Working in Australia

How to get an RSA certificate

December 7, 2022

Sven's guide to getting an RSA certificate

1. What is a responsible service of alcohol certificate, and why do you need one?

A Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate is an essential qualification for anyone working in any role that involves the sale or service of alcohol. This includes bartenders, waitpersons, liquor store attendants, security staff and more. 

In Australia, a legal requirement is that any staff member of a venue or store that sells alcohol (restaurants, bars, pubs, hotels, bottle shops) holds a valid Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate. 

Overall, an RSA certificate is an invaluable asset for any hospitality worker looking for employment. Holding a valid Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate shows employers that you have completed renewable accredited training demonstrating competence in selling or serving alcohol responsibly according to state legislation standards. 

Work as freely as you live.

Learn More

2. How to get a responsible service of alcohol certificate?

The exact process of obtaining an RSA will depend on the specific laws of your state or territory, which can be complicated and overwhelming. However, to simplify your life, Sven has developed a state-by-state guide to getting your RSA and how to achieve interstate recognition. 

The exact process of obtaining an RSA will depend on the specific laws of your state or territory, which can be complicated and overwhelming. However, to simplify your life, Sven has developed a state-by-state guide to getting your RSA and how to achieve interstate recognition.

Obtaining an RSA in Victoria

In Victoria, it is a requirement that anyone working with a licensed alcohol-serving venue has completed their SITHFAB021 Responsible Service of Alcohol and a VGCCC RSA certificate.

Many companies offer this service, so it is essential to find one that is reputable and has a good track record. You can click here to view all approved Registered training organisations (RTOs) to deliver RSA training online. Once you have found a few potential providers, comparing their rates and services is essential in helping you find the best value for your money.

Interstate recognition

If you have already obtained your Responsible Service of Alcohol (SITHFA0002) qualification, through either face-to-face or online training, from an RTO recognised in a state or territory other than Victoria, and you would like to have your qualification recognised in Victoria, all you will need to do is complete the free RSA bridging course, which can be found by clicking here.

Obtaining an RSA in South Australia

In South Australia, it is a legal requirement for anyone serving or supplying alcohol in a licensed premise to have completed their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) (SITHFAB002) training. South Australia also requires that you complete your RSA course in person. RSA training courses have a duration of 6 hours and cost $110AUD to complete. To view the current and updated list of RSA delivery locations in South Australia, click here, and for more eligibility information, click here

Interstate recognition

Suppose you have already obtained your Responsible Service of Alcohol (SITHFA0002) qualification from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) outside of South Australia. In that case, you're lucky, as it will be recognised in South Australia without any bridging course.

Obtaining an RSA in New South Wales

In New South Wales, it is mandatory for all staff who serve alcohol to complete an accredited Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course. There are several ways to obtain an RSA, but the most convenient way is to complete an online course. To find an approved training provider for completing your RSA in NSW, click here.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be issued an RSA certificate, which must be renewed every three years. To renew your RSA in NSW, click here; you are required to complete a free refresher course.

Interstate recognition

Suppose you have completed your RSA in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia or Tasmania. In that case, you can apply for an NSW RSA competency card by completing their online free RSA bridging course, which can be found here

Even better news if you already hold a valid and current RSA certificate from Victoria, the Northern Territory or the Australian Capital Territory! Under new national licensing and registration, known as Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR), you can work temporarily in NSW without completing the bridging course. For more information about which states the AMR applies to, head here

Obtaining an RSA in Western Australia

In Western Australia, you are required to have your responsible service of alcohol (RSA) to serve or sell liquor. This law applies to all licensed premises, including bars, clubs, pubs, hotels, restaurants and bottle shops. 

There are several ways to obtain a responsible service of alcohol certificate in Western Australia. One option is to complete an accredited RSA course with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Course fees vary depending on the provider but typically range from $60 to $120. Another option is to complete an online RSA course. These courses are generally cheaper than face-to-face courses, but an RTO does not always accredit them. For a complete list of registered training organisations, click here.

