Explore NSW RSA courses and live NSW virtual classroom sessions. For availability updates, see Queensland RSA (opening soon) and Victoria RSA (opening soon).
RSA requirements are different across Australia.
Completing the nationally recognised unit SITHFAB021 – Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol does not automatically mean the training is accepted in every state or territory.
Always check the requirements for the state or territory where you intend to work.
What is RSA?
RSA means Responsible Service of Alcohol.
RSA training teaches people involved in selling, serving or supplying alcohol how to do so responsibly and in accordance with liquor laws.
This nationally recognised unit applies to workplaces where alcohol is sold, served or supplied.
View SITHFAB021 ↗Who may need RSA?
RSA may be required if your job involves selling, serving, supplying, taking orders for or otherwise dealing with alcohol.
What will I learn?
Assessment requirements
RSA is competency-based training. Attending a class does not automatically mean that you have successfully completed the course.
You may be required to complete:
- Knowledge questions
- Multiple-choice questions
- Scenario questions
- Written activities
- Practical activities
- Verbal responses
- Observed role-play assessments
Certification can only be issued after all required assessments and course requirements have been successfully completed.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Students completing nationally recognised training generally need a Unique Student Identifier (USI).
Your USI stays with you for life. You should only have one USI.
If you already have a USI, do not create another one.
International students
International students completing nationally recognised VET training in Australia generally need a USI.
An international student can normally create a USI after arriving in Australia using acceptable identification such as a non-Australian passport and Australian visa.
Additional provider or visa-related requirements may apply depending on your circumstances.
International Student USI Information ↗NSW — New South Wales
NSW has its own approved RSA training and competency card system.
New NSW RSA students
Complete RSA training with an approved NSW RSA training provider.
After successful completion:
- Receive your interim certificate.
- Attend a Service NSW Centre.
- Complete the required identity check.
- Have your photograph taken.
- Apply for your RSA competency card.
Service NSW generally requires 100 points of identification.
How long is NSW RSA valid?
The NSW RSA competency card is generally valid for 5 years. Refresher training is required as part of the renewal process.
Already have interstate RSA?
Do not automatically enrol in another full RSA course. NSW has recognition and bridging arrangements for eligible interstate RSA holders.
Victoria
Victorian RSA training must meet Victorian requirements and be delivered through a provider approved by Liquor Control Victoria.
Victorian course approval
A national RSA Statement of Attainment by itself does not automatically satisfy Victorian liquor requirements. The course must be approved for Victoria.
Refresher requirement
Victorian RSA must be kept current by completing the approved refresher training every 3 years.
Interstate RSA
Interstate RSA is not automatically treated as a Victorian RSA certificate. Eligible interstate holders may need to complete Victoria's recognised bridging or refresher process.
Queensland
Most workers who sell or supply alcohol at Queensland licensed premises must complete RSA training.
Required course
Queensland generally requires the nationally recognised SITHFAB021 – Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol.
When must RSA be completed?
Relevant workers generally need to complete RSA within 30 days of commencing employment.
Managers
Approved managers and some licensees may also need Responsible Management of Licensed Venues (RMLV) training.
South Australia
Relevant paid and volunteer workers engaged by liquor licensees generally require approved RSA training.
Approved provider requirement
South Australian RSA training must meet the requirements of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner.
When must RSA be completed?
Relevant workers generally need to complete RSA within 3 months of starting their engagement.
Security personnel
Security personnel engaged by a liquor licensee generally need the required RSA training before commencing that engagement.
Western Australia
Relevant workers involved in the sale, supply or service of alcohol generally need RSA.
When must RSA be completed?
Relevant workers generally have 28 days from starting employment to complete RSA.
Employer copy
Workers generally need to provide a copy of their RSA certificate to their employer.
International students
International students should also check whether their training must be undertaken with a provider permitted to train international students.
Tasmania
People serving alcohol at licensed premises generally need approved RSA training.
New employees
Newly employed relevant workers may be able to work while enrolled in or undertaking approved RSA training, subject to the Tasmanian requirements.
Completion timeframe
Relevant training generally needs to be completed within 3 months of starting employment.
Does Tasmanian RSA expire?
Tasmanian RSA accreditation itself generally does not have an expiry date. An employer may still ask workers to update older training.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Relevant liquor-service workers and crowd-control employees generally need current RSA.
How long is ACT RSA current?
ACT RSA is generally current for 3 years.
Interstate RSA
Interstate RSA may be recognised, but ACT applies its own 3-year currency requirement.
Renewal
Workers generally renew through an ACT-approved RSA refresher program.
Northern Territory
Relevant workers who sell, serve or supply alcohol generally need a valid RSA certificate.
When must RSA be completed?
Relevant workers generally need to complete RSA within 7 days of starting work.
Refresher requirement
RSA must generally be refreshed every 3 years.
Interstate RSA
Qualifying interstate RSA certificates may be accepted, subject to Northern Territory currency requirements.
Already hold RSA from another state?
Do not automatically enrol in another full RSA course.
Your existing RSA may be:
- accepted
- temporarily recognised
- eligible for bridging
- eligible for refresher training
- outside the accepted currency period.
Check the regulator for the state or territory where you want to work before paying for another course.
Identification requirements
Identification may be required before, during or after RSA training.
Check that:
✓ Your legal name is correct
✓ Your date of birth is correct
✓ Your name matches your USI
✓ Your name matches your identification
✓ You have the required ID available
Online or virtual RSA training
Do not assume an online RSA course is accepted in every state or territory.
Always confirm that the course and delivery method meet the requirements of the liquor regulator where you intend to work.
You may need:
Before you enrol — check every item
✅ I know which state or territory I intend to work in.
✅ I checked whether this course is accepted there.
✅ I checked whether the provider needs regulator approval.
✅ I checked whether I already hold current RSA.
✅ I checked whether my interstate RSA can be recognised.
✅ I know whether I need a full course, refresher or bridging course.
✅ My legal name is correct.
✅ My details match my identification.
✅ My details match my USI.
✅ I have my USI available.
✅ I have the required identification.
✅ I can participate in all required assessments.
✅ I understand that attendance alone does not mean I am competent.
✅ I understand that completing RSA does not guarantee employment.
Important regulatory information
RSA requirements may change.
The requirements that apply to you can depend on:
- the state or territory where you work
- your job duties
- the type of liquor licence
- your age
- whether you already hold RSA
- where your previous RSA was completed
- when your previous RSA was completed
- whether bridging or refresher training applies.
Where there is any uncertainty, check directly with the relevant government liquor regulator or contact your training provider before enrolling and paying fees.
Upcoming Course Dates
Select your preferred NSW Responsible Service of Alcohol course.