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.