Once you have completed an RSA course, you will need to apply for a National Police Certificate (NPC). The NPC costs $42 and can be obtained through your local police station. Once you have obtained your NPC, you will need to submit it, along with your completed RSA course certificate, to the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor (RGL). The RGL will then issue you with an RSA Competency Card, which is valid for three years. 

Interstate recognition

Suppose you have already obtained your Responsible Service of Alcohol (SITHFA0002) qualification from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) outside of Western Australia. In that case, you're lucky, as it will be recognised in Western Australia without any bridging course.

Obtaining an RSA in the Northern Territory

If you're planning on working in the food and beverage industry in the Northern Territory, you'll need to obtain a responsible service of alcohol (RSA) certificate. This certificate is nationally recognised, and it shows that you have the skills and knowledge to serve alcohol responsibly. To get an RSA certificate in the Northern Territory, you must complete the responsible service of alcohol (SITHFAB002) course from an accredited training provider.

Click here to view the Australian Government's Department of Training and Education website for a full list of accredited training providers.

The course can be completed online or in person, and it usually takes around four hours to complete. Once you have your RSA certificate, you'll be ready to start working in the hospitality industry in the Northern Territory!

Interstate recognition

Suppose you have already obtained your Responsible Service of Alcohol (SITHFA0002) qualification from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) outside of Western Australia. In that case, you're lucky, as it will be recognised in Western Australia without any bridging course.

Obtaining an RSA in the Australian Capital Territory

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), responsible service of alcohol is taken seriously. If you want to work in a bar, restaurant, or any other establishment that serves alcohol, you'll need to complete a certified responsible service of alcohol (RSA) course. Luckily, there are plenty of options available to suit your schedule and budget. And, once you've completed the course, you'll be able to serve drinks with confidence, knowing that you're upholding the law and keeping your customers safe. 

There are a few different options available, but the most popular option is to complete an online course. These courses are flexible and can be completed at your own pace, making them ideal for busy people who want to get their RSA but don't have time to attend face-to-face classes. Once you've completed the course, you'll just need to pass an exam and pay a small fee to receive your certificate. 

Alternatively, you can attend a face-to-face RSA training course. These courses are run by experienced trainers and usually take place over one day. 

For currently registered training organisations, click here.

Interstate recognition

Suppose you have already obtained your Responsible Service of Alcohol (SITHFA0002) qualification from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) outside of the Australian Capital Territory. In that case, you're lucky, as it will be recognised in the Australian Capital Territory without any bridging course.

Obtaining an RSA in Tasmania

In order to serve alcohol responsibly in Tasmania, you must first obtain a responsible service of alcohol (RSA) certificate. You can do this by completing an accredited RSA course, which is available online or in person. The course will teach you the basics of responsible alcohol service, including how to identify and prevent intoxication, how to deal with difficult situations, and Tasmania's specific liquor laws. Once you have completed the course and received your certificate, you will be ready to serve alcohol responsibly in Tasmania!

For currently registered training organisations, click here.

Interstate recognition

Suppose you have already obtained your Responsible Service of Alcohol (SITHFA0002) qualification from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) outside of Tasmania. In that case, you're lucky, as it will be recognised in Tasmania without any bridging course.

The information provided in this article is for your information only. While all care has been taken in the preparation of the article, Sven Global Pty Ltd makes no representation or warranty as to, or accepts any responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, completeness or currency of the information, its usefulness in achieving any purpose or your reliance upon it.

Want to read more?

Upcoming social events 2023

Interested in all the major social events Australia has to offer in 2023?

READ MORE
Ten Places You Can’t Miss On The East Coast

The top ten must-see places on the Australian East Coast

READ MORE
What to expect as a fruit picker in Australia

Discover the realities of fruit picking in Australia with this comprehensive guide.

READ MORE