In the hospitality industry in Australia, possessing a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification is a requirement. While the regulations can differ between states and territories, the fundamentals remain the same—responsible alcohol service is crucial.
If you're considering obtaining your RSA certification, the Australian Institute of Food Safety offers an excellent, comprehensive course that meets the needs of multiple Australian states. In this article, we'll walk you through the detailed steps to get your RSA certification with the Australian Institute of Food Safety.
Step 1: Check State or Territory Requirements
Before beginning your educational journey, ensure that the RSA certification from the Australian Institute of Food Safety is recognised in the state or territory where you intend to work. This verification is crucial as each state and territory may have its own liquor licensing laws and training requirements. Currently, the AIFS RSA course is recognised in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Step 2: Visit the Australian Institute of Food Safety Website
Start by visiting the Australian Institute of Food Safety's official website. Here, navigate to the section focused on RSA training. The website provides a wealth of information about what the course entails, its duration and the accreditations it holds. This step helps you get acquainted with what to expect in your training.
Step 3: Enrol in the Course
You can enrol once you are satisfied with the course details and its applicability to your region. The enrolment process is simple, with a secure and user-friendly payment gateway on the website.
Step 4: Commence Your Online Training
One of the advantages of choosing the Australian Institute of Food Safety for your RSA certification is its flexibility. You can take your training online to fit it around your schedule. Whether you complete it in a day or over several weeks is entirely up to you. The course remains accessible for up to 12 months after enrolment.
Step 5: Cover Essential Topics
Your training will encompass a range of topics essential for responsible alcohol service. These include but are not limited to understanding liquor licensing laws, harm minimisation strategies, and how to identify and handle intoxicated patrons.
Step 6: Complete the Assessment
At the end of your training, you'll need to take an assessment to verify your understanding of the coursework. Conveniently, the Australian Institute of Food Safety offers a Virtual Video Assessment. This innovative feature eliminates the need for physical observers or a simulated workplace environment. All that is required is a device with a camera and microphone.
Step 7: Obtain Your Statement of Attainment
Upon successful completion of the assessment, you will receive a “Statement of Attainment.” Typically, this is processed and sent out within 48 hours, although expedited services are available.
Step 8: Apply for Your RSA Card/Certificate
While the Statement of Attainment proves that you have successfully completed the RSA course, some states require an additional RSA card or certificate. To obtain this, submit your Statement of Attainment and a fee to your state's relevant liquor licensing authority.
Step 9: Access Ongoing Support
The Australian Institute of Food Safety doesn't just leave you high and dry after your training. AIFS provides ongoing support from qualified trainers, aiding your continuous professional development.
Step 10: Periodic Updates & Refresher Courses
Depending on the state or territory, you may be required to update your RSA certification periodically. Remember: the course is recognised in Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. The Australian Institute of Food Safety also provides RSA Refresher courses, helping you stay informed of legislative changes or best practices.
Your Path to Responsible Alcohol Service Begins Here
Getting your Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification is simple with the Australian Institute of Food Safety. Our comprehensive training, ongoing support, and state-specific guidelines ensure you are well-equipped for responsible alcohol service—a field with significant social and legal implications.
Embark on your path to becoming a certified professional in responsible alcohol service through the Australian Institute of Food Safety. With our in-depth training course, you are set on a path towards both compliance and competence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any prerequisites or qualifications needed before enrolling in the RSA certification course?
No, there are no specific prerequisites or qualifications needed before enrolling in the RSA certification course. Once you have enrolled with the Australian Institute of Food Safety you can begin your training right away.
What specific skills and knowledge will I gain from the RSA certification course?
The RSA certification course equips individuals with a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge essential for responsibly serving alcohol. Here's what you can expect to learn:
- Legal Requirements: Understanding the legal obligations related to the sale, service, and supply of alcohol, including compliance with local laws and regulations.
- Harm Minimisation Strategies: Techniques to prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and other alcohol-related harm. This includes strategies for managing patrons' alcohol consumption and promoting responsible drinking behaviours.
- Identifying Intoxicated Patrons: Skills to recognize signs of intoxication and how to appropriately manage and assist intoxicated customers..
- Serving Techniques: Proper methods for serving alcohol responsibly, including understanding standard drink sizes and types of alcoholic beverages.
- Refusing Service: Training on when and how to refuse service to customers who are intoxicated or underage, ensuring this is done safely and professionally.
- Conflict Resolution: Handling difficult situations and conflicts that may arise in a licensed venue, including dealing with aggressive or non-compliant patrons.
By gaining these skills, you not only enhance your employability in the hospitality industry but also contribute to creating a safer environment for customers and colleagues. This certification is often a legal requirement for those working in roles that involve the service of alcohol
How does the Virtual Video Assessment work, and what are the technical requirements for completing it?
The Virtual Video Assessment for the RSA certification course involves recording yourself performing certain tasks required for the certification. Here’s how it works and what you need:
How it Works:
- Recording the Assessment: You will need to record a video demonstrating your ability to perform tasks related to the responsible service of alcohol. This includes checking IDs, recognizing signs of intoxication, and handling difficult situations.
- Instructions: You will receive detailed instructions on how to use the interactive tool to record and submit your video assessment. It is recommended to complete all lessons and quizzes before starting the video assessment to ensure you understand the requirements.
- Submission: Once the video is recorded, you will submit it through the provided platform. The assessors will review your submission and provide feedback.
Technical Requirements:
- Device: A mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer with a webcam and microphone.
- Browser: A modern web browser (Google Chrome is recommended) with Javascript enabled.
- Email Address: Required for registration and accessing the course materials.
- PDF Reader: Adobe PDF Reader or Adobe Acrobat to view and complete forms such as the Observer Report if opting for this alternative assessment method.
Observer Report Alternative:
If you have been working in the industry within the last 12 months, you can opt for an Observer Report instead of the video assessment. This involves nominating an observer to report on your skills.
