Food Safety Supervisor Training vs RSA Training: Why You Might Need Both
If you are working in hospitality or thinking about starting a job in the hospitality industry, you have probably heard of Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Food Safety Supervisor training. These certifications are essential for many roles in bars, cafes, restaurants and other food service venues across Australia.
In this blog, we explain what RSA and Food Safety Supervisor certifications are, who needs them, and how you can complete the RSA and Food Safety Supervisor training you need through Food Safety First.
Whether you are new to the industry or looking to step up in your current role, understanding these two certifications can help you meet legal requirements, protect your customers and boost your career opportunities.
What is RSA training?
RSA stands for Responsible Service of Alcohol. If you serve, sell or supply alcohol in Australia, RSA training is a legal requirement. The RSA course teaches workers how to serve alcohol safely and responsibly, reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm and comply with state and territory legislation.
What topics does RSA training cover?
The RSA course explores a wide range of responsible alcohol service practices, including:
- Legal requirements for alcohol service in your state or territory
- How to check ID and recognise fake IDs
- How to spot signs of intoxication
- Strategies to refuse service safely
- How to deal with difficult situations
Each state and territory has different requirements, so it is important to complete an RSA course that is valid where you plan to work. Food Safety First currently offers an online RSA course that is approved in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
The RSA course delivered by Food Safety First is self-paced and 100% online, allowing you to study anywhere and anytime on your own device.
What is Food Safety Supervisor training?
Food Safety Supervisor training is required by law in many food businesses across Australia as part of the Food Standards Code. FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A requires workplaces to have at least one certified Food Safety Supervisor who understands and can manage food safety risks.
The Food Safety Supervisor course goes beyond basic food handling and is designed for people in supervisory roles, or those responsible for overseeing food safety in the business.
What topics does Food Safety Supervisor Training cover?
The Food Safety Supervisor course explores a wide range of food safety practices, including:
- Safe food handling and storage
- Cleaning and sanitising procedures
- Personal hygiene and health standards
- Allergen management and food contamination prevention
- Legal requirements and food safety programs
Food Safety First offers an online Food Safety Supervisor Course that meets legal requirements across Australia, including specific course content for New South Wales.
Comparison Table: RSA vs. Food Safety Supervisor training
While both RSA and Food Safety Supervisor training offer important certifications for hospitality workers, they each serve a different purpose. Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you understand what each course covers and who needs it.
| RSA Training | Food Safety Supervisor Training | |
| Purpose | Safe, responsible and legal alcohol service practices | Safe food handling and hygiene practices |
| Who needs it | Staff who serve, sell or supply alcohol | Supervisors or managers handling food |
| Legal requirement | Mandatory in all states and territories | Mandatory in most states and for certain food businesses |
| Course format | Online + Virtual Video Assessment or Observer Report | Online + Observer Report |
| Course duration | Approx. 4-6 hours | Approx. 8-12 hours |
| Certificate validity | Varies depending on state or territory (some do not expire) | Typically valid for 5 years |
| Available from Food Safety First | Yes | Yes |
Do you need RSA and Food Safety Supervisor training?
Many hospitality workers find themselves needing both RSA and Food Safety Supervisor certifications. For example, if you are a manager at a café that serves alcohol, you may be required to:
- Hold an RSA Certificate to legally serve alcohol
- Be the designated Food Safety Supervisor to meet food safety requirements
Even if you are not a manager, having both qualifications can improve your chances of getting hired and show that you are serious about your role. Employers often look for staff who are already trained and ready to work across different areas of the business.
What are the benefits of having both an RSA and a Food Safety Supervisor certification?
Successfully completing both the RSA course and Food Safety Supervisor course offers many benefits, including:
- Legal compliance: Meeting state and territory laws for food and alcohol service.
- Greater job opportunities: Being qualified for a wider range of roles in the hospitality industry.
- Professional growth: Building skills that help you step into supervisory positions.
- Workplace safety: Helping create a safer environment for customers and staff.
- Employer confidence: Showing you are committed, capable and responsible.
Which course should you do first?
If you are just starting out, think about where you plan to work and what your responsibilities will be. If your job involves serving drinks at a bar or restaurant, RSA training is a must. If you are preparing food or managing staff in a kitchen or café, Food Safety Supervisor training may be required.
In many cases, it makes sense to complete both. With Food Safety First, you can enrol in each course online and study at your own pace, which means you can fit the training around your work or study schedule.
Training with Food Safety First
Our online RSA course is accepted in multiple states and territories, and our online Food Safety Supervisor course is nationally recognised. It meets state-specific requirements—including those in New South Wales, which has its own specific regulations regarding Food Safety Supervisors.
All Food Safety First courses include easy-to-follow lessons, videos and quizzes to help you understand the material. Once you complete the training course and assessment, you will receive your Statement of Attainment by email so you can start applying for jobs or meet your workplace requirements straight away.
Make sure you have the right certifications
Working in hospitality can be exciting and rewarding, but it also comes with legal responsibilities. Making sure you have the right training is part of being a safe, professional and valuable team member.
RSA and Food Safety Supervisor compliance is not just about ticking a box – these certifications are about keeping people safe, supporting your team and giving yourself the best chance to succeed in your role.
With flexible online courses from Food Safety First, it is easy to get certified and stay compliant. Whether you are aiming to work behind the bar, run a café or step up into a leadership role, we are here to help.
Ready to get certified?
Make sure you are prepared for every opportunity in hospitality. Start your Food Safety Supervisor training or RSA course online today with Food Safety First. Explore your course options, enrol in minutes and start learning from anywhere.
Want to know more before enrolling? Contact us for help finding the right course for you.