Those that have applied for jobs in bars, pubs, or bottleshops before have probably seen the three little letters pop up over and over: RSA. If you’re trying to get a job quickly, you might be thinking “how long does it take to get an RSA certificate?”.
The good news is that getting an RSA in Australia is pretty quick and straightforward. Oftentimes, an RSA can be studied online, and in many cases, completed the same day you enrol.
Let’s take a deeper dive into how quickly you can get your RSA, and answer a few FAQs about the qualification.
What is an RSA certificate?
It’s probably a good idea to explain what an RSA is first! RSA stands for Responsible Service of Alcohol, and it’s a mandatory certificate for a number of roles within Australia. An RSA must be obtained through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This qualification is a legal requirement for anyone who sells, serves, or supplies alcohol in licensed venues across the country, including roles in:
- Bars and pubs
- Restaurants and cafes that serve alcohol
- Nightclubs
- Bottleshops and liquor stores
- Events and festivals that serve alcohol
- Hotels and clubs
This qualification proves that you understand how to legally and safely serve alcohol in Australia. The course itself covers subjects like checking ID, recognising intoxication, refusing service as needed, relevant liquor laws, and methods of reducing alcohol-related harm.
After you’ve successfully completed the RSA certificate, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment for the nationally recognised unit called “Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol”. This is the document employers want to see you have.
How long does it take to get an RSA certificate?
This is the big question. Thankfully, the question is typically: very quickly.
Online vs in-person RSA courses
Online RSA courses tend to be the faster option for gaining your RSA qualification as you can often enrol and begin working through the content straight away. This way you can complete any assessments without having to leave your home.
In-person RSA courses usually take a full day (or two half-days), and are dependent on class availability and timing. You’ll need to study at times chosen for you by the provider. This option can be good if you prefer a face-to-face learning structure, but it’s not always the quickest option if you’re in a hurry.
A one-day course
For in-person courses, the RSA should take you around a day to complete. Some courses may be broken down into two half-day classes, depending on where you choose to study. For most online RSA courses, the total learning time is around 6 hours. Online courses are typically self-paced, so you can complete it in one longer sitting, over a few shorter sessions, or spread out over a weekend. If you’re feeling motivated and you have the time, it’s absolutely possible to start your RSA certificate in the morning and finish it by the afternoon.
When do I get the RSA certificate?
This will depend slightly on where you live and the provider you use. Express Online Training issues your certificate the same day you pass. Some RTOs may take 1 to 2 business days to process the certificate and send it through. For those obtaining the RSA certificate in NSW, you’ll typically receive an interim certificate, with the official card being processed separately.
If you’re urgently applying for a job or require the certificate immediately, it could be worth choosing a provider that offers same-day certificates.
How do you get an RSA certificate in Australia?
The process for obtaining an RSA certificate in Australia is fairly straightforward.
Step 1: Choose an RTO
All valid RSA certificates must be obtained through an accredited provider. Not all cheap online courses are legitimate, so check to make sure any study you do is through an RTO. If a course only offers an “attendance certificate” or “certificate of completion”, there’s a good chance it’s not valid. You’ll need to make sure your provider offers a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment.
Step 2: Enrol in the RSA course
If you choose to study your RSA online, you may be able to enrol instantly. This means you can begin the course as soon as you want or need to. Most RTOs will need you to create an account to do this, and you’ll likely need to provide copies of identification documents. With Express Online Training, you can start now and pay later, getting immediate access to the course materials when you enrol.
Step 3: Complete the training and assessment
To complete your RSA training, you’ll generally need to read through modules, watch short videos, and complete quizzes and assessments. Some RSA certificates may include scenario-based questions designed to test your knowledge of real-world situations. At Express Online Training, we offer support 7 days a week including until late on weekdays, so you can get in touch whenever you need assistance.
Step 4: Receive your RSA certificate
Once you’ve successfully completed your RSA course, you’ll be issued with an RSA certificate.This certificate can be downloaded, emailed to your employer, or printed out and used as needed.
How much does an RSA cost in Australia?
The cost of an RSA course differs depending on the state or territory, chosen RTO, and delivery method (whether the course is online or in-person). Here’s a general guide of what you can expect to pay:
How much does an RSA certificate NSW cost?
The cost of a NSW RSA certificate typically ranges from $120 to $200. Some RTOs (such as Express Online Training) offer the RSA Online NSW, allowing students to study their NSW RSA certificate online. The Express Online Training RSA Online is $129. In NSW, the RSA certificate is issued through approved providers linked to Service NSW. It’s also the only state where an interim certificate is issued first, before an official competency card is issued.
