Passing your RSA test needn’t take as long as you might imagine. In fact, it doesn’t even have to take as long the course provider says it will!
Course providers usually give you an estimation of how much time it should take to complete the test, and this can range from 4 to 8 hours.
However, now that I have completed several courses I have discovered some tips and tricks to quickly pass your course!
Click here to see why I recon this is the best RSA online
and check out extra tips for NSW, QLD, WA and SA
Top ten useful tips
1. Don’t try to remember everything
Don’t you love that I just said that? But, its true – this will save you a lot of time!
Use your common sense when it comes to knowing what to memorise and what not to memorise. For example, a lot of courses will give you seemingly endless amounts of numbers, which may seem daunting at first. However, most of these numbers and figures don’t come up in the questions. The main figure that you should definitely take note of is the Standard Drinks figure. The one that comes up the most seems to be: 30mm of 40% alcohol = 10mm of pure alcohol.
NOTE: There is one major exception – The names of the governing bodies for different states and the names and dates of the “Acts” and “regulations”. For some crazy reason they want to know exactly the names and dates of these, like a customer or bar manager is going to ask you, “What is the full name of the governing body and act that deals with the legislation governing the ….” See Tip 5 – Copying and Pasting.
2. Set a decent amount of time aside (I know this sounds ridiculous)
You will need to set yourself a good amount of time to complete the course. Putting yourself under too much pressure to finish too quickly can, ironically, slow you down. I made the mistake of trying to rush more than once. Give yourself time to read the questions properly and take the important points in. The courses I review on this site are designed to step you through the course at a pretty brisk pace – its having to go back and review material that will slow you down.
3. Try not to take too many breaks
Taking too many breaks will disturb your train of thought and eventually lengthen the duration of the course. Once you get into the zone it’s better to just stay in it and do as much as you feel you can. It’s much better to break the course up into 2 or maybe 3 sections, rather than 5 or 6. (Once again I learned this the hard way. Trust me it better to focus and enjoy the process)
4. Know how your own brain takes in information
Some people find it easier to take notes, while others prefer to just read things over a couple of times. Try to find a way that works for you and stick to it. In each test I have done I also include ways that I found work best for that course. For example, you might be able to cut and paste notes.
5. Copying and Pasting
When you come across information in the course that you think may come up as a question, you could just copy and paste into a separate document. This will be a lot quicker than writing everything down. Try not to copy and paste too many things though, or you could end up with too much text to go back through.
6. Find a quiet space away from distractions
Having a quiet area where you can easily focus is very important if you want to pass the course. Turn your phone on silent, tell others you would like some quiet and just concentrate on doing the course. It might be tempting to answer a phone call or maybe have some music on in the background while you’re doing the course, but in the end you’re only getting to end up spending more time trying to finish it.
7. Read each question thoroughly (Super important)
The easiest mistake you can make, and one that will take up a lot of your time, is not reading questions properly. If you misread a question and get the answer wrong, then you will end up reading over the text over and over again looking for the wrong answer – which will take up a huge amount of time. I have also tried hard to reduce the possibly of this happening to you by choosing the best course.
8. Be Prepared
Here are some things to have ready before you start:
- Have Adobe Flash installed, as some courses will include videos.
- Have a pen and some paper ready, just in case you need to take note of something.
- Have a glass of water to hand, in case you get thirsty. It will save you have to pause the course to go get one!
- Be prepared for a nice mix of Questions and Answers
- Have somewhere comfortable to sit, most courses take around 3 hours, so it’s important that you’re comfortable.
9. Have Two Windows Open
You didn’t hear it from me, but some systems will allow you to log in twice and have two windows open at the same time. This can make passing a lot faster than getting questions wrong and having to go back and find the right answer. Before you begin your RSA course it’s worth trying to see if you can do this.
10. Check out my reviews on the RSA courses I’ve completed
Every course is different and each it’s own shortcuts. I have put together some useful tips on how to quickly pass each course I have reviewed, so if you do these courses and have my review open at the same time, you could save about an hour!
Click here for the overall Best RSA Course Online for QLD, WA, NT, SA, TAS and ACT
Good Luck and Have Fun!