How much does an RSA course cost in NSW?

Providers listed here advertise between about $90 and $320, with a median near $199. Online and classroom delivery are both approved in NSW. The Service NSW competency card fee is separate and set by the government.

Can I work as soon as I finish the course?

Yes. An approved training provider issues an interim certificate valid for 90 days, which lets you work while your competency card is produced.

How long does an RSA last in NSW?

Competency expires 5 years from your first endorsement. Before it expires you complete a short online RSA refresher course rather than the full course again.

Is my interstate RSA valid in NSW?

Not on its own. NSW requires the RSA bridging course, which covers the NSW-specific liquor law content that the national unit does not.

RSA in NSW: requirements, cost and renewal

What the NSW RSA covers, the interim certificate, the competency card, the 5-year refresher and how interstate RSA is recognised.

Updated 2026-09-25

What the NSW RSA is

Responsible Service of Alcohol training is required for anyone selling, serving or supplying alcohol in a licensed NSW venue. The course covers the national unit SITHFAB021 Provide responsible service of alcohol plus NSW-specific content on liquor law, intoxication, minors and harm minimisation. Only a Liquor & Gaming NSW Approved Training Provider can deliver it — an RTO with the unit on scope is not enough by itself.

The two documents

Interim certificate — issued by the training provider when you pass. Valid for 90 days, and you can work on it straight away.
Competency card — apply at a Service NSW centre with your interim certificate and 100 points of ID. The card arrives by post in about a month, and can be held digitally.

Cost and delivery

NSW courses may be delivered in a classroom or online. Providers listed on this site advertise roughly $90 to $320, with a median around $199. The Service NSW card fee is separate.

Renewal

All your liquor and gaming endorsements expire on the same date, 5 years from your first endorsement. Liquor & Gaming NSW notifies you around 90 days out. If your training was within those 5 years you complete the RSA refresher — a 60 to 90 minute online course — rather than sitting the full course again. Let it lapse and you start over.

Interstate RSA

An interstate RSA is not automatically recognised in NSW. You complete the NSW RSA bridging course, which teaches the NSW liquor law content the national unit leaves out.

RSA and RCG together

Venues with gaming machines also need RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gambling, unit SITHGAM022). It is a separate course and a separate endorsement on the same card, on the same 5-year cycle.

Find RSA courses near you · RCG courses

Frequently asked questions

How much does an RSA course cost in NSW?: Providers listed here advertise between about $90 and $320, with a median near $199. Online and classroom delivery are both approved in NSW. The Service NSW competency card fee is separate and set by the government.
Can I work as soon as I finish the course?: Yes. An approved training provider issues an interim certificate valid for 90 days, which lets you work while your competency card is produced.
How long does an RSA last in NSW?: Competency expires 5 years from your first endorsement. Before it expires you complete a short online RSA refresher course rather than the full course again.
Is my interstate RSA valid in NSW?: Not on its own. NSW requires the RSA bridging course, which covers the NSW-specific liquor law content that the national unit does not.