), run under the Advanced Life Support Group (ALSG), or EPALS (European Paediatric Advanced Life Support), run under the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK). PLAB Guide Training Centre in Levenshulme is approved to deliver both, as well as the shorter PILS course and Newborn Life Support (NLS).

This guide explains how the courses compare and how to decide which one to book.

The short answer

APLS and EPALS sit at the same level. Both are two-day, face-to-face advanced provider courses for clinicians who may lead or work in a team resuscitating a seriously ill or injured child. The main differences are the organisation behind the certificate, how you prepare, how recertification works and the price.

If your employer, rota or training programme names one of them, book that one. If you are more likely to be first on scene and hand over to a specialist team, PILS is usually the better fit. If your work is with babies in the minutes after birth, look at NLS.

APLS and EPALS side by side

How the two courses differ

The organisation behind the certificate

EPALS is the Resuscitation Council UK course, and RCUK states that the certificate is recognised in the UK and Europe. APLS is the ALSG course. Both teach a structured approach to assessing and treating the seriously ill or injured child, with skill stations and simulated scenarios. Some employers and training programmes name a specific course in job descriptions or curricula, so check what your role requires before booking.

Preparation

Neither course can be passed on the day alone. For EPALS, RCUK registers you on its learning management system for the online modules and an MCQ paper, and the manual arrives about a month before the course. All of it must be completed before day one, and candidates who have not finished it may not be able to take part. For APLS, you receive the APLS 7th Edition manual, which you can have posted or collect from our Manchester office. Whichever you choose, booking early gives you more time to study.

Recertification

If you already hold an EPALS Provider certificate, you can recertify by attending day two of the course only, which includes the practical assessments. RCUK sets the eligibility rules, so if you are not sure whether your certificate qualifies, email resus@plabguide.co.uk before you book. Our current APLS dates are full two-day provider courses.

Price and dates

EPALS runs most months at our Levenshulme centre, over a Saturday and Sunday. APLS runs less often, with dates currently scheduled for January, February and April 2027. At £510 + VAT for the full course, EPALS also costs less than APLS at £750 + VAT.

Choose APLS if…

• your job description, rota or training programme asks for APLS by name
• your department has standardised on ALSG courses
• you want to prepare from the APLS manual and a date in early 2027 suits you

Choose EPALS if…

• your employer asks for EPALS, or accepts either course
• you need the certificate before the end of 2026: EPALS runs on 7–8 November and 5–6 December
• you already hold EPALS and want to recertify in one day
• you want an advanced paediatric course at a lower fee

For a detailed look at the ALSG course, read what to expect on an APLS course in Manchester, or see the APLS course page and the EPALS course page.

When PILS or NLS is the better choice

PILS (Paediatric Immediate Life Support) is for healthcare professionals who may be first on scene when a baby or child becomes unwell, and who need more than basic life support but not the depth of EPALS. It suits nurses, health visitors and school nurses, midwives, operating department practitioners, physiotherapists and dental professionals, among others. Our blended ePILS course combines RCUK e-learning with a half-day practical session (09:00–13:00) for £138 + VAT, and leads to the same RCUK PILS Provider certificate as the full-day course. It runs on the same Fridays as our eILS course, so you can book both on one day for £233 + VAT.

NLS (Newborn Life Support) is the RCUK course for healthcare professionals who attend deliveries or care for babies in the minutes after birth, whether on a labour ward, in a neonatal unit, in the emergency department or before hospital. Our NLS course in Manchester is one day, costs £250 + VAT and the certificate is valid for four years.

You can see all of our children's and newborn courses together on the paediatric and neonatal life support page. If you need first aid for an early years setting rather than a clinical course, read Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid.

Training as a team

If several colleagues need APLS, EPALS, PILS or NLS, we can book them together on our dates at the Levenshulme centre. ePILS has a group rate of £650 + VAT for six candidates. For group bookings or training for your department, email training@plabguide.co.uk or call 0161 564 6162.

Frequently asked questions

Is EPALS the same as APLS?

They are different courses from different organisations, but both are advanced paediatric life support provider courses for clinicians who manage critically ill children. Whether one is accepted in place of the other is a decision for your employer or training programme, so check before you book.

How long are the certificates valid?

APLS, EPALS and NLS provider certificates are valid for four years. Plan to recertify before yours expires to avoid a gap.

Can I recertify my EPALS in one day?

Yes. Existing EPALS providers can book the day-two recertification option for £395 + VAT. It covers day two of the course, including the practical assessments.

Where are the courses held?

All four courses run at PLAB Guide Training Centre, 308 Moseley Road, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 2LH. There is limited free on-site parking and free on-street parking nearby, first come, first served.

Upcoming APLS and EPALS dates in Manchester

Upcoming PILS and NLS dates in Manchester

• ePILS, Friday 6 November 2026, 09:00–13:00, £138 + VAT. Book this date
• ePILS, Friday 4 December 2026, 09:00–13:00, £138 + VAT. Book this date
• NLS, Friday 18 December 2026, £250 + VAT. Book this date
• NLS, Monday 8 February 2027, £250 + VAT. Book this date