How to Get Your RSA in Queensland Online

A bar counter with a smartphone lying next to a glass of water, set up for studying an online course, with no people in view.

To get an RSA in Queensland you complete the nationally recognised unit SITHFAB021 Provide responsible service of alcohol with a registered training organisation (RTO), and you receive a Statement of Attainment. You can do that entirely online. Melbourne Tech Institute (RTO 45799) runs it for $59.

What does Queensland accept as an RSA?

Business Queensland says you must complete the nationally recognised course called Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol through an RTO, and that the current course code is SITHFAB021. The law behind this is section 38 of the Liquor Regulation 2002: the course must be a unit of competency under the national VET system, and a VET Statement of Attainment must be given for it.

Two things follow. First, a 'statement of attendance' is not the same thing, so check that you will get a Statement of Attainment. Second, what counts is the nationally recognised unit, completed through an RTO. Business Queensland also warns that many online courses do not meet Queensland's requirements, so check the provider is an RTO before you pay. See Business Queensland, RSA certification.

Step 1. Get your USI

You need a Unique Student Identifier (USI) to receive a Statement of Attainment from any RTO. If you do not have one, you can create it for free on the government USI website. Have it ready before you finish the course.

Step 2. Enrol

Enrol in the Queensland RSA course. The price is $59 all in, with no card, certificate or re-sit fees. It is sold for work in Queensland only.

Step 3. Work through the nine modules

The course is 100% online and self-paced, on your phone or a computer. There are 9 short modules, and the presenter videos run about 45 minutes in total. You answer questions by tapping the answer. It is open book, and you can retry as many times as you like, so there is no pressure to get it right the first time.

Step 4. Record your two-minute phone video

The final step is a short phone recording of about 2 minutes. You show your photo ID beside your face, then explain how you would refuse service to someone, and how you would handle a person who refuses to leave. This is not a machine mark. A qualified human assessor watches it.

Step 5. Get your Statement of Attainment

Once the assessor signs you off and your USI is on file, MTI issues your Statement of Attainment for SITHFAB021. Because Queensland has no RSA card, this is your proof. Keep a copy, since your employer must keep a copy of each staff member's certificate.

Step	What you do
USI	Create or find your Unique Student Identifier
Enrol	$59, no extra fees
Modules	9 short modules, about 45 minutes of video, open book, unlimited retries
Recording	About 2 minutes on your phone, photo ID beside your face
Result	Statement of Attainment once the assessor signs off and your USI is on file

How soon do you need it?

New staff have 30 days from starting to hold the certificate, under section 141C of the Liquor Act 1992. Read who needs one in our guide, Do you need an RSA in Queensland?. If you plan to work behind a bar, it also helps to know what ID you can accept.

Running a venue that serves food? Many need a Food Safety Supervisor as well. Our Queensland Food Safety Supervisor course is $129. Otherwise, see the full Queensland RSA course page.

Start your Queensland RSA — $59 →

Is an online RSA valid in Queensland?

The Liquor Regulation 2002 requires the nationally recognised unit, with a VET Statement of Attainment. It does not state a delivery mode. Business Queensland warns that many online courses do not meet Queensland's requirements, so choose an RTO. MTI is RTO 45799 and issues a Statement of Attainment for SITHFAB021.

How much does the MTI Queensland RSA cost?

$59 all in. There are no card, certificate or re-sit fees.

Do I need a USI?

Yes. Your USI needs to be on file before MTI can issue your Statement of Attainment.

Can I retry the questions?

Yes. The course is open book with unlimited retries.

What is the recording at the end?

A phone recording of about 2 minutes. You show your photo ID beside your face and explain how you would refuse service and handle someone who will not leave. A qualified human assessor watches it.