An RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate lasts for 5 years in NSW and most parts of Australia. After this period, it expires automatically, and you must complete an RSA refresher course to stay legally eligible to work in licensed venues such as bars, clubs, pubs, restaurants, and events. If your RSA expires, you cannot legally serve alcohol until it is renewed.
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What Is an RSA Certificate?
The full form of RSA is Responsible Service of Alcohol. In a nutshell, it’s your license to responsibly handle, sell, or serve alcohol in Australia. It’s more than just a piece of paper; it’s a legal document confirming you’ve been trained to minimise alcohol-related harm.
Why is it legally required? Because the government wants to ensure that everyone working in the industry understands their obligations to the community specifically, how to prevent intoxication, deal with minors, and stop service when necessary.
Who needs RSA? Anyone whose job duties involve alcohol. This includes:
- Bar staff (bartenders, bar attendants)
- Wait staff (serving alcohol in restaurants)
- Bottle shop workers (selling alcohol for off-premises consumption)
- Security guards working in licensed venues
- Managers and supervisors of licensed premises
- Event staff at festivals and catered events
If your job description includes handling a drop of alcohol, you need an RSA meaning you need the qualification.
How Long Does an RSA Last?
This is the million-dollar question. For those working in NSW, the standard RSA validity is 5 years. Once you complete your initial training and receive your photo competency card, you’re set for five full years.
However, the validity in other states can be different. Some states, like Queensland (QLD), have RSA qualifications that are valid indefinitely, while others, like Victoria (VIC), may have alternative refresher requirements. Always remember that state laws are not always cut from the same cloth.
Why do expiry rules exist? The industry and its regulations are always changing. The expiry rule ensures that every worker is up-to-date with current laws, policies, and best practices. If your RSA expires, you’ve essentially fallen behind the regulatory curve and are no longer qualified.
What Happens If Your RSA Expires?
When your RSA expires, it’s a serious issue that can put both you and your employer in hot water.
First and foremost, you cannot legally work in any position that requires alcohol service. It’s that simple. If you are caught, ignorance is no defence. Your employer operates on the assumption that every staff member is legally qualified.
If an employer is found to have a staff member working with an expired RSA, the employer penalties can be steep. They face hefty fines and potential action against their liquor license, which could be closing their doors for good. This often leads to immediate work suspension scenarios for the individual involved.
In short, letting your RSA lapse is simply not worth the risk.
How to Renew Your RSA (Step-by-Step)
If you are nearing the end of your five-year window, you’ll be glad to know that the renewal process is much smoother than the initial training.
You’re typically allowed to renew your RSA within 90 days before or after its expiry date. The course you need is the RSA Refresher course.
- Check Your Card: Verify the expiry date on your NSW photo competency card.
- Book the Refresher: Enrol in an official RSA Refresher course with an approved provider like us. These are often completed online, making the process incredibly flexible.
- Complete the Course: The refresher is a shorter, focused course that updates your knowledge.
- Receive the New Card: After successful completion, your new certificate and updated photo competency card details will be issued. The entire process, from course to certificate, is generally quite fast.
Don’t wait until the last minute; it’s always better to cross the bridge before you come to it.
How to Check If Your RSA Is Still Valid
It’s easy to let the expiry date slip your mind. Fortunately, checking the validity of your RSA is straightforward:
- Check Expiry Online: For NSW RSA, you can check the expiry of your photo competency card on the Liquor & Gaming NSW website using your personal details.
- Check Your Details: You generally need your name, date of birth, and possibly the card number.
- Lost Certificate: If you have lost your certificate, don’t panic! Your qualification is tied to your details on the regulatory body’s database. You can usually apply for a replacement photo competency card through the appropriate state authority.
Is RSA Valid Across All Australian States?
RSA validity is generally based on the state where you work, not where you trained.
- NSW vs VIC vs QLD validity: While every state has its own RSA requirement, most Australian states and territories (with the exception of Victoria) accept the national training package unit SITHFAB021 (formerly SITHFAB002).
- Is NSW RSA valid interstate? Often, yes, but with a major caveat. If you trained in NSW, your qualification may be recognised in a different state (like QLD or WA) under mutual recognition. However, you must always check the specific rules of the state you move to, as they may require you to register your NSW qualification with them or complete a short, state-specific bridging course.
- Transfer Rules: Don’t assume your card works everywhere. Always dot the i’s and cross the t’s before starting work interstate.
Difference Between New RSA & RSA Refresher
Understanding the difference between the two courses is crucial for proper renewal:
New RSA | RSA Refresher |
For individuals entering the industry for the first time. | For individuals whose current RSA is expired or expiring. |
A comprehensive course covering all foundational knowledge and legal aspects. | A shorter, focused update course on key legal and procedural changes. |
Involves a longer learning commitment to cover all elements of the unit. | Faster and generally cheaper because it assumes prior knowledge. |
How Long Does an RSA Course Take?
The time commitment depends entirely on the course type you choose:
- New RSA Course (Online): Typically takes 4 to 6 hours to complete the online modules and assessments, depending on your pace and prior knowledge.
- New RSA Course (Classroom): Generally involves a full day of face-to-face training (around 6-8 hours).
- RSA Refresher Course (Online): Significantly faster, often taking around 1 to 2 hours as it focuses only on the necessary updates.
Certificate Processing: Once you complete the course, your training provider will process your results. If you complete an online course, you often receive a certificate of attainment same-day, allowing you to start work almost immediately.
Who Needs to Renew RSA Most Often?
Anyone whose job requires alcohol service is subject to the five-year renewal cycle. However, some roles are more acutely dependent on a valid RSA:
- Bar staff
- Security guards working in licensed premises
- Bottle shop workers
- Event staff
- Managers
For these professionals, an expired RSA means no work, making timely renewal a business necessity.
Don’t let an expired card stop you from taking your next shift.
If you’re ready to update your qualification or getting started for the first time, MultiSec offers an approved rsa course designed to get you job-ready quickly and reliably. Stay certified, stay employable, and stay ahead.
Book your RSA Refresher Course today with MultiSec Training!
We offer NSW-approved training with online and classroom options, meaning you can often get your updated certificate same-day and get back to work without delay. Keep your career in the fast lane, renew now!
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FAQ’s
Q1. Does RSA expire automatically?
Yes. After the designated validity period (5 years in NSW), it expires automatically.
Q2. Can I work with an expired RSA?
Absolutely not. Working with an expired RSA breaches the law.
Q3. Is RSA valid for life?
No. In NSW and most states, it is valid for a defined period (usually 5 years) and requires renewal.
Q4. How early can I renew my RSA?
You can typically complete the RSA Refresher course up to 90 days before your card expires.
Q5. Is online RSA refresher accepted?
Yes, provided the course is delivered by an RTO approved by the relevant state authority (like Liquor & Gaming NSW).
