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Australian Bartending License: Training and Requirements

The Australian bartending license is called the Responsible Service of Alcohol (or RSA). This bartending certificate is a requirement to legally sell and/or serve alcohol in licensed premises throughout Australia. No matter the state or territory you live in, you will be required to obtain an RSA if you wish to commence working as a bartender at a licensed premise.

Why do you need an RSA?

The RSA could be seen as a bartender license course that will provide you with the information required to legally and responsibly serve or sell alcohol. It is a mandatory certification that must be held by bartenders within an Australian licensed premise. While some states allow a short grace period for obtaining your RSA, many require you to hold the certificate before you can start working. If a person is found to be serving or selling alcohol in a licensed venue, without an RSA, fines can apply.

Several topics are covered within an RSA course. The course will train attendees on how to identify customers who should be legally refused service (including underage drinkers and intoxicated patrons). It will also teach you how to prepare and serve alcoholic drinks in a responsible manner, how to assist customers to drink responsibly, and how to assist customers who are alcohol affected.

Where can you complete an RSA?

The great news is that all states allow you to complete an RSA online.

Express Online Training has been approved by Liquor & Gaming NSW to deliver RSA Online NSW courses, and by the Tasmanian Government Department of Treasury and Finance to deliver RSA Online TAS courses. We have also provide RSA Victoria courses online.

This means that as of October 2020, the RSA course is available online for each state and territory, through Express Online Training.

It is vital to ensure that you complete your RSA bartender certificate through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Express Online Training is a nationally accredited RTO and our RTO number is 40592. We regularly undergo compliance audits and are fully accredited with and recognised by ASQA, Liquor & Gaming NSW, plus relevant State and Federal bodies.

Developing a career in the industry

If you enjoy working within the liquor and entertainment industry, you may be wondering how to progress your career in it. Like many industries, there are multiple trajectories you can take to advance your career. For example, you may wish to focus on honing your cocktail making skills. If this is the case, you might be looking to undertake a cocktail course (or two!). Alternatively, you may wish to progress into venue management. If so, then an events management or business qualification could help you to obtain the skillset needed. Don’t be afraid to do a little research and find out the pathways that can lead you towards your goals!

Want to learn more about completing the RSA bartender certificate? Check out our article on 7 Tips to Pass Your RSA Certificate. Express Online Training is a fully accredited, nationally recognised Registered Training Organisation. Our online RSA courses are designed to be completed on all devices, from phones to tablets to laptops, and you can stop and resume your course at any time! We also provide extended support hours, 7 days a week. 

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RSA Competency Check

Have you completed an accredited RSA course previously?

Do you hold any of the following?

Current or Recently Expired NSW RSA Competency Card

If you have a current Competency Card you cannot re-complete the course to renew it while it is current. This includes any learners in the 28 day renewal period or who have a current NSW RSA Competency Card endorsement but have not received their card.

You can check if you have a Current Competency Card or endorsement here

If you choose to continue you must declare below that you understand that your existing competency card endorsement(s) will not be renewed. By continuing you accept responsibility for providing correct and accurate information about your NSW RSA currency and understand that should you be found ineligible to undertake the course or renew your NSW RSA you may not be entitled to a refund.

NSW RSA Interim Certificate issued within 5 years from the "Valid for duties date"

If you have a current NSW RSA interim certificate issued within 5 years from the "Valid for duties" you cannot complete the NSW RSA course again. You must visit a Service NSW centre with your Interim Certificate to obtain your card.

You can check if you have a Current Competency Card or endorsement here

By continuing you accept responsibility for providing correct and accurate information about your NSW RSA currency, understanding that this will not renew your NSW RSA and that should you be found ineligible to undertake or renew your NSW RSA by completing the course you may not be entitled to a refund.

Is your RSA current and issued by a Registered Training Organisation or a state/territory approved training organisation?

Are you planning to reside permanently in NSW?

You may be eligible to receive the NSW RSA by completing a bridging course

If you wish to apply to Liquor & Gaming NSW to complete their RSA bridging course, please note that EOT cannot confirm if your interstate RSA will be accepted, and it is your responsibility to research and confirm you meet the eligibility requirements.

You may be eligible to work temporarily in NSW using your current RSA

If you wish to temporarily work in NSW under Automatic Mutual Recognition, please note that EOT cannot confirm if your interstate RSA is eligible, and it is your responsibility to research and confirm you meet the eligibility requirements before commencing work in NSW.