How much does an RSA certificate QLD cost?
The QLD RSA tends to be one of the more affordable RSAs to obtain in Australia. This RSA typically costs somewhere between $25 and $100, with online courses leaning on the more affordable side. At Express Online Training, a student can complete the RSA Online QLD for $29.
How much does an RSA certificate VIC cost?
The Victoria RSA certificate can be completed either online or in person. Online Victoria RSAs are around $35 to $80, while in-person RSAs tend to cost a little bit more.Express Online Training offers the RSA VIC online for $39. The state of Victoria has its own set of rules and refresher requirements relating to the RSA, so make sure you’re aware of this if you hold an RSA for use in Victoria.
How much does an RSA certificate WA cost?
The Western Australia RSA is another particularly affordable course (like Queensland). Like other states, the online WA course is typically a little cheaper than in-person study, with online WA RSAs around $25 to $70 and in-person WA RSAs around $50 to $100. Express Online Training offers the RSA Online WA for $29.
How much does an RSA certificate SA cost?
The online RSA SA course is also affordable. These certificates tend to range from $25 to $70, with in-person classes costing a little more at $50 to $100. Express Online Training is an RTO providing the RSA Online SA for $29.
How much does an RSA certificate TAS cost?
The Tasmania RSA certificate can be completed either online or in person. In-person TAS RSAs typically cost a little more, with prices around the $60 to $120 mark. Online RSA courses in this state are cheaper, around $40 to $70. Express Online Training offers the RSA Online TAS for $45.
How much does an RSA certificate ACT cost?
The ACT RSA is also quite affordable. Online TAS RSAs cost between $25 and $40, and in-person classes typically sit around $60 to $100. At Express Online Training, we offer the RSA Online ACT for just $29.
How much does an RSA certificate NT cost?
An RSA in NT is another affordable RSA. In-person classes here cost around $50 to $100, while online NT RSA courses range from $25 to $50. Express Online Training offers a fully-online RSA Online NT course for just $29.
Is an RSA certificate valid forever?
The continued validity of an RSA depends upon the state or territory that issues it. For example:
For Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, RSAs have no fixed expiration date. However, in saying this, refresher training is recommended if it’s been a while since you obtained your RSA (particularly if you’ve been out of the industry).
For Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory, RSAs remain valid for three years from the date of certification. After this time, you’ll need to complete a refresher course in order to continue working within the alcohol sale and service industry.
New South Wales RSA certificates expire five years after completion of the course. At this time, you’ll need to complete a refresher course in order to continue legally working within the industry.
Even if your RSA hasn’t expired, some employers may ask you to complete a refresher course if it’s been a few years since you obtained your RSA qualification.
Can you use your RSA in other states?
Whether or not you can use your RSA in other states will depend on the state/territory you obtained your RSA in, and the state/territory you wish to work in.
Where is a Queensland RSA valid?
A Queensland RSA is valid for use in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania.
Where is a Western Australia RSA valid?
A Western Australia RSA is valid for use in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania.
Where is a New South Wales RSA valid?
The RSA Online NSW from Express Online Training is valid for use in all states across Australia.
Where is a South Australia RSA valid?
A South Australia RSA is valid for use in South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania.
Where is a Northern Territory RSA valid?
A Northern Territory RSA is valid for use in the Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania.
Where is a Tasmania RSA valid?
A Tasmania RSA is valid in Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Where is an Australian Capital Territory RSA valid?
An Australian Capital Territory RSA is valid in the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania.
Where is a Victoria RSA valid?
A Victoria RSA is valid in Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia.
If you’re planning on moving states and working in the alcohol sale and service industry, check with the applicable liquor authority before enrolling in your RSA course.
Is getting an RSA worth it?
For those that are wanting to work in the hospitality or alcohol sale and service industry, the answer is almost always “yes”. An RSA certificate opens doors to casual, part-time, and full-time work opportunities across bars, restaurants, licensed events, and venues across Australia. The course itself is relatively inexpensive, quick to complete, and typically needs to be successfully completed before you start your first shift in the industry.
If you’re short on time and want to get your RSA quickly, online RSA training tends to be a good bet. This is because you can enroll straight away and begin your course at a time that works best for you. With in-person courses, you’ll need to complete the course at the specific time outlined by the course provider. Many Australians can complete their RSA in a single day, meaning they can have their certificate (or interim certificate) ready to show employers almost straight away.
As long as you choose a legitimate, accredited provider, and check to make sure the course meets your state’s requirements, getting your RSA should be relatively stress-free, pretty inexpensive, and fast.
