Before being able to work in licensed premises and serve alcohol in Australia, its a legal requirement that you complete Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training. Whether you’re working in a pub, bar, restaurant or nightclub, or serving alcohol you’ll need a RSA Certificate.In Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia & South Australia responsible service of alcohol courses can be completed online. In Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory , responsible service of alcohol courses (rsa courses) must be completed under the guidance of a qualified trainer in the classroom.

Every state has it own liquor licensing requirements, some may accept the Nationally Accredited RSA course but other do not. As working holiday maker you may need to get more than one RSA certificate if you plan on working around Australia.
 
 

Skip Ahead -Check out the detailed break down for each state on their dedicated pages

ACT	Queensland	New South Wales
Northern Territory	South Australia	Western Australia
Victoria	Tasmania

 

What does the RSA certificate course cover?

The responsible service of Alcohol course will help you,

• Measure standard drinks and advise patrons
• Legally sell, serve and promote alcohol
• Assess and monitor the levels of intoxication of patrons
• Sell or serve alcohol responsibly
• Assist customers to drink within appropriate limits
• Assess alcohol-affected customers and identify customers to whom sale or service must be refused
• Refuse to provide alcohol to intoxicated patrons
• Detect and prevent underage drinking
• Understand your and your employers role in complying with the legislation

 

What your Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) test be on?

• Your ability to understand the legislation relating to the responsible service of alcohol and how non compliance can affect employers and employees.
• Your understanding of how to supply alcohol responsible and harm minimisation strategies that can be put in place.
• Assess and monitor the levels of intoxication of patrons
• The ability to apply the requirements/ legislation of responsible service of alcohol to beverage service situations.
• Assist customers to drink within appropriate limits
• Assess alcohol-affected customers and identify customers to whom sale or service must be refused
• Refuse to provide alcohol to intoxicated patrons
• Detect and prevent underage drinking
• Understand your and your employers role in complying with the legislation

 

Is there an exam during the RSA Course?

Unfortunately there’ is a small but straight forward enough exam at the completion of the RSA course. This exam will cover everything you have learnt in relation to the responsible service of alcohol. ( There is a series of multiple choice questions) So if you thought becoming a backpacker would mean your examination days were over, think again!
 

Can I get the RSA certificate / course before I come to Australia?

This is a kind of chicken and egg scenario. If your desired state required class room training, then no you can’t do the training until you arrive. If your state ( QLD, NT, SA & WA) accepts the nationally accredited online RSA certificate you can do the course before arriving.
 

What Jobs Require an RSA?

Any jobs that involve the handling of Alcohol or have to enforce the responsible service of it. Some jobs may vary from state to state but below is a list of positions that you may work as during your working holiday job that require an RSA.

• Bar Staff
• Bottle Shop ( Off License) Attendant
• Room Service Staff
• Glass Collectors ( Bussies)
• Wine Stewards
• Security Staff at Licensed Premises

 

Will my employer pay for the course?

Generally when applying for a bar job / postion that requires an RSA your employer will assume you have a RSA certificate. So by this token it’s quite unlikely that they will pay. But say if you’re a kitchen hand and looking to move to the bar, that could be a possibility.
 

RSA Certificate Short State Summary

New South Wales – All applicants wishing to obtain a rsa certificate in New South Wales must complete a face to face course that has been approved by the NSW liquor Administration Board. To work in a licensed venue in the Sydney CBD or the Kings Cross precinct, you must have a valid Photo Competency Card or a valid Interim Certificate.

Victoria – To work in a licensed venue in Melbourne and greater Victoria you will require a Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulations (VCGLR) RSA Certificate.

Western Australia– The Nationally accredited online training certificate can be taken in Western Australia.

South Australia- The Nationally accredited online training certificate can be taken in South Australia

Northern Territory – See the Department of Justice

Australian Capital Territory – The Nationally accredited online training certificate can be taken in the Australian Capital Territory.

Queensland -The Nationally accredited online training certificate can be taken in Queensland.

Tasmania – The Nationally accredited online training certificate can be taken in Tasmania ( please be careful to ensure your provider is accredited)