RSA NSW Certificate

No, our RSA NSW training is face-to-face only. Unlike online RSA courses, our in-person training gives you hands-on practice and direct access to a qualified trainer throughout the day. Online RSA options do exist in some states, but in NSW, face-to-face training is the approved format for the RSA certificate.

If you’re searching for online RSA or online learning alternatives, they won’t meet the NSW legal requirements. Book a spot at one of our 6 NSW locations instead of an online course.

You are required to provide 100 points of ID for the NSW RSA. All documents must be original and issued in Australia. (Your passport may be from overseas.) Digital licences (e.g. Service NSW app) are accepted. If you are new to the country (been here less than 6 weeks) or a high school student, please scroll down as you are exempt from the 100 points

Who’s Exempt from 100-Point ID?
You do not need to present 100 points of ID if you fall into any of these categories:

• New arrivals (in Australia for less than six weeks)

• Current high school students

• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

Exemptions in Detail
1. New Arrivals (Less Than 6 Weeks)

Bring:

• Passport or visa

• Bank card or driver’s licence from your home country

2. Current High School Students

Bring either:

• Your school ID

• One of: driver’s licence, birth certificate, passport, or citizenship certificate with evidence you are in school. You must show the trainer you are still enrolled. This could be by logging in to your school portal. If you are unable to provide evidence you are in school, you need to provide 100 points.

3. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Applicants

If you lack sufficient ID, provide two official references from recognised agencies.

For further assistance, please contact us at admin@hca.edu.au or 1300 988 181.

The RSA course in NSW runs for 7 hours and is completed in a single day. The day covers everything you need to know about responsible alcohol service, including legal requirements, harm minimisation, and how to handle difficult situations. It’s a full day of training, so make sure you’re free for the entire session.

Your NSW RSA competency card is valid for 5 years from the date it’s issued. Once you complete the course, you’ll receive an interim certificate straight away, which lets you start working in licensed venues for up to 90 days while your competency card is being processed.

Before your card expires, you’ll need to go through the renewal process with Liquor & Gaming NSW to keep working legally.

Yes, in most cases. The course is based on the national unit of competency SITHFAB021, which is recognised across Australia.

However, some states have their own additional requirements or bridging courses before you can work there. If you’re planning to work interstate, it’s worth checking with the relevant liquor authority in that state to confirm exactly what’s needed before you start.

Yes. HCA is an accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO) approved by Liquor & Gaming NSW to deliver the RSA course.

This means the training and certification we provide fully meets NSW legal requirements. When you complete your course with us, you’ll receive an official NSW interim certificate that’s recognised by all licensed venues across the state.

If you don’t pass the assessment on your first attempt, you’ll have the opportunity to redo it. Our trainers are there to support you throughout the day, so if you’re struggling with any part of the material, please tell us and ask for help.

We want you to walk out with your certificate, and we’ll do what we can to make sure you’re set up to pass.

To successfully complete the RSA course in New South Wales (SITHFAB021 – Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol), all students must have a basic level of English language, literacy and numeracy. This ensures you can understand the course content and fully participate in training.

You must be able to:

• Read and understand written course materials, instructions, and short texts
• Write basic information, such as completing forms and short written answers
• Communicate clearly in English with the trainer and other participants
• Follow verbal instructions during activities and assessments
• Understand simple numeracy, such as reading times and quantities related to alcohol service

If English is your second language, you must have a level of English that allows you to fully participate in the course. If you are unsure, please contact us and we can help assess whether this course is suitable for you.

If you require LLN assistance, please let us know before booking. We may be able to offer support, make reasonable adjustments, or recommend alternative options.