Understanding RSA Certification and 6 Ways it Can Boost Your Career

For those just starting their career in hospitality, RSA certification is often the first qualification you’ll need to land a job. Whether you’re applying to be a bartender, floor staff, or event worker, an RSA certificate is usually a mandatory requirement for employment in licensed venues. Employers look for candidates who are already certified, as this ensures they are ready to start work without needing additional training.

An RSA certificate opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities across multiple industries. Jobs that require RSA certification include:

• Bartenders: Responsible for serving alcohol while adhering to legal requirements.
• Floor Staff: Serving drinks and monitoring customer behaviour to ensure responsible alcohol consumption.
• Event and Function Staff: Serving alcohol at weddings, corporate events, and festivals.
• Security Officers: Monitoring patrons at licensed venues, ensuring they remain safe and compliant with alcohol regulations.
• Managers and Supervisors: Overseeing alcohol service in restaurants, clubs, or bars and ensuring the team complies with responsible service laws.
• Licensees: Running licensed venues, from small bars to large hotels, while adhering to liquor laws.
• Alcohol Delivery Staff: Delivering alcohol responsibly, ensuring it is only provided to those legally allowed to purchase it.
• Volunteers: Serving alcohol at charity events or community functions.

With RSA certification, you’re eligible for these roles and more, allowing you to work across different sectors and events.

Once you’ve obtained your RSA certification and gained experience in the industry, there are numerous opportunities for career advancement. Many hospitality professionals begin as floor staff or bartenders and work their way up to supervisory or managerial roles. An RSA certificate is often a prerequisite for promotions into leadership roles where you’ll be responsible for ensuring that your team follows responsible service practices.

Employers prefer candidates who already hold an RSA certificate, as it demonstrates that you’re prepared to serve alcohol responsibly from day one. Having this qualification on your resume signals that you are compliant with state or territory laws and understand how to handle challenging situations, such as refusing service to intoxicated patrons or checking IDs. In a competitive job market, having RSA certification can give you an edge over other candidates.

One of the key responsibilities of RSA-certified staff is ensuring that alcohol is served within the law. This includes refusing service to minors, intoxicated customers, and ensuring that customers don’t become a danger to themselves or others. By upholding these standards, you not only protect yourself from potential legal consequences but also protect your employer from fines, penalties, or even loss of licence.

Each state and territory in Australia has its own regulations for RSA certification, so it’s essential to complete a course that complies with your location’s requirements. Here’s a quick look at what you need depending on where you work:

• Victoria: RSA certification is required, and the course must be approved by Liquor Control Victoria. CFT’s RSA Victoria course is recognised and fully accredited for Victorian workers.
• Queensland: RSA certification is required, and CFT’s Queensland RSA course ensures compliance with state laws.
• Western Australia: RSA certification is needed, and CFT’s RSA Perth WA course meets these standards.
• South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory: RSA certification is required across these states, and CFT’s RSA courses meet local requirements.

For those who need flexibility, a nationally recognised RSA course is available, allowing you to work in multiple regions.