Obtaining an RSA Certificate in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide

To legally serve alcohol in Australia, you must complete Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training to receive an RSA Statement of Attainment (or RSA Certificate). This shows that you understand how to serve alcohol responsibly, prevent intoxication, and help protect patrons from harm.

The term “RSA Certificate” is commonly used to describe the document issued upon completion of RSA training. In most cases, this document is officially called a “Statement of Attainment”, except in Victoria, where participants also receive an LCV Certificate of Completion.

Here is your step-step guide to obtaining an RSA Certificate in Australia.

What is an RSA Certificate?

An RSA Certificate is a legal requirement for anyone who sells or serves alcohol in licensed venues across Australia. It demonstrates that you understand how to:

• Serve alcohol responsibly
• Recognise and prevent intoxication
• Refuse service safely when required
• Minimise alcohol-related risks in the workplace

Who needs RSA training?

RSA training is mandatory for a wide range of roles, including:

• Bartenders, baristas and waitstaff in licensed venues
• Security personnel and supervisors
• Bottle shop attendants
• Event and catering staff
• Hospitality managers and venue owners

Even volunteers at community events may require RSA training if alcohol is being sold or supplied.

4 steps to obtaining an RSA Certificate in Australia

Getting your RSA Certificate through the Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) is a fast, straightforward process that involves just four simple steps.

Step 1: Enrol in the AIFS RSA Course online

The quickest and most reliable way to obtain your RSA Certificate is by enrolling in the AIFS Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Course.

Visit the RSA course page and register online to begin immediately. Once you have enrolled, you will receive access to your secure online learning portal and can start your training anytime. 

AIFS makes it easy to learn at your own pace, from any device, with no classroom attendance required.

Step 2: Complete the online learning modules

The AIFS RSA Course is made up of short, interactive lessons that cover the essential skills and responsibilities involved in serving alcohol safely.

You will learn about:

• Legal obligations regarding alcohol service
• How to recognise intoxication and manage difficult customers
• Considerate refusal of service
• Responsibilities when serving minor
• The effects of alcohol on the body and wider community

At the end of each lesson, there’s a multiple-choice quiz to check your understanding before moving to the next lesson. You can progress at your own pace with up to 12 months of online access from your date of enrolment.

Step 3: Complete the RSA assessment

Once you have finished all lessons and quizzes, you are required to complete simple assessment activities to demonstrate your practical understanding.

Case studies

You will review two short case studies based on real-life hospitality situations. Each one presents a scenario followed by multiple-choice questions similar to the lesson quizzes completed earlier in the course.

Reading activity

Next, you will participate in a reading activity focused on workplace policies and procedures.
This involves reviewing in-house policy documents and answering a multiple-choice quiz to confirm your understanding of safe alcohol service practices.

Practical assessment

To meet government competency requirements, you must also complete a practical assessment to demonstrate your ability to serve alcohol responsibly. You can choose between:

1. Virtual Video Assessment: Record yourself performing key RSA tasks using a webcam, laptop or mobile device. You’ll receive an email with instructions on how to use the interactive recording tool. Although you can complete it at any point, it’s recommended after finishing all lessons and quizzes.
   
2. Observer Report (not required in Victoria): If you’ve worked in the industry within the last 12 months, you can nominate an observer (such as a manager or supervisor) to confirm your practical skills using the provided form.

A qualified AIFS assessor will review your submission and provide your results.

Final exam (Victoria only)

To earn a Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) Certificate of Completion, students in Victoria must complete all assessment tasks, including a final exam.

The online exam includes 20 multiple-choice questions, and a perfect score of 100% is needed to pass. Participants have up to three attempts to achieve this score.

Quality assurance process

As part of AIFS’s quality assurance, you may be contacted to verify your assessment or discuss your competency before certification is issued. This ensures your RSA qualification meets all national standards and state compliance requirements.

Step 4: Receive your RSA Certificate

Once you’ve successfully completed all learning and assessment activities, you’ll receive your Statement of Attainment displaying the relevant unit of competency: SITHFAB021 - Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol.

Your RSA Certificate (Statement of Attainment)* will be emailed to you for download and printing, ready to present to employers or inspectors.

*If you complete the Victoria RSA Course, you will also receive a Statement of Attainment and a Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) Certificate of Completion, which is required for anyone who wants to work in roles that involve serving, selling, or supplying alcohol in Victoria. LCV inspectors will not accept the Statement of Attainment.

Get your RSA Certificate today

Take the next step in your hospitality career by completing your RSA training online. Earn your Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate with AIFS and gain the confidence and credentials to serve alcohol responsibly and legally in any hospitality setting.

Start your RSA course

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What happens if I fail a quiz?

A. You have five attempts for each quiz and can contact AIFS for support if needed.

Q. Is my RSA Certificate valid in every state?

A. RSA requirements vary, so always confirm with your state’s liquor authority.

Q. Does my RSA Certificate expire?

A. Some states require renewal (e.g. Victoria), while others have no expiry.