RSA Courses in NSW
RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certification is mandatory for anyone selling or serving alcohol in NSW. The SITXFSA005 course can be completed online or face to face in a single day. Your RSA competency card is valid for 5 years.
About the RSA
Under the NSW Liquor Act 2007, all staff involved in the sale, supply, or service of alcohol must hold a current RSA competency card. This applies to bartenders, wait staff, bottle shop employees, event staff, and venue managers. Employers can be fined for allowing staff to serve alcohol without a valid RSA.
SITXFSA005 Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol is the nationally recognised unit of competency. It covers NSW liquor laws, responsible service practices, identifying intoxication, refusing service, and understanding penalties for non-compliance.
Unlike most short courses, online RSA is accepted in NSW. You can complete the course entirely online from home, making it one of the most accessible compliance certificates. After completing the training, your competency card is issued by Liquor & Gaming NSW and is valid for 5 years.
1 day
Duration
$30–$80
Typical price
5 years
Certificate valid
SITXFSA005
Qualification code
NSW requires RSA certification for all staff involved in the sale or service of alcohol. Online RSA courses are accepted in NSW — you do not need to attend in person.
Who Needs an RSA?
- Bartenders and bar staff
- Wait staff serving alcohol in restaurants
- Bottle shop and liquor store employees
- Hotel and pub staff
- Event and function staff serving alcohol
- Managers and licensees of licensed premises
- Security staff working at licensed venues
What the Course Covers
Find RSA Courses Near You
Select your suburb to see local providers and pricing. Online RSA is also accepted in NSW.
NSW
LiverpoolNSW
ParramattaNSW
PenrithNSW
BankstownNSW
FairfieldNSW
CamdenNSW
NarellanNSW
IngleburnNSW
BlacktownNSW
Castle HillNSW
RydeNSW
ChatswoodNSW
NewcastleNSW
WollongongNSW
Don't see your suburb? Submit an enquiry and we'll match you with the nearest provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do the RSA course online in NSW?
Yes. NSW accepts online RSA training. You can complete the SITXFSA005 course entirely online from home. The course takes approximately 4 to 6 hours depending on the provider. Your RSA competency card is issued by Liquor & Gaming NSW after you complete the training.
How long does an RSA certificate last in NSW?
An RSA competency card in NSW is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. You must renew it before it expires. If your RSA lapses, you cannot legally serve alcohol until you complete a new course and receive a new card.
How much does an RSA course cost in NSW?
RSA courses in NSW typically cost between $30 and $80. Online courses tend to be at the lower end of this range. Face-to-face courses may cost slightly more. The price includes your RSA competency card application to Liquor & Gaming NSW.
How quickly can I get my RSA in NSW?
You can complete the online RSA course in a single sitting — typically 4 to 6 hours. Your interim certificate is available immediately upon completion. The official RSA competency card from Liquor & Gaming NSW is usually issued within a few business days.
Do I need an RSA to work in a bottle shop in NSW?
Yes. All staff involved in the sale of alcohol in NSW need a current RSA — this includes bottle shop and liquor store employees, not just bar staff. The requirement applies to anyone who is directly involved in selling, supplying, or serving alcohol to customers.
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