SITHFAB021 Provide responsible service of alcohol (2026 Version)

Be the first to complete the new 2026 course developed by Liquor & Gaming NSW. This training is mandatory for anyone selling, serving or supplying alcohol in NSW. 2 delivery methods available: Choose "Online" to complete the course at your own pace. OR Choose "In-person" to complete the entire course in 1 day.

Duration
7 Hours
Cost
$129
Delivery Mode
Accredited

Available Course Dates

Online (Self-paced)In-Person class (Complete in 1 day)

Name Cost
SITHFAB021 Provide responsible service of alcohol 2026 (Online) $129.00


Date Time Location Available Spaces Cost
24 February 2026 09:30 am – 04:30 pm Hospitality Institute of NSW – Mullane’s Hotel classroom 28 $165.00
11 March 2026 09:30 am – 04:30 pm Hospitality Institute of NSW – Mullane’s Hotel classroom 30 $165.00

 

 

SITHFAB021 Provide responsible service of alcohol (2026 Version) overview

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to responsibly sell, serve or supply alcohol.

Responsible practices must be undertaken wherever alcohol is sold, served or supplied, including where alcohol samples are served during on-site product tastings. This unit therefore applies to any workplace where alcohol is sold, served or supplied, including all types of hospitality venues, packaged liquor outlets and wineries, breweries and distilleries.

The unit applies to all levels of personnel involved in the sale, service, including promotional service and supply of alcohol in licensed premises. Those selling or serving alcohol may include food and beverage attendants; packaged liquor salespersons selling in person, over the phone or online; winery, brewery and distillery cellar door staff; delivery services and supplier sales representatives. The unit also applies to security staff who monitor customer behaviour and to the licensee who is ultimately responsible for responsible service of alcohol (RSA) management.

The unit incorporates the knowledge requirements, under state and territory liquor licensing law, for employees engaged in the sale, service or supply of alcohol.

Certification requirements differ across states and territories. In some cases, all people involved in the sale, service including promotional service and supply of alcohol in licensed premises must be certified in this unit. This can include the licensee and security staff.

This unit covers the RSA skill and knowledge requirements common to all States and Territories. Some legislative requirements and knowledge will differ across borders. In some cases, after completion of this unit, state and territory liquor authorities require candidates to complete a bridging course to address these specific differences.

 

 

Entry requirements

Students will need to meet the following entry requirements prior to course commencement.

  • You will be required to complete a Self-assessment on your Learning, literacy & numeracy requirements.
  • Have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) – Creating a Unique Student Identifier (USI) is free and will only take a few minutes. You only need to create a USI once and it will stay with you for life. To create a USI, go to: https://www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi
  • Have a valid government issued photo identification card (passport, drivers license, photo card, proof of age card). Expired ID will not be accepted and certificates are not able to issued unless identity is verified.
System Requirements
In order to complete this online course, students will need access to the following:
  • Have access to a PC/ Laptop with speakers, microphone and webcam
  • Have access to high speed Wi-Fi or cable capabilities necessary to research, upload and download documents
  • PDF Reader
  • Suitable internet browser such as; Google Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer
  • Hold sound computer skills
  • Have latest operating system e.g. Windows 10, Mac OSX High Sierra, iPad ISO10 or higher
  • Have access to a unique email address. This email address cannot be used by another student as it becomes your unique login.
Existing Skills & Knowledge
Students are required to have the following skills and knowledge prior to enrolment:
  • Reading and writing – a learner will be able to read, comprehend and write a range of texts within a variety of contexts.
  • Oral communication – a learner will be able to use and respond to spoken language including some unfamiliar material within a variety of contexts.
  • Numeracy and mathematics – a learner will be able to recognise and use a variety of conventions and symbolism of formal mathematics.
  • Learning skills – a learner will be able to source relevant information on laws, regulations and codes of practice relating to the responsible services of alcohol and keep that knowledge updated
  • Teamwork skills – a learner will be able to communicate with team members to ensure proper responsible service of alcohol practices within their work environment
  • Self-management skills – a learner will be able to deal with hostile and uncooperative customers in a professional manner and in line with organisational procedures

 

 

The Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol (SITHFAB021) course is ideal for:

  • Hospitality professionals involved in serving or supplying alcohol, including bartenders, waitstaff, and bar attendants.

  • Managers and supervisors responsible for overseeing licensed venues such as bars, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and event spaces.

  • Individuals seeking to enter the hospitality industry who require RSA certification to meet legal and industry standards.

  • Current staff aiming to refresh their knowledge and remain compliant with government-mandated RSA regulations.

This course is essential for anyone working in environments where alcohol is served, ensuring responsible practices, customer safety, and adherence to legal and ethical standards.

Important information if you have an existing NSW Competency card for RSA

You can enrol into this course if you have never held an RSA competency card or if your competency card has been expired for longer than 28 days.

If your competency card has expired and it is within the 28-day grace period, you are required to complete the Free refresher course available through Liquor & Gaming NSW. Completing the full course will not extend the expiry date on your current card. Click here to enrol into the Liquor and Gaming refresher course: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/free-responsible-service-of-alcohol-rsa-training-and-free-refresher-courses-with-extended-renewal-period

If you have lost your competency card and require a replacement this can be obtained by going to: Replace an RSA or RCG competency card | Service NSW: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/replace-an-rsa-or-rcg-competency-card

 

 

  • Industry Compliance: Meet mandatory requirements for working in venues offering liquor services, ensuring legal and ethical standards are upheld.
  • Enhanced Employability: Gain a nationally recognised certification to access a variety of roles in the hospitality sector.
  • Customer Support Skills: Develop the ability to monitor customers drinking liquor in a licensed venue.
  • Career Advancement: Strengthen your resume with qualifications that demonstrate a commitment to responsible liquor practices.
  • Flexible Learning: Participate in a convenient one-day virtual workshop with pre-course reading to suit your schedule.
  • Immediate Certification: Receive a Liquor & Gaming NSW Interim Certificate, allowing you to start working right away.

