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.
This is an 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.
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 informaiton.
Possible job titles following the completion of this course include:
There are no pre-requisites, however, this online RSA course requires sound English language, literacy and numeracy skills in order to complete the course and assessments. For example, students will need to calculate the amount of standard drinks in a range of beverages such as beer, cider, wine, spirits and cocktails.
Please contact us to talk to one of our student support team members if you require any further information.
You can enrol into this course if you have never held an RSA competency card before or if your competency card has expired for longer than 28 days.
Recognition of Prior Learn (RPL) or Credit Transfer is not available for SITHFAB021 Provide responsible service of alcohol.
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 completed SITHFAB021 Provide responsible service of alcohol in another state and wish to work in the liquor & gaming industry in NSW you will be required to complete a Bridging course which can be accessed by going to: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/working-in-the-industry/training-to-work-in-the-industry/getting-trained/responsible-service-of-alcohol-rsa#bridging
If you have lost your RSA 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
Students are required to have the following skills and knowledge prior to enrolment:
Students will need to meet the following entry requirements prior to course commencement.
In order to complete this online course, students will need access to the following:
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:
This is an Online Self-Paced course with all learning activities and assessment tasks completed online through our Learner Portal.
There are 2 parts to the assessment process:
Part 1 – “Knowledge Assessment Tasks”
Upon enrolling, you are granted access to the Learner portal. In this portal, you will be required to complete the following 2 mandatory areas:
Part 2 – “Performance Evidence Assessment Tasks”
Once you have completed your knowledge tests, you will then be required to the complete the following:
Upon successful completion of the online assessments, you will receive your Interim Certificate within 24 hours, 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 SITHFAB002 – 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.
You will be provided with online support via emails and phone during the duration of your enrolment as required. If you have any questions or need additional support, you can email enquiry@hinsw.com.au or contact your trainer via the Learner Portal. Your questions will be answered within 24 hours if your enquiry is sent within business hours and 48 hours during weekends. Our support services extended to our students are, but not limited to, administration support, learning support, language, literacy and numeracy support, reasonable adjustment / disability support.
Hospitality Institute of NSW Pty Ltd
RTO Provider Code: 45218
CRICOS Provider Code: 03973M