Key Takeaways
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There is no minimum age to complete an RSA course in most Australian states and territories, although individual training providers may have their own requirements.
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Completing an RSA course and legally serving alcohol are not the same thing. Each state and territory has different rules about when people under 18 can sell, serve or supply alcohol.
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Some states allow under 18s to serve alcohol under supervision, while others generally require workers to be at least 18 years old unless an exemption applies.
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Getting your RSA certificate before turning 18 can help you prepare for a hospitality career, allowing you to apply for jobs as soon as you meet your state’s employment requirements.
How old do you have to be to get an RSA certificate? It’s a common question for anyone looking to start a career in hospitality or planning to work in a bar, pub, restaurant or bottle shop.
The answer depends on where you live. While most states allow teenagers to complete an RSA course before turning 18, there may still be restrictions on when they can legally sell or serve alcohol.
This guide explains the RSA course age requirements in every Australian state and territory, including whether you can complete the training if you’re aged under 18 and what rules apply once you start working.
RSA Course Age Requirements by State
The table below summarises the minimum age requirements for completing an RSA course across Australia. Keep in mind that completing the course and legally serving alcohol are not always the same thing.
| State/Territory | Minimum Age to Complete an RSA Course | Can Under 18s Sell, Serve, or Supply Alcohol? |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | No minimum age | No. You can complete the course, but you must be 18 or older to sell, serve or supply alcohol. |
| Victoria (VIC) | No minimum age | Generally no. Employees serving alcohol are typically required to be 18 or older, unless a legal exemption applies. |
| Queensland (QLD) | No minimum age | Yes. Under 18s can serve alcohol in hotels, restaurants and cafés (excluding venues with an adult entertainment permit) if appropriately supervised. |
| Western Australia (WA) | No minimum age | Generally no. You must usually be 18 or older, unless specific approval is granted by the Director of Liquor Licensing. |
| South Australia (SA) | No minimum age | Generally no. Most workers must be 18 or older, although limited exemptions apply for some 16–17-year-olds who are children of the licensee. |
| Tasmania (TAS) | No minimum age | Yes. Employees aged 16 and over may serve alcohol if directly supervised by someone aged 18 or older. Staff in prohibited areas (e.g. gaming lounges) must be 18 or older. |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | No minimum age | Yes. Employees aged 16 and over can serve alcohol in many licensed venues, but must be 18 or older in adults-only areas or venues. |
| Northern Territory (NT) | No minimum age | Generally no. Workers must usually be 18 or older, unless special approval has been granted. |
Important: Age requirements for employment may differ from RSA training requirements. Always check the relevant state or territory liquor regulator and your employer’s policies before starting work.
Can RSA Training Providers Set Their Own Age Requirements?
While most Australian states and territories do not set a minimum age for completing RSA training, individual registered training organisations (RTOs) may have their own enrolment requirements.
Some RSA course providers may choose to only accept students who are a certain age, such as 16 years or older, to ensure learners can understand the course content, complete the assessment requirements and meet any identification requirements.
Before enrolling in an RSA course, it is important to check the requirements of your chosen training provider, as their policies may differ from government liquor licensing laws.
Is There a Minimum Age to Complete an RSA Course?
In most Australian states and territories, there is no legislated minimum age to complete an RSA course. This means many people choose to obtain their RSA certificate while still at school so they’re ready to apply for hospitality jobs once they become eligible to work.
However, simply completing the course doesn’t automatically mean you can legally sell or serve alcohol. Each state has its own liquor laws covering young employees, supervision requirements and the types of duties they can perform.
State-by-State RSA Age Requirements
New South Wales (NSW)
There is no minimum age to complete an RSA course in New South Wales. Under NSW Liquor Laws, people under 18 generally cannot sell, supply or serve alcohol. Limited exemptions may apply in specific circumstances.
In practice, this means you can complete your RSA course before turning 18, but you will generally need to wait until you are 18 before working in a role that requires you to serve alcohol.
Victoria (VIC)
In Victoria, you can complete an RSA course before turning 18. However, employees who actually supply or serve alcohol should be 18 years or older, unless specific exemptions apply under Victorian law.
Many students complete the course before their 18th birthday so they are ready to begin work as soon as they become eligible.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland does not specify a minimum age for completing RSA training.
Under 18s can serve or supply alcohol in hotels, restaurants and cafes as long as the venue doesn’t have an adult entertainment permit and provided they are appropriately supervised by a responsible adult associated with the licence or permit.
This makes Queensland one of the more flexible states for school-aged hospitality workers.
Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia does not impose a minimum age for completing an RSA course. However, you will need to be at least 18 to work in a role that involves selling, serving, or supplying alcohol, unless you have specific permission from the Director of Liquor Licensing.
South Australia (SA)
There is no minimum age to undertake RSA training in South Australia. However, like other states, in most cases you must be at least 18 before you are legally allowed to sell, serve or supply liquor in South Australia.
That said, SA does have a specific exemption to this rule. If the minor is 16 years or older, is the child of the licensee or the responsible person for the venue, and lives on the premises they are permitted to sell, serve and supply alcohol.
The SA Government further notes: “If the minor is 16 years or older and is the child of the licensee or responsible person, but does not live on the premises, you can request approval from Consumer and Business Services through Liquor and Gaming Online (LGO).”
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania does not set a minimum age for completing an RSA course. When it comes to selling, serving or supplying alcohol, employees must be at least 16 years old and working under the direct supervision of a person who is at least 18 years old at all times.
If an area is designated as a prohibited area, such as a gaming lounge, then staff who are selling, serving or supplying liquor must be at least 18 years of age.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT does not specify a minimum age for joining an RSA training. Under the Australian Capital Territory’s law, employees aged 16 and over can serve alcohol in licensed premises such as restaurants and cafes, but must be at least 18 years old if they are serving alcohol in adults-only areas or venues.
Northern Territory (NT)
There is no legislated minimum age to complete RSA training in the Northern Territory. However, in most cases you will need to be at least 18 to serve, supply or sell liquor, unless special permission has been given.
The NT Government also notes “only in exceptional circumstances will children between the ages of 15 and 16 years and 8 months be considered”.
Can You Get an RSA Certificate at 16?
Yes, in many parts of Australia you can complete an RSA course at 16 years of age. However, some training providers may have their own minimum age requirements.
Whether you can immediately begin serving alcohol depends on your state’s liquor laws. Some states require adult supervision, while others place restrictions on employees under 18.
If you’re still at school and planning a hospitality career, completing your RSA early can help you stand out when applying for casual jobs.
Can You Get an RSA Certificate at 17?
Yes. A 17-year-old can generally complete an RSA course in every Australian state and territory, provided they meet any state-specific training requirements.
Depending on where you live, you may also be able to work in licensed premises before turning 18, although supervision requirements or other restrictions may apply.
Do You Have to Be 18 to Get an RSA?
You do not have to be 18 to get an RSA. Most Australian states do not require you to be an adult to complete an RSA course. The age restrictions usually relate to serving alcohol rather than undertaking the training itself.
Completing your RSA before turning 18 can make it easier to find work once you’re legally able to perform all hospitality duties.
When Should You Complete an RSA Course?
While you may be able to complete an RSA course before turning 18, it is worth considering when you plan to start working in hospitality.
RSA requirements vary between states and territories. Some jurisdictions require refresher training after a certain period, while others recognise RSA competency without a set expiry date.
If you are still several years away from being legally able to serve alcohol, completing your RSA closer to when you plan to enter the hospitality industry may be a better option.
Before enrolling, check whether your state or territory has any RSA renewal or refresher training requirements, particularly if you do not expect to start working for some time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an RSA course take to complete?
Most RSA courses take between 3 and 6 hours to complete, depending on the state and the training provider. HCA’s RSA courses take 6 hours + break. Online courses can often be done at your own pace, while face-to-face sessions are usually completed in a single day.
Is an RSA certificate valid across all Australian states and territories?
RSA certificates are generally state-specific and are not automatically recognised in other states. If you move interstate or plan to work in a different state, you will usually need to complete a new RSA course that meets local requirements.
How long is an RSA certificate valid for?
Some states require refresher training every few years, while others do not set an expiry date. It’s worth checking with your state’s liquor licensing authority before enrolling, particularly if you don’t plan to start working in hospitality straight away.
Can I complete my RSA course online?
Online RSA courses are available in most Australian states and territories. However, not all states accept online-only training, so check that your chosen course is accredited and accepted by your state’s liquor regulator before enrolling.
What ID do I need to enrol in an RSA course?
Requirements vary between training providers, but most will ask for a form of photo ID such as a passport, driver’s licence or student card. Some providers may also require proof of age, which is worth confirming if you are under 18.
Enrol in a Hospitality Course Near You
If this got you thinking about a career in hospitality, that’s your sign to do something about it. HCA has courses designed for real people with real schedules, whether you’re just starting out or looking to move up in the industry.
You’ll get practical, industry-relevant training that actually prepares you for the job. Just the skills employers are looking for right now. Ready to take the next step? Browse our courses at hca.edu.au and find one near you.
