The Short Answer: Technically Yes for some States and No for other States.
However if you are seeking employment, to actually get offered a job in the first place you will most likely need it. In this article we discuss why States have different policies and why you should get one if you are seeking employment.
Queensland for example, has a 30 day grace period from employment however in NSW you must have one before you start work.
For a chart of which states have grace periods and which states do not see our FAQs
If you are looking for employment where you are serving alcohol in Australia its going to be to your advantage to get an RSA certificate BEFORE you look for work.
Whether in a bar, restaurant, the corner beer store, at events or even on airlines, the laws in Australia mandates that you take the Responsible Service of Alcohol training.
Regardless of your position:
- Waiting staff
- Trained to become a sommelier
- Moonlight as a bar-tender on the weekends
- Server at events
For more information, tips to pass and how they work check out these states – NSW, QLD, WA and SA.
As part of the hospitality training package under the Australian Qualifications Framework, AQF, it is your responsibility as staff to minimize the harm that imbibing or overdosing may eventually cause. And it is mandatory for establishments to hire only people who have had the training or intend to take it as soon as they are employed. The RSA course aims to limit the problems caused by intoxication, drunk driving as well as underage drinking.
Establishments that serve liquor on their premises prefer that employees have an RSA training as it imparts responsibility, lowers their liquor liability insurance premium and most of all, reduces the chances of damages crimes due to over-indulging in alcohol.
The RSA training program teaches people how to differentiate among those who are enjoying their drinks from those who’ve had enough and need to stop. They are trained in skills to effectively identify under-age drinkers and avoid getting into trouble with the law by refusing them alcohol in the first place; intervene if they spot a brawl brewing and diffuse tense situations.
The National Alcohol Strategy devised by the Australian Federal Government aims at minimizing harm caused by alcohol at various levels and age groups.
In your search for the course, you will have to be mindful that only registered training organizations can conduct the course and give certifications that would hold any value in securing an employment in the hospitality sector. The RSA is mandated by Federal Government but each state has its own policies when it comes to regulating the sale of liquor as well as determining what forms the curriculum in an RSA training program. In Queensland, for instance, all courses have to be approved by the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing.
Depending on the policies of the state, RSA training can last anything from two to six hours, at the end of which as assessment determines if the participants have all the skills required to qualify for a certificate. Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia recognize RSA training done online, Victoria and New South Wales do not; certificate seekers will have to register and attend a training course in person to qualify.
Employees in the hospitality sector, including managers, bartenders, glass collectors, room service and floor staff have thirty days after starting on their jobs, to get certified and the certification lasts three years from the date it is achieved. You will have to take training and have the certification anew after that.
So, to answer the question, do you need an RSA training before you start a job, the answer, technically will is, maybe. But it does increase your chances of finding employment if you have the certificate.
Thanks for the info – I need this course to help land a job!
Living in perth WA do I need a RSA to serve acholol or can I work in the bar for 28 days without one.
Hi Andree – Yes you do. Fortunately it is all to easy with an online course.
can a rsa be used immediately or is there a time period between getting and using
Hi Deb, It is immediate. In NSW for example you will get an interim certificate before you get a competency card.
If you are a bar owner and employ staff who have an RSA competence card will I need one to be able to help serve if I need to occasionally.
Generally yes. It depends on the state exactly what you will need. For example, in Queensland it sounds like you would need a RMLV – Responsible Manager – https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/hospitality-tourism-sport/liquor-gaming/liquor/training/management-compliance/management-training What state are you in?
Hi! Do you need an RSA if you work in the dishroom/kitchen or picking up glasses in a licensed venue?
Thanks!
Hi Jaimi, Which state? QLD for example is, “any staff member of the licensed premises who is involved in the service or supply of liquor at the premises. This includes bartenders, glass collectors, floor staff and room service staff.” Hope that helps!
Hi I work in a cafe in NSW we are about to obtain out liquor license and I wanted to know if I was a wait staff collecting empty glasses from tables do I need to do my RSA training
Thanks
Anne
Hi Cain, If you have anything to do with selling or supplying (like bring it to the table) yes you need a RSA. If you are just clearing glasses – no. In many jobs it is hard not to end up running things to the table to help out when it is busy so I would get it. https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/working-in-the-industry/training-to-work-in-the-industry/getting-trained/training-courses