Does an RSA expire?

Do RSA certificates expire?

Yes, a Responsible Service of Alcohol or RSA certificate can expire in some states and territories across Australia. Expiration periods can vary depending on the state or territory in which you obtained your RSA.

Technically speaking though, the statement of attainment or SITHFAB021 certificate you receive from an RTO (Registered Training Organisation) cannot expire, but Liquor Regulators in each state and territory can enforce those working in industry to complete “refresher” courses every so often.

The good news is that usually these refresher courses are free and completed online.

Please refer to your state or territory from the list below to find out more about requirements that may apply to you and where you can complete a refresher course:

New South Wales (NSW):

Victoria: 

Queensland: RSA certificates do not have an expiry date but refreshers are recommended.

Western Australia: RSA certificates do not expire, but a refresher course may be necessary depending on employer requirements.

South Australia: RSA certificates are valid for three years and then a refresher course is needed for renewal.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT): RSA certificates expire after three years.

Tasmania: RSA certificates do not have an expiry date, but refresher training is advised.

Northern Territory: RSA certificates are valid for three years.

If you’re working in the hospitality industry or planning to, knowing the validity of your Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Statement of Attainment is crucial.

So, how long does an RSA last? It varies across Australian states and territories.

Let’s dive into each region’s specifics to keep you informed and compliant.

Key Takeaways:

• Varied Validity Across States: RSA certificate validity and renewal requirements differ by Australian state, with some requiring refreshers and others lasting indefinitely.
• Refresher Course Requirements: In Victoria and ACT, RSA certificates need a refresher every three years, while other states recommend staying informed on current practices.
• Choosing Accredited Providers: Rsacertificate.au helps in selecting accredited RTOs, ensuring legitimate and quality RSA training tailored to regional needs.

RSA Validity Across Australia

Queensland (QLD), Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS)

• Validity: Indefinite. Once obtained, the Statement of Attainment for the course SITHFAB021 (Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol) does not expire.
• Refresher: Not required.

Victoria (VIC)

• Validity: No expiration date for certificates obtained from approved providers.
• Refresher: Mandatory every three years. Accessible via the Liquor Control Victoria website here.

New South Wales (NSW)

• Validity: Indefinite.
• Refresher: Regular training and self-education recommended to stay updated.

Northern Territory (NT)

• Validity: Indefinite.
• Refresher: No mandatory renewal, but staying updated with liquor laws is advised.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• Validity: Expires every three years.
• Refresher: Mandatory refresher course required for renewal.

Renewing and Refreshing Your RSA

While some regions like VIC and ACT have clear guidelines on renewing your RSA, others don’t mandate a refresher.

However, staying informed and updated is always good practice.