The unit does not expire - a statement of attainment has no end date. But state and territory liquor regulators set their own currency rules for RSA approval, and several require periodic refresher. Check with the regulator in the state you work in.

Is my interstate RSA valid here?

Not automatically. Each jurisdiction runs its own scheme and recognition of interstate RSA varies. Confirm with the liquor regulator before relying on it.

Delivery mode is set by the provider and, in several states, constrained by the liquor regulator rather than the register. Some jurisdictions require face-to-face. Ask both.

The register says no licensing applies. Does that mean I do not need it?

No. It means the unit itself carries no licensing. Liquor licensing law in every state and territory governs who may serve alcohol, and RSA is part of that. The two are separate systems.

Does it cover gaming?

No. Responsible gambling is SITHGAM022, a separate unit, and Queensland venues with gaming generally want both.

SITHFAB021 Provide responsible service of alcohol (RSA)

About this qualification

SITHFAB021 is the RSA unit. It covers responsibly selling, serving or supplying alcohol, and the register applies it “wherever alcohol is sold, served or supplied” — hospitality venues, packaged liquor outlets, wineries, breweries and distilleries, and on-site product tastings.

Read the register carefully here. It says: “No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.” That is true of the unit. It is not true of working behind a bar.

Every state and territory liquor regulator sets its own RSA requirement — who must hold it, what evidence they accept, and how often it must be refreshed. Some accept this unit directly; some require their own certificate on top; some set a currency period. The unit does not expire, but your state's approval may.

One detail worth knowing when comparing providers: the register requires assessors to have worked in industry for at least three years applying these skills. Not every unit sets that bar.

Roles it maps to

Roles named on the national register for SITHFAB021.

Bar Attendant Food and Beverage Attendant Packaged Liquor Salesperson Venue Staff

Commonly held together

RSA rarely travels alone. These are the tickets and qualifications hospitality workers most often hold with it.

Single unit · you are hereSITHFAB021 Responsible service of alcohol
Single unit · the other ticketSITXFSA005 Use hygienic practices for food safety
Single unit · many venues want oneHLTAID011 Provide First Aid
Certificate II · where it leadsSIT20322 Hospitality
Certificate III · thenSIT30622 Hospitality
Diploma · managementSIT50422 Hospitality Management

What it covers

4Core Elements

0Elective Electives

A single unit of competency with no prerequisites and no AQF level. Assessment must provide access to organisational policies and procedures for the responsible sale, service or supply of alcohol; signage complying with legislated wording; standard promotional signs issued by the relevant state or territory licensing authority; and plain English fact sheets from government regulators or industry bodies. Assessors must have worked in industry for at least three years applying the skills and knowledge of this unit.

The four elements of the unit.

Element 1 Follow the principles of responsible service of alcohol
Element 2 Assist customers to drink within appropriate limits
Element 3 Assess alcohol affected customers and identify those to whom sale or service must be refused
Element 4 Refuse to provide alcohol

For a full list of elective units, visit training.gov.au →

Frequently asked questions

Does my RSA expire?: The unit does not expire — a statement of attainment has no end date. But state and territory liquor regulators set their own currency rules for RSA approval, and several require periodic refresher. Check with the regulator in the state you work in.
Is my interstate RSA valid here?: Not automatically. Each jurisdiction runs its own scheme and recognition of interstate RSA varies. Confirm with the liquor regulator before relying on it.
Can I do it online?: Delivery mode is set by the provider and, in several states, constrained by the liquor regulator rather than the register. Some jurisdictions require face-to-face. Ask both.
The register says no licensing applies. Does that mean I do not need it?: No. It means the unit itself carries no licensing. Liquor licensing law in every state and territory governs who may serve alcohol, and RSA is part of that. The two are separate systems.
Does it cover gaming?: No. Responsible gambling is SITHGAM022, a separate unit, and Queensland venues with gaming generally want both.

Other registered providers

Filtered by where each provider is based, not where they can deliver.

NSW

TAFE NSWRTO 90003

Deliver and assess · NSW
QLD

TAFE QueenslandRTO 0275

Deliver and assess · QLD
WA

North Metropolitan TAFERTO 52786

Deliver and assess · WA
QLD

Halo Nation TrainingRTO 32485

Deliver and assess · QLD
QLD

National SkillsRTO 45438

Deliver and assess · QLD
QLD

Brighton PacificRTO 41138

Deliver and assess · QLD
WA

Skills Strategies InternationalRTO 2401

Deliver and assess · WA
VIC

The Management EdgeRTO 3927

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Civil SafetyRTO 32381

Deliver and assess · QLD
NSW

Joblink PlusRTO 91434

Deliver and assess · National
TAS

Reach Community CollegeRTO 40747

Deliver and assess · TAS
QLD

Axial TrainingRTO 2437

Deliver and assess · QLD
Find more providers

12 of 978 providers shown — search the register for the rest
training.gov.au →

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Provide responsible service of alcohol (RSA)

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