Australia’s hospitality industry is vibrant and bustling, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is ensuring that alcohol is served responsibly, a task that falls heavily on the shoulders of the staff. The Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate is pivotal in maintaining this standard. As such, it’s mandatory for anyone who works in the service of alcohol in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to hold a valid RSA ACT certificate. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining an RSA in the ACT
What is an RSA certificate ACT?
The Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate is a qualification required for anyone who sells, serves, or supplies alcohol in Australia. This qualification ensures that servers are knowledgeable about the laws surrounding alcohol sales and are equipped to handle alcohol-related incidents safely and responsibly. The ACT RSA certificate teaches individuals a number of key functions, including:
- Understanding their legal responsibilities to ensure obligations under liquor laws are understood.
- Identifying individuals who are underage or intoxicated and refusing service.
- Preventing harmful drinking practices.
- Implementing harm minimization practices to ensure the safety of patrons.
Who needs an RSA in the ACT?
In the ACT, an RSA certificate is mandatory for a range of professionals, primarily within the hospitality sector. If you are involved in the service, sale, or supply of alcohol, whether at a bar, restaurant, club, or even a special event, you are required to have an RSA certificate. This includes positions such as:
- Bar staff – Bartenders and servers who directly handle alcohol.
- Managers and supervisors – Those overseeing the operations of premises licensed to sell alcohol.
- Security personnel – Individuals ensuring safety in venues where alcohol is served.
- Event staff – Workers serving alcohol at events with a temporary liquor licence.
RSA certification is also highly recommended for students pursuing hospitality courses, as it enhances employability and prepares them for roles in the industry.
Benefits of holding an RSA in the ACT
Obtaining an RSA certificate in the ACT offers numerous advantages, not just to the individual but also to the community. Those that hold a valid ACT RSA can enjoy the following advantages:
Legal compliance
Holding a valid ACT RSA ensures you’re meeting legal requirements and avoiding potential fines or penalties. In the ACT, all individuals involved in the sale, supply, or service of alcohol must hold a valid RSA certificate.
Improved skills and knowledge
An ACT RSA course equips individuals with essential skills and knowledge, such as identifying patrons who are underage or intoxicated, preventing harmful drinking practices, and implementing harm minimisation strategies. This not only benefits the individual but also helps create a safer environment for patrons consuming alcohol.
Personal safety
The ACT RSA course is designed to educate individuals on responsible service of alcohol, which includes techniques for handling difficult situations and dealing with patrons. This not only helps to ensure the safety of others, but also of the individual themselves.
Enhanced employability
Having an RSA certification can increase your employability within the hospitality industry. Many establishments require their staff to hold a valid RSA before they can serve alcohol. Holding this qualification showcases your commitment to safety and responsible service of alcohol, making you a more desirable candidate for employment.
How to get an RSA in ACT
Obtaining your RSA certificate is a straightforward process, but it can be a good idea to follow steps to ensure you’re fully compliant.
Step 1: Decide whether you wish to complete the course online or in person
In the ACT, you have the option of choosing between completing the RSA ACT online or face-to-face. Both methods are equally valid, but online courses offer more flexibility and convenience, as you can complete the course at your own pace.
Step 2: Choose a registered training organisation (RTO)
To obtain your RSA certificate, you must complete an accredited course with a registered training organisation (RTO) that offers the ACT RSA course (such as Express Online Training). It’s essential to choose an RTO that is approved by the ACT Government to ensure your certification will be recognised.
Step 3: Enrol in the course
Once you’ve chosen your RTO, it’s time to complete your course enrollment. This can usually be done online, and you’ll likely need to provide some personal details and identification. If your RTO doesn’t provide a Pay Later system, you’ll also most likely need to pay course fees at this stage.
