Refresher

Refresher is a term used to describe something that refreshes or renews. In everyday language, it can refer to a beverage or snack intended to restore energy or quench thirst, but the word is also used in non-food contexts to denote a brief revival of energy, attention, or memory.

In education and professional training, a refresher course or refresher training is a program designed to update knowledge and skills that may have become outdated. Refresher training is common for professionals who must maintain licensure, certification, or competence, such as healthcare workers, teachers, pilots, and safety personnel. The content typically emphasizes current standards, revised procedures, and practical exercises, and may include assessments to verify competency. Delivery methods include in-person instruction, online modules, or blended formats.

In other contexts, a refresher may refer to a short briefing or reminder intended to reinforce key concepts during meetings, software onboarding, or workplace safety sessions. The overarching aim is to prevent skill decay and improve performance without replacing comprehensive retraining.

Etymology: from refresh, meaning to restore strength or freshness. See also refresher course and refreshment.