 

 

Possible job titles following the completion of this course include:

  • Bartender
  • Waitress/Waiter
  • Liquor store attendance
  • Event coordinator
  • Catering manager
  • Bar Manager
  • Bottle shop manager

 

 

The RSA course includes the national unit of competency SITHFAB021 – Provide responsible service of alcohol and NSW specific elements, covering a range of topics including:

  • NSW liquor laws and selling, serving, or supplying alcohol responsibly
  • Intoxication, including assisting customers to drink within appropriate limits, assessing alcohol affected customers and refusing service
  • Minors, including ID checks and secondary sale/supply
  • Harm minimisation strategies
  • Compliance and enforcement

 

 

    This course includes the following nationally recognised unit of competency:

    SITHFAB021 – Provide responsible service of alcohol

     

     

     

     

     

    Unit CodeUnit Name
    SITHFAB021 Provide responsible service of alcohol

    All learning activities and assessment tasks completed online through our Learner Portal.

    Modules

    Assessment Task & Learning modules

    Assessment Method

    1 – 6 Knowledge tests

    Module 1: The principles of Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
    Module 2: NSW liquor laws and compliance
    Module 3: Selling and serving responsibly – Drink standards and safe practices
    Module 4: Spotting the signs – Intoxication and risk awareness
    Module 5: Saying no – How to refuse alcohol respectfully
    Module 6: Harm minimisation strategies

    The assessment questions are a mix of:

    • short answer questions,
    • multiple choice,
    • true or false,
    • yes or no,
    • select all that apply,
    • workplace scenarios.
    Role plays 1 & 2 Practical assessment:

    • Skills demonstration responding to situations of compliant and non compliant customers
    • Role plays conducted by the learner. Observation checklist completed by the assessor.

    Upon successful completion of the online assessments, you will receive your Interim Certificate, which will allow you to commence your employment serving alcohol. The Interim Certificate is valid for 90 days. During this time, you will need to apply for a NSW Competency Card from Liquor and Gaming NSW.

     

     

    Once a competent mark is awarded, learners will be issued with a Statement of Attainment for SITHFAB021 – Provide responsible service of alcohol. This Unit of Competency is Nationally Recognised Training from Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package. Certificates are available within your learner portal upon successful completion of the course.

    Interim Certificate: Upon successful completion of an RSA course, you will receive an interim certificate. This certificate is valid for 90 days and allows you to work immediately.

    Competency Cards: To obtain a NSW RSA competency card, present your interim certificate to a Service NSW centre and complete a 100 point identification check. Service NSW will send your card to your nominated address via mail. Please allow up to one month for its delivery.

    Digital Competency Cards: You can obtain a digital competency card via the Service NSW app. The app is available via download from iTunes® or the Google Play™ store. Once you have the app, you’ll need your competency card holder number to add your competency.

    Visit Service NSW to learn more about the NSW Digital Competency card.

     

     

    Recognition of Prior Learn (RPL) or Credit Transfer is not available for SITHFAB021 Provide responsible service of alcohol.

     

     

    “Online” Self-paced

    The Online Self-Paced course with all learning activities and assessment tasks completed online through our Learner Portal. You can enrol and start your RSA online course at any time. You can study at your own pace and have up to 4 weeks to complete the online RSA course after which your enrolment will expire.

    How quickly you complete the course depends on the time it takes you to complete each module including the multiple choice questions, short answer questions and final assessment tasks. You will need to allow a minimum of 6 hours to complete this course.


    “In-Person” Complete entire course in 1 day.

    The “In-Person” course will still require you to complete all learning activities and assessment tasks via our online Learner Portal. The difference is that you will be required to attend a full-day in person workshop, complete the assessments in the class guided by the assessor. Certificates are issued with in 24hrs of being graded competent.

    You will have up to 4 weeks to complete the RSA course after which your enrolment will expire.


    If your initial 4-week enrolment period is due to expire, you may purchase an additional 4 week extension. This must be conducted within a 6 month period of your course expiring. Refunds are not available if your course expires, unless special circumstances have taken place. Please review our refund policy for further information.

     

     

    We offer 2 delivery options:

    1. “Online” Self paced = You are not required to attend a workshop. You will simply work through the learning materials & online assessment, submit for grading.
    2. “In person” = Complete your course in one day. This option will require you to attend a full day workshop to complete the knowledge tests and practical assessment.

     

     

    Experience interactive learning at its best with our virtual classroom. Benefit from real-time discussions, live demonstrations, and personalised support, all in a collaborative online environment.

    The SITHFAB021 – Provide responsible service of alcohol course is competitively priced, with payment accepted via credit card for your convenience. The course fee includes all required learning materials, access to the virtual workshop, and certification upon successful completion.

    Secure your spot today with a hassle-free payment process!

     

     

    TitleFee
    Full fee - Online 129
    Full fee - In person 169
    Competency Card Included in price

     

     

     

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