You may not know it, but running or managing a business that sells or serves alcohol in New South Wales comes with significant responsibility. Whether you’re opening a bar, managing a pub, or operating a bottle shop, you’ll need the right training to meet the legal requirements. This is where the licensee course comes in.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about completing a licensee course NSW, including what a licensing qualification is, how to become a licensee NSW, and the practical steps you’ll need to take along the way.
What is a licensee course?
A licensee course (sometimes also called a liquor licensee course) is specialist training required in NSW for people who want to hold a liquor licence or be appointed as a licensee, approved manager, club secretary, or a number of other roles. It builds on the knowledge gained in the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course, with a large focus on compliance, management, and legal responsibilities of the holder.
The training is designed to ensure that anyone responsible for running licensed premises understands liquor laws, community safety requirements, and how to minimise alcohol-related harm – three important facets of roles involving alcohol sale and service.
What is a licensing qualification?
A licensing qualification is the formal training you must complete to be eligible to apply for certain licences in NSW. For liquor licensing, the qualification is known as the Licensee Training Course. It’s delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that are approved by Liquor & Gaming NSW.
Completing this qualification shows you have the knowledge and skills to:
- Manage a licensed venue responsibly
- Comply with NSW liquor laws and regulations
- Understand the risks associated with alcohol service
- Put harm-minimisation strategies in place
- Handle compliance checks and enforcement
Without this licensee course qualification, you won’t be able to be named as the licensee or manager of a licensed premises in NSW.
Who needs to complete the licensee course?
You must complete the NSW licensee course course if you are applying to be:
- A licensee (the individual who holds the liquor licence)
- An approved manager (a person appointed to manage or supervise the venue on behalf of the licensee)
- A club secretary (for registered clubs)
If you are working in a licensed venue but not in a managerial role, you’ll likely only need your RSA. Wondering if you need to complete a licensee course? Use the Liquor & Gaming NSW tool to check to see which qualification you need.
How do I become a licensee in NSW?
To become a licensee in NSW, you’ll need to follow several steps:
Step 1: Complete the RSA course
This is the entry-level requirement for anyone working in an environment where alcohol is served. You’ll need to successfully complete your RSA before you can complete your licensee qualification. You may also need to complete an Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) course, if you’ll be working in a venue with gambling or pokies machines.
Step 2: Complete the licensee training course
This is mandatory for anyone applying to be a licensee, approved manager, or club secretary. Some RTOs (like Express Online Training) provide the licensee course online, allowing students to complete the course from the comfort of their own home.
Step 3: Apply for your licence through Liquor & Gaming NSW
Once training is completed, you’ll need to lodge an application online, pay the required fees, and provide all necessary documents to Liquor & Gaming NSW.
Step 4: Receive approval and commence as a licensee
When you’ve been approved, you’ll legally hold the responsibility of managing the licensed premises.
What does the licensee course cover?
The licensee course in NSW is designed to be practical and comprehensive. In this course, you can expect to learn about:
- Managing your liquor licence
- An overview of liquor regulation in NSW
- Compliance and enforcement
- Best practice strategies to prevent alcohol-related harm
- Your responsibilities regarding the managing alcohol-related harms
The goal of the training is to ensure licensees can confidently operate a venue in NSW that is both compliant and safe.
How long does the NSW licensee course take?
The licensee course generally takes one full day to complete, or 6 to 8 hours of study. Some in-person courses may be spread across two shorter sessions, whereas online NSW licensee courses can typically be paused and resumed as needed.
Where can I complete the licensee course?
The licensee course can only be completed with Liquor & Gaming NSW–approved training providers. These providers are RTOs that meet strict compliance standards. To find an approved provider, you can visit the Liquor & Gaming NSW website, which maintains an up-to-date list.
Express Online Training offers the Licensee Training Course online, with learning taking place through a virtual classroom. Our course fee includes the required NSW Competency Card, and study can commence as soon as you’re enrolled.
Common questions about the licensee course in NSW
Is the licensee course the same as RSA?
No. RSA stands for Responsible Service of Alcohol, and is the basic training required for all staff serving alcohol. The licensee course is a higher-level qualification designed for people in management or ownership roles.
Do I need both RSA and the licensee course?
Yes. You must hold a current RSA to be eligible to undertake the NSW licensee course.
How much does the licensee course cost?
The price of your licensee course will vary depending on the training provider. However, you can generally expect to pay between $350 and $450. As of October 2025, Express Online Training offers the NSW Licensee Training Course for $350. This can be paid in 4 interest-free payments with Afterpay.
Can I complete the licensee course online?
Some RTOs offer the NSW licensee training course online, allowing students to complete the course in their own time. Express Online Training is one of these RTOs. It’s important to check with your chosen RTO to see which options they offer before you commence training.
Does the licensee qualification expire?
Yes, the NSW licensee qualification remains valid for five years from course completion. After this time, you’ll need to complete a refresher course in order to continue holding your qualification.
Why choose Express Online Training for your licensee course?
There are several reasons why you may wish to choose to complete your NSW licensee course with Express Online Training. Our course comes with an automatic RSA renewal, plus an RCG renewal (after the completion of a short refresher), and there’s no extra to pay for the NSW Competency Card. Our support team is locally-based and fully qualified, so you can contact us with any questions you may have about the course. With our licensee course, you can easily download and print an interim certificate upon completion, plus you can do the entirety of your study online. We also have a 1 Day Money Back Guarantee, meaning students sit and pass the course in 1 day or get a 100% refund.
Completing a NSW licensee course is an essential step for anyone wanting to operate a licensed venue in NSW. From understanding liquor laws to managing compliance and prioritising community safety, the course equips you with knowledge while also meeting legal obligations.
If you’re planning to become a licensee,secure your RSA, then enrol in an approved licensee course with a registered provider. Once complete, you’ll be one step closer to confidently taking on the responsibilities of managing a NSW licensed venue with confidence.