What Is An RSA In Australia?

Gabby Boucher

March 25th, 2024

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6 minute read

RSA in Australia stands for “Responsible Service of Alcohol”, which is a training course and certificate that allows you to sell and serve alcohol Down Under. Anyone hoping to work in an industry that involves serving alcohol must have an RSA in Australia. So if you’re a student looking for part-time work or a backpacker on a working holiday visa, it’s important to know how an RSA works before you get a job in a restaurant, bar, or other similar venue.

Here is everything you need to know about getting your RSA in Australia!

What is an RSA in Australia?

An RSA in Australia is a certification that allows you to sell, supply, and serve alcohol. It’s a must-have for most hospitality jobs including bars, restaurants, hotels, hostels, yachts, and nightclubs. You won't need an RSA if your hospitality job doesn't serve alcohol, such as a cafe or breakfast venue.

Luckily, the RSA course is very straightforward and attainable so it shouldn’t stop you from getting that fun, social hospitality job in Australia! It actually gives you a better understanding of the liquor laws in Australia so you can serve people drinks safely and responsibly. 

How do I get RSA in Australia?

You can get your RSA in Australia via an online or in-person course, though the online course is definitely the easiest option. Here are the steps to getting your RSA online in Australia:

1. Find an approved training provider online

Do a Google Search for “online RSA course in (your state)”, or something similar. Each state has its own approved RSA websites, so make sure you search for the state you intend to work in. 

Eot.edu.au is the most popular accredited website for getting your Australian RSA online. If you find a different website and you’re unsure whether it's an approved training provider, you can also search via the official government websites for your state. 

2. Create an account

You will need to create an account for your RSA training course online. This is usually a quick and easy process, although you may need to provide identity documents and contact information in Australia. Just have all your documents handy when registering for your online RSA course to help the process run more smoothly.

3. Complete the course

The RSA course in Australia can be completed online in just a few hours. The content of the course will vary depending on which state RSA you are applying for. Most RSA courses consist of multiple choice and a few open-ended questions about how to respond in certain situations with customers. 

Make sure you read through the local laws carefully and study the content so you can further your knowledge of serving alcohol in Australia! Try to avoid just zipping through the course as fast as possible. It's all valuable information that will only make you better and more confident in your job!

4. Receive your RSA certification

After completing the online course, you will have your Responsible Service of Alcohol certification! Each course will have its own way of presenting you with your certificate.

For example, NSW RSA courses will send you a digital interim certificate. Then you have to visit a NSW Service Centre to get your photo taken for an official RSA competency card. Other states are more lenient and will just email you the RSA certificate a few days after completing the course.

Is RSA Mandatory in Australia?

Yes, an RSA is mandatory in Australia for any jobs that involve selling or supplying alcohol. Every employer is different and some jobs may not agree to hire you until you can show them your RSA. Other employers may be more lax and won’t enquire about your RSA. However, it’s illegal to serve alcohol without an RSA and you or the establishment could get fined without enforcing the rule. So just be safe and get your RSA, and always have it on you while you’re at work.

You may also want to get a Responsible Service of Gaming (RSG) certificate if you’re working in a bar or pub that has gambling facilities (locals call them “the pokies”). Consider a joint online course that combines your RSA and RSG if you want to work in a classic Aussie pub!

Do I have to be 18 to get an RSA?

You don’t necessarily have to be 18 to get your RSA in Australia, though many establishments may only hire staff who are 18+. It just depends on the specific RSA course and the venue where you’re hoping to work. Some RSA courses accept students aged 16+, so just check the course requirements and ask the managers at the venue if there are any age restrictions for staff. 

If you’re a backpacker on a Working Holiday Visa in Australia, you have to be at least 18 years old anyway. So most backpackers should have no issue getting their RSA in Australia!

How long is an Australian RSA valid for?

The RSA in Australia is valid for 3-5 years depending on the state. You will be notified via email when your RSA is about to expire so you can reapply. It’s important to note that your RSA may only be valid for certain Australian states, so if you move to a different state you might need a new RSA even if your current RSA is still valid. Just make sure you double-check the rules of your RSA so you know where and when it’s valid!

For example, the New South Wales RSA is only valid in NSW and lasts for 5 years. The Victoria RSA is also only valid in VIC and lasts for 5 years. For Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, and South Australia, you can get a combined RSA for all 4 states that never expires but has to be renewed every 3 years. Tasmania and ACT have a variety of different options.

How much does an RSA cost?

The cost of your RSA in Australia will depend on the state, but most courses cost between $25 and $120 AUD. That’s a pretty big range, but the RSA for NSW is the only expensive one. An RSA in NSW costs around $100 - $120 AUD. 

And why is the RSA for New South Wales so expensive? It’s hard to be sure, but it’s the most highly populated state in Australia and is a hotspot for uni students, backpackers, expats, travellers, and professionals. About one-third of all Australians live in NSW, particularly in the bustling city of Sydney! There is no shortage of jobs in Sydney and other NSW hubs like Wollongong or Byron Bay, so the RSA is more expensive. 

Victoria has the next highest RSA cost at around $45 AUD. It’s only around $20 - $25 AUD for an RSA in Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory. 

Check out our other Working Holiday Tips to make the most of your time in Australia!