About training
This course forms part of the mandatory RSA training required to sell, service or supply alcohol in NSW
The course is delivered online and can be completed at your own pace.
Who should complete this training
You will need to complete the RSA bridging course if:
- you want to sell, serve or supply alcohol in NSW, and
- you have moved permanently to NSW from another Australian state or territory and you hold an approved RSA certification from another state or territory.
To be eligible for the RSA bridging course, you must hold one of the following:
- 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 do not hold any of these certifications, you'll need to complete 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 performing RSA marshal duties at licensed premises, you must:
- complete the NSW RSA bridging course, whether you live permanently in NSW or not, and
- hold a valid NSW competency card with RSA endorsement.
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
- you hold an approved RSA certification from another State or Territory
- you can show evidence of your certificate/training when required (see next drop-down), and
- you understand your obligations under NSW liquor laws.
You can voluntarily complete the bridging course to ensure you’re aware of NSW requirements relating to areas like refusal of service, signage, compliance and harm minimisation strategies which may differ from 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 interstate RSA certification:
- to a prospective employer (hotels, restaurants, pubs, clubs etc), who may want to verify your interstate RSA certification, and
- for inspection by either Police officers or Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) 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 L&GNSW 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 a valid 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, and
- 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.
- Register/log in to start or continue the course.
The course fee includes the cost of your NSW competency card (refer to the fee schedule for details).
Your NSW competency card
When you've successfully completed the course, you'll receive an RSA bridging course completion certificate by email.
Before you’re able to sell, serve or supply alcohol in a licensed premises in NSW though, you must apply for your NSW competency card.
If you have previously held a competency card in NSW, you will need to contact L&GNSW to request your existing details be removed before visiting a Service NSW location to apply for a new competency card. Service NSW are unable to remove your details in their centre and you will not be able to complete the following steps until this has occurred.
To apply for a NSW competency card, you will need to visit Service NSW in person with your:
- course completion certificate
- proof of identification (POI) documentation, and
- your interstate RSA certification.
Service NSW will then:
- verify you have completed the RSA bridging course
- validate your interstate RSA certification
- take a photo of you, and
- check your POI documentation.
Once these steps have been completed, you will be emailed an RSA bridging interim certificate which allows you to start work immediately and is valid for duties for 90 days. Your NSW competency card will be sent to your nominated address within 2-4 weeks. You will be able to download your digital competency card immediately.
Visit Service NSW to learn more about registering for the NSW digital competency card.
You can visit the Competency Card Self Service Portal to update your contact details or to order replacements for lost or stolen cards.
Ensure your contact information are up to date to make sure you receive essential updates and reminders.