Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.
I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
What Is the RSA and Why It’s Mandatory
The Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) is your golden ticket into hospitality. Without it, you cannot legally serve alcohol in Australia.
It’s not just a piece of paper.
The RSA represents your commitment to safe, legal, and responsible service.
During the course, you’ll learn how to:
- Check and verify IDs correctly.
- Recognise the signs of intoxication.
- Refuse service legally and professionally.
- Understand standard drinks and safe consumption limits.
- Protect both customers and the venue from legal risks.
The RSA is designed to make sure every bartender knows that their job isn’t only to make great drinks — it’s to create a safe environment for patrons and the community.
I remember failing to pick up on intoxication signs early in my career.
Its very easy to miss as a newbie in the industry but I was very lucky that another staff member had to step in and refuse service.
It was a lesson that the RSA isn’t “just a course” — it’s something you use every single shift.
The staff member was able to assist me to identify where I had missed the signs.
Never just focus on your bar area. Read the room!
State-by-State Differences
Here’s where it gets tricky: the RSA isn’t uniform across Australia. Each state or territory has its own rules.
- New South Wales (NSW):
RSA must be completed through a NSW Liquor & Gaming–approved provider. The certificate is valid in NSW only. You’ll also be issued a Competency Card, which you must carry while working. - Victoria (VIC):
You can complete your RSA through approved training providers (often TAFE or online). Victoria also requires refresher training every three years. - Queensland (QLD):
RSA training is nationally recognised here, but it must come from a registered training organisation (RTO). Online RSA is accepted in QLD. - Western Australia (WA):
An RSA is required for licensees, managers, and staff who serve alcohol. Online RSA courses are widely accepted. - South Australia (SA):
RSA training is called “Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Online” and must be completed within 3 months of starting work in a licensed venue. - Tasmania (TAS):
RSA training is mandatory and must be completed with a registered training provider. - Northern Territory (NT):
RSA is mandatory in licensed venues. Staff in takeaway alcohol outlets must also complete additional training. - Australian Capital Territory (ACT):
An RSA certificate is required for anyone serving alcohol, and refresher training may be required depending on your role.
Check your state’s specific rules before enrolling. An RSA from NSW, for example, won’t automatically qualify you to work in VIC or QLD.
Where to Get Certified
In Australia you have got several options on obtaining your RSA qualifications but this is also depending on your state:
TAFE:
Many TAFE campuses run RSA as a short face-to-face course.
Great for learners who prefer in-person interaction.
– I personally love this option as this gives you the option to ask questions and interact with other people who are new in the insutry. You never know you may have a shift with one of these people in the near future.
Online Providers:
Convenient, often cheaper, and can be completed at your own pace.
Must be an approved provider in your state (be wary of scam sites).
– I have personally had to turn away staff that were not certified due to renewing their courses online with untrusted providers.
Private Hospitality Training Colleges:
Some cocktail schools and training centres bundle RSA with other hospitality skills (barista training, cocktail courses).
If you’re new to hospitality, an in-person RSA at TAFE can be invaluable. You’ll meet other aspiring bartenders, ask questions directly, and sometimes even pick up job leads.
Costs and How Long It Takes
Cost:
- RSA training typically costs between $50–$150 depending on the provider and state.
- Online is usually cheaper, while TAFE or bundled courses can be more expensive.
Time:
- Most RSA courses take around 3–6 hours to complete.
- Some online providers allow you to pause and resume over several days.
Validity:
- In most states, the RSA does not expire.
- In VIC and ACT, you need refresher training (every 3 years in VIC).
- In NSW, you must renew your RSA Competency Card every 5 years.
Tips to Pass Your RSA Easily
Good news: the RSA isn’t a difficult course, but here are some insider tips to make it even smoother:
- Pay attention to ID rules. Many test questions focus on recognising fake IDs and the legal consequences of serving minors.
- Memorise standard drinks. You’ll need to know how many standard drinks are in common serves of beer, wine, and spirits.
- Practice scenario questions. For example, “What would you do if a patron is becoming aggressive?” (Correct answer: refuse service calmly and seek support from management/security.)
- Understand penalties. Fines for breaching RSA laws can be thousands of dollars for both you and the venue — examiners love to test this.
- Stay calm. The course is designed for beginners. If you’ve ever had a drink in a bar, most scenarios will feel familiar.
When I did my first RSA, I stressed over the exam.
But the trainer reminded us: “This isn’t about tricking you — it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods.” That perspective made it less intimidating.
Takeaways
- The RSA is your first license and a non-negotiable step in any Australian bartending career.
- Costs are low, time commitments are short, but the knowledge is crucial.
- Each state has slightly different rules — don’t assume your RSA is transferable.
- Passing is straightforward if you focus on ID rules, standard drinks, and responsible service scenarios.
CTA: Ready to start your bartending journey? Complete your RSA today and then check out [So You Want to Be a Bartender? The First Steps in Australia] to map out your next moves behind the bar.
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/
You have taken the next step of obtaining your RSA. But what is next? > Essential Bartending Skills