RSA requirements by Australian state and territory
A practical starting point for choosing an RSA course. Approval, timing, certificate evidence and delivery rules can differ between jurisdictions.
| Jurisdiction | What the regulator says | Eclipse pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Liquor Control Victoria requires an approved RSA course. Approved delivery may be online or in person; the approved pathway includes SITHFAB021 and Victorian content, followed by the Sexual Harassment and Assault module and Learning Hub certificate process. Refresher training is required every 3 years. Victoria RSA training guidance | Use the dedicated Victorian RSA course. |
| Queensland | Most staff who serve or supply alcohol need RSA training through an RTO, the current national unit is SITHFAB021, and the evidence is a Statement of Attainment. Training must generally be completed within 30 days of starting employment; Queensland does not issue a separate RSA card for this national course. Queensland RSA certification guidance | Queensland course, Brisbane or Surfers Paradise. |
| Western Australia | Staff engaged in the sale, supply or service of liquor generally need the nationally accredited SITHFAB021 unit, usually within 28 days of commencing. The certificate must be provided to the employer and the licensee must keep the required training register. Current WA guidance says accepted RSA courses do not expire. WA liquor management and training guidance | Western Australia course or Perth. |
| Tasmania | A person may only serve liquor on licensed premises after an approved RSA course. Tasmania recognises SITHFAB021; special approval and Tasmanian-content/practical-assessment conditions can apply to courses for people with effective control. Newly employed staff must generally complete or be enrolled in an approved course within 3 months. Tasmanian RSA course guidance | Use the Tasmania RSA course and check venue-specific requirements. |
| New South Wales | Only Liquor & Gaming NSW Approved Training Providers can conduct the mandatory RSA training and issue the NSW competency pathway. Online, virtual and face-to-face delivery can be available through approved providers. NSW approved provider directory | Not currently offered by Eclipse Education. Return to the main RSA Online page to choose an available pathway. |
| South Australia | RSA training must be nationally accredited and delivered by an RTO approved by the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner. Training is generally required within 3 months of engagement, subject to the Code and licence exceptions. SA approved RSA providers | Not currently offered by Eclipse Education. |
| Northern Territory | Staff must hold a valid RSA certificate, complete the course within 7 days of starting at a licensed premises, and keep current certificate/refresher records. The current course code is SITHFAB021 and recognised RTO certificates may be accepted. NT RSA requirements | Not currently offered by Eclipse Education. |
| Australian Capital Territory | RSA training providers and programs need ACT approval. Current interstate certificates can be recognised when they meet the statutory requirements; an interstate RSA certificate is generally treated as expiring 3 years after completion. ACT RSA provider approval | Not currently offered by Eclipse Education. |
Regulator rules, approved-provider lists and delivery requirements can change. Always confirm the current official guidance and the provider's approval before paying for a course or starting work.
How to choose the right RSA course
The course name alone is not enough. Match the regulator, delivery method, provider approval and certificate evidence to the state where you will work.
Choose the work state
Use the state or territory where you will actually sell, serve or supply alcohol—not just where you live.
Check approval
Confirm that the provider and delivery method are recognised by the relevant liquor regulator.
Keep the evidence
Keep your Statement of Attainment, RSA certificate or competency card and follow the employer record-keeping rules.
RSA state requirements FAQs
Can I use one RSA certificate everywhere in Australia?
No. Recognition and delivery rules are jurisdiction-specific. Check the regulator for the state where you will work before enrolling.
Does Eclipse Education offer RSA in every state?
No. Eclipse Education currently offers pathways for Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia. The other state and territory URLs route back to the main page because those pathways are not currently offered here.
Is SITHFAB021 enough by itself?
It is the current national RSA unit, but some regulators require additional approval, local content, a certificate of completion, a competency card or refresher training. Confirm the local rule.
Ready to choose your RSA pathway?
Check the regulator guidance, then begin the correct Eclipse Education RSA course.
Return to the main RSA Online course or contact Eclipse Education.
