Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)

As of 1 July 2021, the only recognised course in Victoria is the nationally accredited RSA - Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol (SITHFAB002) course undertaken face to face or online by an RTO approved by the VCGLR.

A VCGLR branded RSA certificate will be provided to you by an accredited RTO upon completion of your RSA course.  You will need to provide this to your employer as evidence you have completed a Victorian approved course.  Any other certificates will not be accepted by our inspectors so make sure you are completing an approved course before enrolling. See below for accepted RSA certificates. 

The below training providers are approved by us to deliver SITHFAB002 online. 

These RTOs will be able to issue you with a VCGLR branded RSA certificate upon completion of the course. 

For accredited RTOs to deliver RSA training face to face or via virtual classroom during the declared State of Emergency, see: RTO providers

These RTOs will be able to issue you with a VCGLR branded RSA certificate upon completion of the course. 

Anyone with a nationally accredited RSA - Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol (SITHFAB002) qualification obtained through face to face or online training from an RTO recognised in another state or territory, will be able to complete the VCGLR’s free online RSA bridging course to have their qualification recognised in Victoria. 

Once you have completed the course, you will receive a Victorian RSA certificate that allows you to work in a Victorian licensed venue. To complete the RSA bridging course, see: RSA bridging course

If you want to use your RSA qualification obtained in Victoria in another state or territory, you will have need to check with the relevant licensing authority as liquor legislation differs across Australia.

Contact details for other liquor licensing authorities

There is only one approved RSA refresher course in Victoria, see: RSA refresher training

To complete the RSA refresher course online you will need your original VCGLR RSA certificate number. You can search for this online or call us on 1300 182 457.

You do not need to undertake the initial RSA training course again regardless of when you first completed it.

When you complete the RSA refresher course you can print a copy of your updated certificate as evidence you have completed this training. You can download this certificate free of charge as many times as you like, see: RSA online services

You should ensure your employer has a copy of your updated RSA certificate for their records.

If you have misplaced your original RSA certificate and would like another one please contact us 

A replacement certificate will cost $16.50 (including GST) to post out to you. You can access a free replacement certificate by completing the free RSA refresher course and downloading a certificate from RSA online services

You do not need to update your certificate if you have changed your name since completing the RSA course.

If you choose to update it you will need to provide a copy of the appropriate identification documents that show your name change (marriage certificate or statutory declaration) before you contact us

Licence types which require RSA trained staff must keep a copy of RSA certificates on the licensed premises. Photocopies or electronic copies of certificates are acceptable however must be made readily available to our inspectors or Victoria police.

Only RSA certificates issued within three years are valid. To maintain your RSA qualification, the free online RSA refresher course must be completed every three years, see: RSA refresher training

A licensee must provide the following information if asked by our inspectors or a member of Victoria Police:

• the name of the responsible person at the licensed premises
• the name of each person who is engaged in the sale and service of liquor
• the date on which each person first sold or served liquor on the premises. 

Licensees who hold a general, on-premises, late night or packaged liquor licence may apply for an exemption from one or more of the requirements relating to RSA.

Licensees may apply for an extension of time to comply with, or permanent exemption from, one or all of the RSA requirements. Licensees are required to provide a detailed explanation of the reason they are seeking an exemption from one or all of the RSA requirements.

To apply for an exemption, see: Exemption from RSA training requirements

Anyone applying for a new late night (general) licence or late night (on premises) licence that authorises the supply of liquor after 1am for on-premises consumption must complete the Advanced RSA training course.

This requirement does not apply in relation to late night (on-premises) licences with restaurant and cafe conditions.

For new applicants, the Advanced RSA training program must be completed within six months of the licence being granted. This is in addition to initial RSA training and New Entrant Training which must be completed prior to the licence being granted, see: New entrant training

If you hold a general, on-premises, late night (general) or late night (on-premises) licence that authorises the supply of liquor after 11pm for on-premises consumption and you have received a demerit point from us, you must complete the Advanced RSA training program.

If you have received a demerit point, the Advanced RSA training program must be completed within six months of the demerit point being recorded in the demerits register.

Where the holder of the licence is effectively the responsible person, only the holder of the licence is required to complete the training program.

To read the Ministerial Order outlining the above, see: Ministerial order

For further information about the course and to book, see: William Angliss Institute