About training
This course forms part of the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training in NSW.
This course covers NSW-specific requirements for selling, serving or supplying alcohol.
It is intended for RSA holders from other Australian states and territories to qualify for related NSW work.
The course is delivered online and can be completed at your own pace.
Who should complete this training
You must complete the RSA bridging course and hold a competency card to work in NSW if:
- you have moved permanently to NSW from another state or territory, and
- you want to sell, serve or supply alcohol here, and
- you have completed an approved interstate RSA course (see following).
As a prerequisite to this course, you must hold one of the following approved interstate RSA certificates:
- QLD, WA, SA or TAS - a national RSA Statement of Attainment issued within the last 5 years.
- VIC, ACT or NT - a national RSA Statement of Attainment or RSA refresher certificate issued within the last 3 years.
If you haven't done one of these eligible RSA courses, you'll need to do the full NSW Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course.
What if I'm not living permanently in NSW?
What if you're not living permanently in NSW, but have an approved RSA qualification from another state or territory in Australia?
If you're working in Security or RSA marshal duties at licensed premises:
- You must complete the NSW RSA Bridging course, whether you live permanently in NSW or not.
- You're required to hold a NSW competency card displaying the RSA endorsement at all times.
If you're another worker from interstate:
You don't need to complete the NSW RSA Bridging course, providing:
- you don't live permanently in NSW, and
- you have completed an approved interstate RSA course
- you can show evidence of your certificate/training when required (see next drop-down)
- you understand your obligations under NSW liquor laws when working in NSW.
You can voluntarily complete the bridging course to inform you of NSW requirements relating to areas like refusal of service, signage, compliance and harm minimisation strategies. For example, in NSW, if you identify a customer as being intoxicated, you must stop service and ask the person to leave the premises. This may be different to other jurisdictions.
All workers involved in selling, serving or supplying alcohol in NSW are required to be certified in the Responsible Service of Alcohol.
Even if you're a temporary interstate worker, you may be required to show your valid recent interstate RSA certificate:
- to a prospective employer (hotels, restaurants, pubs, clubs etc), who may want to keep a record of your RSA details, verify your interstate RSA certificate, and sight your photo identification.
- for inspection by either Police officers or Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors if asked.
I live in Queensland and hold a current QLD RSA certificate and occasionally need to serve liquor at sporting events or music festivals in NSW. Am I eligible?
Yes, you are eligible to work in NSW if your QLD RSA certificate is less than 5 years old, unless you move permanently to NSW. However, voluntarily completing the online RSA bridging course offered by Liquor & Gaming NSW will help you understand your obligations under the NSW liquor laws when working in NSW.
I live in a small cross border town and hold an interstate RSA certificate. Am I eligible to work in a venue across the border in NSW?
Yes. If you intend to work in a role involving sale, supply or service of liquor at a venue in NSW but you permanently reside in another State or Territory, you may work in NSW so long as you hold an approved interstate RSA certificate. However, if you permanently move to NSW or your role involves security or RSA marshal duties, you must complete the online NSW RSA Bridging course and obtain a competency card to work in NSW. Refer to the information above.
What you'll learn in the NSW bridging course
The bridging course covers a range of topics in relation to NSW laws including:
- NSW liquor laws
- Intoxication, including refusing service and removing customers
- Minors
- Harm minimisation strategies
- Compliance and enforcement
How to apply
You'll need access to a computer and the internet to apply for and complete the online course.
- Sign up for the course using a MyServiceNSW account.
- Log in to start or continue the course.
Cost: The course fee includes the cost of your NSW competency card. Refer to the fee schedule for details.
What you get at the end
When you've successfully completed the course, you'll receive an RSA bridging course completion certificate by email. This certificate confirms you have completed the course, but does not allow you to sell, serve or supply alcohol in a licensed premises in NSW.
You must apply for your NSW RSA competency card at a Service NSW centre first.
Take your course completion certificate, identification documents and interstate RSA certification to a Service NSW centre so they can:
- verify you have completed the RSA bridging course,
- validate your interstate RSA certification
- take a photo of you
- check your identification.
If your identification documents are successfully verified and your interstate RSA certification is validated, Service NSW will provide you with an RSA bridging interim certificate.
This certificate is valid for 90 days and allows you to start work immediately.
Competency card
Your NSW RSA competency card will be sent to your nominated postal address after you have obtained your RSA bridging interim certificate from Service NSW. Please allow up to one month for its delivery.
Manage your competency card online
Keep your contact information up to date to receive essential updates and reminders. Visit the Competency Card Self Service Portal to update contact details or to order replacements for lost or stolen cards.
Want your card sooner? Go digital today
Visit Service NSW to learn more about the NSW digital competency card.