The Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification is an essential requirement for individuals in Australia working in environments where alcohol is served, sold, or promoted. If you’re interested in obtaining yours, one common question can be “how much does an RSA cost?”. The RSA course cost varies significantly, depending on the state or territory you’ll be working in.
In today’s article, we’ll provide an informative summary of the RSA certificate cost where you live, and answer a number of frequently asked questions relating to the course.
What is an RSA?
An RSA stands for the Responsible Service of Alcohol. It is a qualification that is mandatory for anyone working in the alcohol service industry. The short course aims to educate and provide individuals with the necessary skills to responsibly serve, sell and promote alcohol in a safe environment.
What does the RSA certificate cover?
The content covered in an RSA course can vary slightly depending on the state or territory you are located in. However, generally, it covers topics such as:
- Understanding the effects of alcohol on individuals
- Identifying and managing intoxicated customers
- Implementing harm minimisation strategies
- Legal responsibilities and obligations as an RSA holder
- Refusal of service and underage drinking laws
Who might need an RSA?
There are a number of roles and job positions that require individuals to hold an RSA certificate. Some examples include:
- Bartenders and bar staff
- Waiters and waitresses in licensed venues
- Security personnel at events or festivals
- Retail staff in bottle shops or liquor stores
What factors affect the RSA cost?
Many factors can play a role in the cost of an RSA certificate. These may include:
Mode of delivery
The mode in which your RSA is delivered will typically have an impact on the RSA course cost. Often, completing an RSA online is a bit cheaper than in-person courses. This is due to the lack of need for a physical space and additional resources. Just keep in mind that not all RSAs can be delivered online.
Discounts or offers
Occasionally, training providers may offer discounts or promotions on their RSA courses. Keep an eye out for these as they can help reduce the overall cost of the certificate. For example, we promise to
The training provider
Who you choose to complete your RSA training through will also impact the RSA cost. Different registered training organisations (RTOs) have different pricing, so it’s a good idea to do a little research before committing to a course.
Additional materials or resources
Some RSA courses may come with added resources, study materials, or support that they charge extra for. With Express Online Training, we provide all necessary RSA resources and materials at no extra cost to you. This means you won’t have to worry about unexpected fees when signing up for your RSA course with us.
How much does an RSA cost?
As mentioned earlier, the cost of an RSA course can vary depending on your location. We’ve explained some of the factors that may cause the cost to vary, but the RSA cost can also depend on the state or territory you undertake the course in. Here are some of the potential costs in different Australian locations. Please note: these prices are true as of May 2024.
How much does an RSA cost in NSW?
The cost of obtaining an RSA is typically the highest of any state or territory. Completing the NSW RSA through Express Online Training costs $146. This cost also includes the competency card that you’ll need to apply for upon successful completion of the RSA course. The NSW RSA is valid for work in NSW, ACT, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, and WA.
How much does a RSA cost in QLD?
The QLD RSA cost is generally one of the cheapest states. Obtaining an online QLD RSA through Express Online Training costs $34. The QLD RSA is valid for work in QLD, WA, SA, NT, ACT, and TAS.
How much does a RSA cost in VIC?
The cost of an RSA course in Victoria is usually mid-range compared to other states and territories. Completing the VIC RSA with Express Online Training costs $49. Once successfully completed, this qualification will allow you to work in alcohol sale and service roles in VIC, ACT, QLD, SA, TAS, and WA.
How much does an RSA cost in WA?
The RSA WA is again one of the cheaper states for obtaining an RSA. The RSA WA online is just $34 through Express Online Training. This RSA qualification means you’ll be able to work in alcohol service and sales roles in WA, QLD, SA, NT, ACT, and TAS.
How much does an RSA cost in SA?
An SA RSA is also a cheap state for obtaining an RSA. Through Express Online Training, you can obtain an SA RSA online for $34. Once you’ve obtained this qualification, you can use it in SA, QLD, WA, NT, ACT, and TAS.
How much does an RSA cost in NT?
The Northern Territory is another state where you can obtain your RSA for a low cost. Express Online Training offers the RSA NT online for $34. This will allow you to work in the alcohol sale and service industry in NT, ACT, TAS, QLD, WA, and SA.
How much does an RSA cost in ACT?
RSA certification in the ACT is required for anyone involved in the sale, service, or promotion of alcohol. The online RSA ACT certification is available through Express Online Training for $34. A valid ACT RSA will allow you to work within the alcohol industry in ACT, TAS, QLD, WA, SA, and NT.
