FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About the RSA Certificate
If you’re looking to work in the hospitality industry in Australia, you’ve likely heard about the RSA Certificate. It ensures that staff are trained to handle alcohol responsibly and is a legal requirement for anyone serving or selling alcohol.
But what exactly does obtaining an RSA Certificate involve? In this blog, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about the RSA course, covering everything from eligibility to assessment processes.
Let’s dive in and clear up any confusion so you can start meeting your legal obligations as a responsible Alcohol Server.
Why do I need an RSA Certificate?
Who Needs an RSA Certificate in Australia?
What does the RSA course Involve?
How long does it take to complete the RSA course?
How is the RSA Certificate issued?
Can an RSA Certificate be transferred to different states and territories?
What are the benefits of having an RSA Certificate?
What is an RSA Certificate?
A Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate is a mandatory accreditation for anyone involved in the sale, service, or supply of alcohol in Australia. The RSA course delivered by Food Safety First equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to serve alcohol responsibly and legally. It covers topics like understanding alcohol and its effects, legal requirements, and how to handle difficult situations.
Why do I need an RSA Certificate?
The RSA Certificate is required by law to ensure that Alcohol Servers are educated on responsible service and consumption. This helps reduce alcohol-related incidents and ensures the well-being of customers and the community. It’s a critical part of maintaining high safety standards in the hospitality industry.
Who Needs an RSA Certificate in Australia?
The RSA course is open to anyone who sells or serves alcohol in Australia. Food Safety First has designed an RSA training program that ensures staff meet legal requirements for responsible alcohol service, regardless of which industry they work in.
Most people who possess an RSA Certificate work in licensed premises as bartenders in pubs, bars or restaurants, but RSA training is also suitable for flight crews, retail clerks, caterers or those working in aged care facilities.
There are no specific prerequisites to enrol, making it accessible to everyone interested in achieving compliance.
What does the RSA course Involve?
The RSA course provides you with a thorough understanding of your legal duties regarding the safe and responsible service of alcohol, along with practical strategies to minimise harm. It covers a range of topics designed to prepare individuals for responsible alcohol service, including:
- Understanding alcohol and its effects: Learning about how alcohol affects the body and mind, and the potential risks associated with excessive consumption.
- Legal requirements: Becoming familiar with the laws governing alcohol service, including age restrictions and penalties for non-compliance.
- Responsible service strategies: Discovering techniques for promoting responsible drinking, including ID checks, refusing service or offering water and food.
- Handling difficult situations: Gaining skills that enable you to refuse service, deal with intoxicated customers and prevent violence and other issues in an effective manner.
At the end of the course, you should be able to identify customers at different stages of intoxication and handle difficult situations such as checking ID, slowing down or refusing service and asking customers to leave the premises.
You will be required to complete 16 lessons, two case studies and a reading activity as well take part in a practical assessment (Observer Report or Virtual Video Assessment).
Lessons
- The social impacts of alcohol and RSA responsibilities
- The impacts of alcohol on the body
- Blood alcohol concentration and the factors that affect it
- Calculating and serving standard drinks
- The signs of intoxication
- The duty of care concepts and principles of harm minimisation
- Myths that exist around sobering up
- The laws related to alcohol in Australia
- The agencies that exist to enforce alcohol laws
- Acceptable and unacceptable IDs
- The steps to take when checking IDs and verifying age
- The correct procedures for verifying IDs
- When to stop service to intoxicated customers
- The techniques and practices for stopping service
- How to get your customer home safely and transport options
- Organisational policies and procedures relevant to the responsible service of alcohol
Quizzes
Each lesson is followed by a multiple-choice quiz designed to assess your understanding of that particular topic. A score of 100 percent must be achieved within five attempts in order to progress to the next section of the course. If needed, a quiz reset can be requested from Customer Support.
Case Studies
The course also features two case studies. You must read each one thoroughly before answering multiple-choice questions based on the scenarios provided.
Reading Activity
After completing all the lessons and case studies, you will take part in a reading activity that covers in-house policies and procedures. You must carefully review the content before answering a set of multiple-choice questions.
Practical Assessment
As well as assessing your theoretical understanding of RSA principles, the course seeks to verify your ability to apply them to real-life situations through a practical assessment.
This is done either by completing an Observer Report or a Virtual Video Assessment:
- Observer Report: You can nominate an Observer to verify the performance of practical tasks through the submission of a skill assessment report.
- Virtual Video Assessment: You can choose to record a Virtual Video Assessment on any mobile device, laptop or desktop computer equipped with a webcam and microphone. Videos are recorded and submitted using an interactive tool provided by Food Safety First.
How long does it take to complete the RSA course?
On average, students are able to complete the lessons and associated quizzes within three to four hours with the practical assessment taking approximately 30 minutes to finish. Course materials can be accessed online for up to 12 months and are available 24/7 allowing you to complete modules at your own pace.
How is the RSA Certificate issued?
After successfully completing the RSA course and ‘the Final Submission’ has been received, you will be issued a Statement of Attainment via email. This process typically takes 1-2 business days, although an Express Certification option is available to receive this documentation sooner.
It’s important to keep this Statement of Attainment safe and accessible, as it proves that you have completed the relevant unit of competency (SITHFAB021 - Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol). This proof may be requested by regulators during compliance checks.
Can an RSA Certificate be transferred to different states and territories?
Yes, the Statement of Attainment issued by Food Safety First is recognised by regulators in South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Where can I take the RSA course?
Food Safety First offers an online RSA course that can be completed from anywhere in Australia, without the need for classroom-based training.
What are the benefits of having an RSA Certificate?
Obtaining an RSA Certificate is beneficial to both the you and your employer:
- Legal compliance: Ensures you’re adhering to state laws and regulations regarding alcohol service.
- Improved safety: Equips you with the knowledge to manage alcohol-related situations effectively, ensuring a safer environment for customers and staff.
- Professional development: Demonstrates your commitment to responsible service and continuous learning in your field.
- Enhanced employability: Makes you a more attractive candidate to employers in the hospitality industry.
Time to enrol
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the RSA Certificate and the related training requirements, you can start your journey to becoming a responsible Alcohol Server. Remember, responsible service goes beyond compliance—it's about ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Enrol online today or get in touch to discover all the benefits this course has to offer.