Confused about whether your RSA is still valid and if it’s valid in different states? We don’t blame you! It can be tricky to decipher the rules between states as these rules vary quite a lot depending on where you are in Australia.  

To help clear this up a little bit, we’ve provided some helpful information and links below.  

Queensland (QLD) 

RSA certifications in QLD do not expire (YAY!). All that is required to show proof of RSA in QLD is a Statement of Attainment from a completion of a nationally accredited RSA course.  

If you obtained your RSA in NSW or VIC and are now in QLD, please note that you cannot use your NSW Interim Certificate/Competency Card or your Victorian Certificate of Completion in QLD. You must show your Statement of Attainment as proof of your RSA.  

While RSAs in QLD do not expire, it’s always a good idea to complete an RSA course every few years to make sure you’re up to date with the latest legislation changes.   

Similarly, while it is a good idea to complete an RSA specific to the state you are working in to ensure you are up to date with all of the latest legislation, you can use your RSA certification in QLD gained from any other state in Australia.  

South Australia (SA) 

Validity of RSAs in SA are slightly more complex. Persons who have already completed national accredited training prior to the 18 November 2019 do not need to redo the training.  

Anyone undertaking RSA training after 1 November 2020 must ensure they meet the new requirements and complete the training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that has been approved by the Commissioner (that’s us!).  

If you have completed RSA training prior to 1 November 2020, you are not required to re-do the training with one of the Commissioner’s approved RSA training providers. 

To date, there are no SA RSA ‘refresher’ courses available. We are hoping that a refresher course will become available at some stage to make it quicker and easier to update your RSA certification.     

You must show your Statement of Attainment as proof of RSA certification to be able to serve and supply alcohol in any licensed venues in SA. If you obtained your RSA in NSW or VIC and now want to work in SA, please note that you cannot use your NSW Interim Certificate/Competency Card or your Victorian Certificate of Completion in SA.  

While SA RSAs awarded after 1 November 2020 do not expire, it’s always a good idea to complete an RSA course every few years to make sure you’re up to date with the latest legislation changes.   

Similarly, while its not mandatory to complete a new RSA certification (Statement of Attainment) for most states, it is always a good idea to complete the RSA relevant to the state you want to work in. This not only helps you stay current but more importantly helps to ensure you understand your obligations under the law in that state. 

Western Australia (WA) 

RSA certifications in WA do not expire (YAY!). All that is required to show proof of RSA in WA is a Statement of Attainment from a completion of a nationally accredited RSA course.  

If you obtained your RSA in NSW or VIC and are now in WA, please note that you cannot use your NSW Interim Certificate/Competency Card or your Victorian Certificate of Completion in WA. You must show your Statement of Attainment as proof of your RSA.  

While RSAs in WA do not expire, it’s always a good idea to complete an RSA course every few years to make sure you’re up to date with the latest legislation changes.   

Similarly, while it is a good idea to complete an RSA specific to the state you are working in to ensure you are up to date with all of the latest legislation, you can use your RSA certification in WA gained from any other state in Australia.  

Northern Territory (NT) 

RSA certifications in NT are valid for three (3) years and must be renewed. Here is a link to the NT RSA refresher course provided by Northern Territory Government – NTrefreshRSA  

If you obtained your RSA in NSW or VIC and are now in NT, please note that you cannot use your NSW Interim Certificate/Competency Card or your Victorian Certificate of Completion in NT. You must show your Statement of Attainment as proof of your RSA.  

While it is a good idea to complete an RSA specific to the state you are working in to ensure you are up to date with all of the latest legislation, you can use your RSA certification in NT gained from any other state in Australia.  

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) 

RSA certifications in ACT are valid for three (3) years and must be renewed. Here is a link to the ACT RSA refresher course – click here to learn more about the providers who deliver the refresher course.   

If you have obtained your RSA from another state, this certification is taken to have expired three (3) years after the day the person satisfactorily completed the course. You will only need to do an ACT approved refresher course when it expires. 

If you obtained your RSA in NSW or VIC and are now in ACT, please note that you cannot use your NSW Interim Certificate/Competency Card or your Victorian Certificate of Completion in ACT. You must show your Statement of Attainment as proof of your RSA.  

While it is a good idea to complete an RSA specific to the state you are working in to ensure you are up to date with all of the latest legislation, you can use your RSA certification in ACT gained from any other state in Australia.  

New South Wales (NSW) 

RSA certifications in NSW expire every five (5) years and must be renewed. There is a refresher course available through the Office of Liquor & Gaming NSW that must be completed every five (5) years to renew your RSA competency. Here is a link to the Office of Liquor & Gaming NSW’s refresher information – Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) – Liquor & Gaming NSW  

If you completed your RSA course outside of NSW, you may need to complete a bridging course. Here is a link to more information about the bridging course to learn more – Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) – Liquor & Gaming NSW.  

Victoria (VIC) 

RSA certifications in VIC are valid for three (3) years and must be renewed. Here is a link to the VIC RSA refresher course provided by Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) – RSA Online Refresher Course | VCGLR 

If you completed your RSA course outside of VIC, you will need to complete a bridging course. Here is a link to more information about the bridging course to learn more – Apply for an Interstate RSA certificate | VCGLR