How much does an RSA cost in TAS?
The TAS RSA has a mid-tier cost. You can obtain one online from Express Online Training for $45. Once successfully completed, you’ll be able to work in the alcohol sale and service industry in TAS, ACT, NT, QLD, WA, and SA.
Is the RSA cost worth it?
The cost of obtaining an RSA may feel like a bit of a hurdle when you’re starting your career, but it’s necessary for anyone wanting to work in the alcohol industry. Not only does having an RSA make you more employable, but it also ensures that you have the knowledge and skills to serve alcohol responsibly and safely. Generally, we believe the cost of an RSA is worth it for the opportunities and responsibility it brings.
Can you get RSA for free?
It’s best to be wary of any offers for a free RSA course as they may not be valid or recognised. Before making your commitment, always check that the provider is a registered training organisation (RTO). There may also be hidden fees involved, so while the RSA is advertised as “free”, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining the certificate.
Many reputable training providers, like Express Online Training, offer affordable and legitimate online RSA courses. However, some employers may provide the opportunity for their employees to obtain an RSA at no cost to them as part of their job training. Ask your employer or potential employer if they offer this as an option.
Approved courses may also be subsidised by the government for some individuals. If you’re currently receiving benefits such as JobSeeker, you may be eligible for government assistance to obtain your RSA certificate.
While there may be some instances where an RSA is offered for free, it’s important to do your research and make sure the course is recognised. Be cautious of any offers that may seem too good to be true and always make sure the course provider is reputable and accredited.
What should you look for in an RSA provider?
There are a number of different factors to consider when choosing a training organisation for your RSA course. These may include:
Accreditation
You’ll want to check to make sure the organiser offering your RSA course is fully accredited. They should be an RTO recognised by the relevant State and Federal bodies.
Course pricing and fees
Some training providers may display one upfront price, but also have additional costs involved, such as administration or certificate fees. Be sure to thoroughly research the course fees before making your decision.
Student support and resources
It’s important to choose a provider that offers sufficient student support and resources. This may include access to trainers for questions or additional study materials. At EOT, we provide local support, 7 days a week, allowing students to easily chat with experienced trainers.
Course delivery method
Many RSA courses can be completed in a variety of ways, including online or face-to-face. Consider which method suits you best and whether it’s a viable option for your schedule.
Course content and duration
Different providers may offer varying course lengths and content. Make sure the course covers all necessary topics and is suitable for your needs before you begin.
Reputation and reviews
Research the reputation of the training organisation by reading reviews from past students or checking their overall rating. This can give you valuable insight into the quality of the course and the provider.
Why choose Express Online Training for your online RSA course?
Express Online Training is an RTO providing accredited RSA courses. Our courses are recognised by each relevant state or territory in Australia, so you can be confident that you are receiving a quality education. We offer competitively priced online courses with no hidden fees, providing transparency in our pricing structure. We also offer Afterpay, so you can pay for the course in 4 interest-free payments, if needed.
Upon enrolment, each student is given access to 7-day support, including until late on weekdays. This means you can receive assistance when it suits you, making it easier to balance your studies with other commitments. Our courses are self-paced, allowing you to complete the course at a speed that works for you. Flexibility allows students to organise their studies around busy work schedules and other commitments.
Online courses mean you can easily pause and resume your studies, allowing you to complete them at a time that best suits you. You can also easily move between smartphone, tablet, or computer to complete the course, with your progress being saved along the way.
At Express Online Training, we pride ourselves on our high-quality content and comprehensive course materials. Our courses cover all necessary topics, ensuring you have a thorough understanding of RSA laws and regulations.
We hope this article has been helpful in answering the question of how much does a RSA certificate cost. The cost of obtaining an RSA certificate in Australia varies by state and territory, reflecting differences in legislative requirements. In general, the cost ranges from around $30 to $150. Online courses may also offer additional discounts or promotions, making them a more affordable option for those on a budget.
There are a few different factors to consider when choosing an RSA training provider, including the organisation’s reputation, the delivery method of the course, and the cost. It’s important to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your needs.
Express Online Training prides itself on providing transparent pricing, so you know exactly what you are paying for. We also offer Afterpay as a payment option, allowing you to spread out the cost of your course into 4 interest-free
Our online RSA courses not only provide you with the necessary certification but also equip you with valuable knowledge and skills that can be applied in various hospitality industry roles. Remember to choose an approved provider to ensure your certification is recognised in your respective state or territory.
