The Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification is an essential requirement for many individuals working within the service industry. Those serving or supplying alcohol will be required to hold a valid RSA certification to comply with legal requirements and ensure the responsible service of alcohol.
In today’s blog, we’ll cover a number of frequently asked questions relating to the RSA certificate QLD, to provide you with the ultimate guide to the QLD RSA.
What is an RSA certificate?
RSA stands for the Responsible Service of Alcohol. It is a certification that indicates an individual has completed training and is qualified to serve or supply alcohol in a responsible manner. The requirements for obtaining an RSA certificate may vary depending on the state or territory, but generally involve completing a course and passing an assessment.
RSA certification covers a range of topics related to the safe and responsible handling of alcohol, including laws and regulations, duty of care, assessing intoxication levels, refusal of service, and strategies for managing difficult or intoxicated patrons.
Who needs the QLD RSA?
A number of different roles may require you to hold a valid QLD RSA. These positions can include:
- Liquor store employees
- Bartenders and bar managers
- Venue staff monitoring alcohol-related activities
- Security personnel in licensed premises
- Event staff working at functions where alcohol is served
What are the benefits of having an RSA in Queensland?
There are many different benefits that can come from obtaining the RSA QLD. Not only does this qualification allow individuals to legally work within licensed establishments, but it also provides valuable education pertaining to the laws and responsibilities around alcohol consumption. Completing the QLD RSA, you may also receive the following benefits:
Increasing employment opportunities within relevant industries
Having an RSA certification boosts your resume, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. It shows that you’re trained to serve alcohol responsibly, understand the laws regarding alcohol service in Queensland, and are ready to start work immediately. This can give you a competitive edge, especially in an industry known for its high turnover rates and frequent job openings.
Improving knowledge and skills relating to the responsible sale and service of alcohol
Obtaining your RSA teaches you about the legalities of alcohol service in Australia, how to identify and minimise alcohol-related harm, and how to serve customers responsibly. This knowledge not only ensures that you and your employer remain compliant with the law but also contributes to a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone.
Legal requirement for employment in the alcohol service industry
The most obvious benefit of holding an RSA certification is that it allows you to legally work in a role that involves the handling, sale, or service of alcohol in Queensland. Without it, you’re significantly limiting your employment options in the hospitality sector. As such, many employers require their staff to hold a valid RSA certificate before starting work.
Can you do your RSA online in QLD?
Yes, as of June 2024, an RSA QLD can be obtained through online education. This means you can complete the RSA QLD online, from the comfort of your own home. Express Online Training offers a RSA QLD online course that can be worked on at the times that best suit you. Our user-friendly courses allow you to complete your qualification efficiently and effectively. You can also pause and resume the course at any time, switching between phone, tablet, and computer as needed, with your progress being saved.
How long does it take to get a QLD RSA?
When studying an RSA Queensland online, you can choose to complete the course over a timeframe that best suits you. Typically, this course will be about 4 to 8 hours of study. With online education, you can choose to either complete your course in one stint or in shorter, more manageable chunks of time.
How much does an RSA cost in Queensland?
The price for an RSA course can vary depending on the provider and the format (online or face-to-face training). Online courses will typically run a little cheaper than face-to-face training options. At Express Online Training, the RSA Online QLD currently costs $34. This fee can be made in 4 interest-free payments with Afterpay. We also offer a price beat guarantee – if you find a cheaper online RSA QLD course, we’ll beat it by 10%. It can be a good idea to shop around and research different Registered Training Organisations before commiting to the provider for your Queensland RSA qualification.
What states is the RSA QLD valid in?
The QLD RSA is valid in a number of different states and territories across Australia. This means if you hold a valid QLD RSA, you can also legally work in the additional states and territories. The QLD RSA is valid in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania.
When does the QLD RSA expire?
The great news is that the RSA QLD doesn’t have an expiration date. This means once you have completed the course and obtained your qualification, it will not expire. However, it is important to note that some employers may require you to refresh your training every few years to stay up-to-date with any changes in legislation or industry standards. It’s always a good idea to check with potential employers about their specific requirements for RSA qualifications.
What’s the minimum age for completing an RSA in QLD?