Step 4: Complete the course
Depending on which method you’ve chosen, your RSA course will consist of either online modules or face-to-face training. The course typically covers topics such as:
- Understanding the effects of alcohol on individuals and groups
- Identifying and managing intoxicated patrons
- Responsible service and sale of alcohol
- State-specific legislation and regulations
The length of the course can vary, but it’s generally completed within a number of hours. If you’ve chosen the RSA online ACT option, you’ll be able to complete the course at times that best suit you, whereas those that have chosen the in-person option will need to attend the scheduled training sessions.
Step 5: Pass the assessment
After completing the course, you’ll need to successfully pass an assessment to receive your RSA certification. This typically includes multiple-choice questions and scenario-based exercises to test your understanding of the course material.
Step 6: Receive your RSA certificate ACT
Once you’ve successfully completed the course and passed the assessment, the RTO will issue your RSA certificate. Ensure that you keep this certificate safe, as you may be required to present it to employers or licensing authorities. The RSA ACT is valid for 3 years from the date of completion, at which point you’ll need to successfully complete a refresher course.
Is my RSA valid in ACT?
As of October 2024, all Australian RSAs are valid for work in the ACT. This means that regardless of which state or territory you obtained your RSA in, you’ll be able to use it in the ACT (provided it has not expired). Great news for anyone travelling to the ACT for work in the industry.
How long is the ACT RSA valid for?
The RSA ACT certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of completion. After that, you’ll need to successfully complete a refresher course in order to maintain your certification. This is to ensure that workers in the alcohol service and sale industry are up-to-date on responsible service practices and regulations.
How much does an RSA cost in ACT?
The cost of an RSA course in ACT varies depending on a number of factors, including the RTO you choose to complete the certification through and whether you decide to undergo in-person or online training. The ACT RSA online tends to be a more affordable option than in-person sessions as it eliminates the need for overheads such as a venue and materials. Express Online Training currently offers the RSA Online ACT for $29, with the option of Afterpay for 4 interest-free payments. We also provide a price beat guarantee, and will beat any competitor price by 10%. It’s important to do your research and choose an RTO that offers a high-quality RSA course at a reasonable cost.
Can I skip parts of the RSA ACT if I have prior experience?
No, it’s not possible to skip any parts of the RSA ACT, even if you have prior experience. The course covers important information and regulations that are necessary for anyone working in the alcohol industry to know. Skipping parts of the course could result in inadequate knowledge and understanding of responsible service practices, which can lead to potential harm or legal consequences. It’s important to complete the entire course.
How do I choose which company to obtain my ACT RSA through?
It’s important to choose a reputable and accredited RTO to complete your RSA ACT through. When researching, look for companies that have positive reviews and are well-known in the industry. You’ll also likely want to consider the cost, delivery method (online or in-person), and additional features or flexibility options. If you have an employer in the industry, they may also have a preferred RTO for you to complete your RSA through, so consider checking with them before enrolling.
Why choose Express Online Training for the RSA ACT course?
Express Online Training is a highly reputable, accredited RTO that offers a quality RSA ACT course at an affordable price. Our course is fully online, making it convenient for students to complete from anywhere and at their own pace. We also offer a price beat guarantee, and our Afterpay option allows for more flexible payment options.
The RSA Online ACT is available 24/7. It can be accessed on phone, tablet, or computer, with progress being automatically saved to allow for easy switching between devices. This is handy for those that have busy schedules or who wish to complete their RSA course after hours. If you have a query, support is available 7 days a week, including until late on weekdays, so you can get help when you need it. Once successfully completed and paid for, the RSA ACT can be downloaded and printed from home.
Securing your RSA certificate in the ACT is a significant step towards a successful career in the hospitality industry. Not only does it ensure compliance with legal requirements, but it also equips you with the skills to manage alcohol sale and service responsibly. For bar staff, hospitality workers, and students alike, understanding the importance and process of obtaining an RSA certificate is crucial.
Ready to take the plunge into the world of responsible serving? Choose a reputable RTO such as Express Online Training and enrol in your ACT RSA course today.
