RSA: the certificate to serve alcohol
Responsible Service of Alcohol, state by state, in numbers. Required in bars, pubs and restaurants.
Updated 2 November 2026
≈ $25–90
for the course, depending on the state
1 state
usually, an RSA only counts where you did it
5 years
valid in NSW, with a photo card
3 years
in Victoria, free online refresher
No expiry
in Queensland, WA and SA
RCG / RSG
on top if the venue has pokies
The RSA state by state
Do the RSA of the state you'll work in:
| State | Format | Validity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Online (approved) or classroom, then a Service NSW photo card | 5 years | ≈ $45–90 |
| VIC | Liquor Control Victoria approved provider, often in person | 3 years, free refresher | ≈ $40–80 |
| QLD | Online | No expiry | ≈ $25–45 |
| WA | Online | No expiry | ≈ $25–45 |
| SA | Online | No expiry | ≈ $25–45 |
| TAS, NT, ACT | Online | Depends on the territory | ≈ $25–45 |
Moving state? You usually need to redo the RSA. NSW runs a shorter bridging course if you already hold an interstate RSA.
RCG / RSG: for pokies
- Only if the venue has poker machines, a TAB or a casino.
- NSW (RCG): classroom or virtual classroom, ≈ $120–200, 90-day interim certificate then a 5-year card.
- Victoria (RSG): module 1 within a month of starting, module 2 in person within 6 months.
- QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT (RSG): online, ≈ $18–60.
The jobs it opens
Bars and pubs
The most common hospitality job
Restaurants
As soon as you serve wine or beer
Bottle shops
Liquor stores
Hotels and resorts
Bar, room service, minibar
Festivals and events
Short, well-paid gigs
Catering, weddings
Evening and weekend shifts
Get it in 4 steps
Pick the state you'll work in: the RSA depends on it.
Choose a provider approved by that state's regulator.
Do the course (online or classroom depending on the state) and the assessment.
Keep your certificate, and your card in NSW: employers will ask for them.
The 3 traps
The wrong state
A Queensland RSA usually won't let you serve in Sydney or Melbourne.
Unapproved courses
A cheap course the state doesn't recognise is worthless: check the approval before you pay.
Forgetting the RCG/RSG
In a pub with pokies, you'll also be asked for the RCG (NSW) or RSG.
Find a hospitality job with the app
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Frequently asked questions
Is an RSA from one state valid in another?
Usually not: each state has its own. In NSW, if you already hold an interstate RSA, a shorter bridging course is enough.
Do I need an RSA to be a waiter?
Yes, as soon as you serve or sell alcohol, even in a restaurant or café.
Can I do it before I arrive?
For states where it's online (Queensland, WA, SA…), yes. In NSW you then need the Service NSW card, and in Victoria the course is often in person.
Does the RSA expire?
It depends on the state: 5 years in NSW, 3 in Victoria, no expiry in Queensland, WA and SA.
What's the RCG or RSG?
The certificate to work where there are pokies, a TAB or a casino. It comes on top of the RSA, it doesn't replace it.
How long is the course?
A few hours in most states, assessment included.