RSA NSW Course: Responsible Service of Alcohol

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RSA NSW: Before you book

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NSW RSA course questions

• What will I learn in the RSA NSW course?

  Learn responsible alcohol service, how to recognise intoxication, refuse service appropriately and manage difficult situations. Training uses practical scenarios and trainer-led discussions.

• Do I need hospitality experience?

  No prior hospitality experience is required. You need sufficient English and learning skills to follow the training and complete the assessments. Contact us before booking if you need support.

• Does the RSA certificate expire?

  In NSW your RSA Competency Card is valid for 5 years from the date you get it. Before it expires, you’ll need to complete an approved refresher course through Liquor & Gaming NSW to renew it for another 5 years.

  You’ll receive a 90-day interim certificate straight after your course while the physical card is processed, so you can start working immediately.

• How long do RSA courses last?

  Our face-to-face NSW RSA training runs for 6 hours + breaks. Refresher courses for renewing an existing card are shorter, usually 2 to 3 hours, and can often be completed online.

  You’ll need to bring photo ID and complete a short knowledge assessment at the end.

• Is the RSA course hard?

  The NSW RSA course isn’t hard. It’s built for beginners and covers practical topics like checking ID, spotting signs of intoxication, and knowing when to refuse service, all explained in plain language by a live trainer.

  You’ll pass a knowledge assessment at the end, and most people pass comfortably the first time. If you’re unsure about anything, you can ask your trainer to go over it again before the assessment.

• Can I use my RSA NSW in other states?

  Your NSW RSA covers the same nationally recognised unit (SITHFAB021) used across Australia, so states like QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT and NT generally accept it, sometimes after a quick bridging or registration step.

  Victoria is the exception, it requires a separate bridging module regardless of where your original RSA was issued.

  Since requirements can change, always check with the destination state’s liquor licensing regulator before starting work there.

• What happens after I pass?

  You receive a Statement of Attainment for SITHFAB021 and an NSW RSA interim certificate after successful completion. The interim certificate is valid for 90 days. Follow the Service NSW competency card application steps.

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