In Queensland, there’s no minimum age a person needs to be in order to complete their QLD RSA qualification. However, you will need to be at least 18 years of age in order to work in an establishment that requires you to serve or sell alcohol. Some employers may have their own age requirements for RSA training, so it’s always best to check with your employer before enrolling in an RSA course.
How do I get an RSA certificate in Queensland?
The QLD RSA is a short course, and as such, the steps for obtaining it are relatively straightforward. However, to simplify the process for those curious, you can get a QLD RSA by following the steps below:
Step 1: Select your RSA provider
The first step is to find an accredited training provider that offers the RSA course in Queensland. There are many different RTOs, so you’ll need to choose one that suits your needs and budget. You should also check that the organisation you choose is accredited by the Queensland Government to provide the QLD RSA course.
Step 2: Complete your course enrolment
Once you have selected a provider, you will need to enrol in the course. If choosing an online RSA course, this will likely mean creating an online account to complete the course through. You may need to add details such as your name, address, and date of birth during the enrollment process.
Step 3: Complete your study
The next step is to complete the RSA course itself. The length of this course can vary, but it typically takes around 4 to 8 hours to complete online. During the course, you will learn about responsible service of alcohol laws and how to effectively serve alcohol in a safe and responsible manner.
Step 4: Successfully pass your assessment
In order to receive your QLD RSA certificate, you will need to pass the assessment at the end of the course. This may consist of multiple choice questions or short answer questions, depending on the provider. If you do not pass on your first attempt, many providers will allow you to retake the assessment.
Step 5: Receive your certificate
After having successfully completed your QLD RSA, you will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate can be used to gain employment in the hospitality industry in Queensland. It’s important to keep this certificate in a safe place, as it may be required by employers when applying for jobs.
Can I skip sections of the RSA Queensland course if I have prior experience in the industry?
No, it is not possible to use prior knowledge or experience to skip sections of the QLD RSA. The Queensland RSA is a qualification that all persons working within the alcohol sale and service industry in the state of Queensland must hold. From venue security guards to liquor store attendants, to bar managers, each person must hold a valid RSA qualification.
Regardless of how much experience you have in an area, you’ll still be required to complete the full RSA certification. Failure to do so may result in unsuccessful completion of the course.
Where can I obtain a QLD RSA?
In Queensland, you must complete an RSA course that is nationally accredited and also recognised by the Queensland Government. You can either opt for an online training program or attend a face-to-face session offered by various training organisations across the state. Express Online Training is a nationally recognised training provider for the RSA Queensland course and offers convenient online access for the qualification. Ensure that the course provider you choose is nationally recognised and that your certification will be valid in Queensland.
There are also options to complete the RSA course in other states, however, be sure to check with your employer if this will be accepted in Queensland. If you recently completed an RSA course in another state and have now moved to Queensland for work, you may need to transfer your certification. Check with the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) for more information on transferring your
Why choose Express Online Training for the QLD RSA course?
Choosing Express Online Training as your RSA QLD online course provider gives you flexibility in completing your qualification. Our fully online course allows you to complete your QLD RSA at the times that best suit you. You can pause and resume your course at any time, moving across devices for added convenience.
We have 7 day support, including until late on weekdays, so if you have a question or query about the course as you’re studying, you can easily get in touch.
Our courses are affordable and user-friendly. Find a course cheaper? We’ll beat it by 10%. We also offer Afterpay on our QLD RSA courses, so you can pay for the qualification in 4 interest-free payments. Our QLD RSA course has no hidden costs or surprises, so the shown fee is the amount you’ll be paying.
We hope this article has answered some of the questions you may have had about the QLD RSA course. As a short course, this qualification can be obtained with relatively few hours of study, however, it can still be helpful to learn what the course entails and what you expect before you begin. Enrol today and get started on your path
Earning your RSA certification in Queensland is a straightforward process that opens the door to numerous opportunities within the hospitality industry. By choosing a reputable course provider, investing a few hours, and completing your training, you’re not only meeting a legal requirement but also equipping yourself with valuable knowledge that enhances your employability and helps create a safer community. Start your journey in the hospitality industry today by getting your RSA certification.
