Express Online Training

Sign Up | Forgot your password?

Does an RSA expire?

A Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate is an important qualification for any individual looking to work within the alcohol sale or service industry in Australia. This certification ensures that individuals working in the hospitality industry are knowledgeable about the legal requirements and responsibilities associated with serving alcohol, thereby promoting responsible drinking and reducing alcohol-related harm.

A common question among those holding an RSA is whether this certification expires. The answer to “does an RSA expire?” varies depending on the state or territory in which the RSA was obtained. In this article, we’ll explore the specifics of RSA certification across different regions of Australia, providing a comprehensive understanding of its validity and renewal requirements.

Why obtain an RSA?

There are many reasons why obtaining an RSA may be seen as advantageous. Perhaps you’re looking to pursue a career in hospitality and want to stand out as a responsible and knowledgeable candidate. Or maybe you currently work in the industry but don’t yet hold an RSA, and are looking to increase your job opportunities by obtaining this certification. Additionally, possessing an RSA allows individuals to confidently carry out their duties while adhering to legal requirements, giving them peace of mind knowing they are promoting responsible drinking.

Who is required to hold a valid RSA?

A valid RSA is a requirement for a number of different roles across the country. These roles include:

  • bartenders
  • bar staff
  • waiters and waitresses
  • bottle shop attendants
  • security personnel in licensed venues

In most states and territories, it is illegal to serve or sell alcohol without a valid RSA certificate. This means that individuals working in these roles must obtain and maintain their RSA certification in order to continue working legally.

When does an RSA expire?

As mentioned earlier, the answer to this question varies depending on the state or territory in which the RSA was obtained. In many states, an RSA certificate does not have an expiry date and will remain valid indefinitely. However, some states may require individuals to renew their certification after a certain period of time. Let’s take a closer look at the RSA renewal requirements for each state and territory in Australia. Please note, this information is valid as of July 2024.

When does an RSA expire in NSW?

In NSW, an RSA certificate expires 5 years after completion of the course. Before the expiry, you’ll be required to complete a refresher course. Once this refresher course has been successfully completed,  your RSA will be valid for another 5 years.

When does an RSA expire in VIC?

When you obtain your RSA certificate, it will remain valid for use for 3 years from the date of certification. At this point, you will then be required to complete a refresher course in order to continue legally working within the industry.

When does an RSA expire in QLD?

The Queensland RSA certificate does not have an expiration date. This means your QLD RSA will remain legally valid as time passes. However, it’s a good idea to complete a refresher course if it’s been a while since you completed your QLD RSA, or you’ve had a few years out of the industry.

When does an RSA expire in SA?

An RSA certificate in South Australia does not have an expiry date and remains valid indefinitely. However, it is recommended to refresh your knowledge of responsible service of alcohol when you feel it is needed.

When does an RSA expire in WA?

In Western Australia, an RSA certificate does not expire but it is recommended to refresh your knowledge every few years. This is especially important if you have been out of the industry for a while or there have been any changes to liquor laws in WA.

When does an RSA expire in Tasmania?

Tasmanian RSAs do not have an expiration date.  However, it is recommended to refresh your knowledge of responsible service of alcohol every few years. This will ensure that you are up-to-date with any changes in liquor laws and can continue to provide safe and responsible service of alcohol.

When does an RSA expire in ACT?

The ACT RSA certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of completion. As the expiry date approaches, persons that wish to maintain their ACT RSA will need to successfully complete a refresher course.

When does an RSA expire in NT?

A Northern Territory RSA is valid for 3 years. Once this point is reached, a refresher is required to maintain the certification. It is recommended to keep up-to-date with any changes in liquor laws by refreshing your knowledge regularly.

What happens if an RSA expires?

If your RSA certificate does expire, you will need to complete a refresher course in order to renew your certification. This will not only ensure compliance with liquor laws, but also help maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for customers consuming alcohol. It is important to stay on top of any expiration dates and refresh your knowledge regularly, as it is a legal requirement to have a valid RSA when working with alcohol. Failure to do so could also result in fines.

Can I renew my RSA after it expires?

This will depend on the state your RSA was obtained in. For example, in New South Wales, individuals have up to 28 days from the date of competency card expiry to successfully complete their refresher training. Check  with your local liquor authority for specific guidelines on renewing an expired RSA in your state or territory. It is important to note that it is always best practice to stay up-to-date and refreshed on responsible service of alcohol, rather than waiting until the last minute to renew an expired certification. 

What is the RSA interim certificate?

The RSA interim certificate is a temporary certificate that allows individuals to work in licensed premises while waiting for their RSA certificate to be issued. This certificate is typically valid for 90 days and is designed to be used until the individual has received their official certificate.

How do I renew my RSA online?

In many states, it’s possible to renew an RSA online. This can make the process more convenient and efficient, as it can be done from the comfort of your own home. However, it is important to ensure that the online course you are taking is approved by the relevant liquor authority in your state or territory. In addition, some states may require individuals to complete a face-to-face assessment or refresher course in order to renew their RSA. Check with your local liquor authority for specific guidelines on renewing an RSA online in your state or territory. 

Can I complete an RSA certificate online?

Depending on where you live, you may be able to complete your RSA certificate online. Currently, the RSA can be completed online in all states and territories through a registered training organisation (RTO) such as Express Online Training.  An online RSA course provides convenience and flexibility, as individuals can complete the course at their own pace. Express Online Training offers local support, 7 days a week, so you can ask any questions needed as you work through your course. The course can be stopped and resumed as needed, allowing students to complete the course around busy schedules. Switch between computer, tablet, and mobile phone with ease, with your progress automatically saved. We also offer a price beat guarantee, and will beat any competitor price by 10%. Upon successful completion, you’ll be able to download and print the certificate for your RSA qualification.

We hope this article has been helpful in answering the complex question of ‘does an RSA expire?’. As with any courses that can vary state-by-state, the answer to this question depends on where you live. It is always best to check with your local alcohol authority for the most up-to-date information on RSA expiration and renewal requirements in your area. With a bit of research and preparation, you can ensure that you are always compliant with responsible service of alcohol laws and regulations, no matter what state or territory you reside in.

Archives

  • October 2024
  • August 2024
  • June 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • September 2022
  • July 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • Back

    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 cresponsibility to research and confirm you meet the eligibility requirements before commencing work in NSW.