If you are already certified as a Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) or have completed your Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training, you might be wondering: should I add the other to my skillset?
In today’s fast-paced hospitality industry, certifications are more than just a ‘nice-to-have’ - they are a direct path to unlocking new job opportunities and career growth.
In this post, we will explore how RSA courses and FSS courses complement each other, why professionals who already hold one certification should seriously consider the other and how you can take the next step on your certification journey.
The completion of an FSS course delivered by a Register Training Organisation (RTO) certifies you as a Food Safety Supervisor - a mandatory role in many food businesses under state and territory legislation.
It builds on basic food handling knowledge to include:
An online FSS course is a convenient way for busy professionals to gain this qualification without sacrificing work hours.
With food safety under growing scrutiny, many employers now require or prefer candidates who have completed FSS courses prior to employment - even when it is not legally required.
A Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course is a legal requirement for anyone who sells or serves alcohol in licensed venues across Australia.
It teaches vital skills such as:
Completing your RSA course online not only ensures legal compliance but also helps you contribute to a safer, more responsible hospitality environment. Whether you work in a bar, café, hotel or event space, RSA training empowers you to serve with confidence.
If you already have FSS certification but are yet to obtain an RSA Certificate, you could be limiting the types of roles available to you. Many hospitality jobs in restaurants, pubs, hotels and event spaces involve both food and alcohol service.
Similarly, RSA-qualified staff without FSS certification may find themselves overlooked for supervisory roles in food-focused environments.
Adding an RSA course or FSS course to your qualifications makes you more versatile and more employable.
Broader training often leads to better roles and higher wages. Staff who hold both RSA and FSS certifications are better positioned for:
Employers value team members who can cover multiple duties. Adding just one course to your resume could be the boost you need to move from front-line staff to leadership positions.
Maybe you are thinking of switching roles or even starting your own hospitality business. Holding both an RSA and FSS certification demonstrates that you are serious about compliance and safety.
Whether you are setting up a food truck, a pop-up bar or a licensed restaurant, this combination of training shows that you understand the full scope of responsibilities involved.
Though they focus on different areas, RSA and FSS courses share a core mission - protecting the public. Both courses cover:
Do not let a missing qualification limit your growth. RSA courses and FSS courses are a perfect pairing for anyone serious about a career in the food and beverage industry. They represent a smart, practical way to widen your professional scope, improve safety standards and impress future employers.
You have already invested time and effort into building your skills. Now it is time to future-proof your career. Whether you begin with an RSA course or an FSS course, consider how the other certification could help you:
If you have already completed one, now is the time to take the next step. Complete your toolkit and show your value - on the floor, behind the bar or leading the team.
Ready to get started? Enrol in an RSA course or an FSS course online through the Australian Institute of Food Safety and boost your hospitality career today.