Last updated: 31 May 2023
Note: Thank you for your interest in our free refresher courses and extended renewal periods. Unfortunately, the deadline for these offers has now passed. You can find current information on training courses and competency card renewals in the Training to work in the industry section of our website.
The NSW Government is extending the renewal periods and waiving renewal fees for all holders of RSA competency cards which:
This free renewal applies to any competency card holder with a RSA endorsement, and those with both RSA and Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) endorsements. Eligible card holders must complete the refresher course(s) by 28 February 2023 to be able renew their card at no cost.
Once the courses are completed the competency card will be renewed, and staff are able to return to work in the industry without needing to undertake a full RSA and RCG (where applicable) course at cost.
Those who are eligible for the free refreshers will receive an email with details on how to complete the refresher courses.
To access free refresher courses, you must hold an RSA competency card that expires between 1 February 2020 and 28 February 2023:
Free refresher courses are available for eligible card holders until 28 February 2023. You must complete your RSA/RCG refresher and assessment by 28 February for this special arrangement to apply.
Note, for RSA competency cards expiring on, or after 31 January 2023 the 28-day grace period applies. This allows you to renew your card within the grace period even when this period extends past 28 February 2023. However, you must renew your card by 28 February 2023 to take advantage of the free refresher. After this date normal renewal fees apply.
My RSA expires on 14 February 2023. Can I access the free refresher during the 28-day grace period for renewal?
Yes, but only if you complete the RSA Refresher by 28 February 2023. After that date you may renew your RSA within the 28-day grace period by paying the renewal fee.
My RSA expires a few days before the end of February 2023. Can I get an extension to complete the free RSA Refresher?
No. Free refresher courses are only available until 28 February 2023. You can renew at cost after 28 February as long as it is within the 28-day grace period.
Note, you cannot return to work during the grace period until your card is renewed.
If my 28-day grace period falls across February and March 2023, does that mean I can access the free renewals anytime during the grace period?
I’m having technical issues with the refresher course portal. Who do I contact for support?
For more information or support with accessing your RSA/RCG renewal, contact Service NSW on 1300 024 720.
Does the offer of free RSA Refreshers also include access to a free RCG refresher?
Yes, if your RSA card also includes an RCG competency, you can renew both competencies for free.
However, if you hold a card with RCG only, you are not eligible for a free RCG refresher, but you still benefit as you have additional time until 28 February 2023 to renew your card by paying the lower RCG renewal fee, rather than completing the full RCG course at a higher cost.
I haven’t received an email about my refresher, but my RSA expired in March 2020 – what do I do?
Log in to your Service NSW account and make sure your email address is up to date.
Please update your email address if necessary and contact Service NSW on 1300 024 720 to request access to the renewal link to complete the free RSA refresher by 28 February 2023.
My RSA expired prior to 1 February 2020. Can I access the free refresher course?
No, the free RSA refresher course is only available for holders of RSA cards that expire between 1 February 2020 and 28 February 2023.
My Competency card has RCG only. Why can’t I access the free RCG refresher?
This is a NSW Government initiative to support former hospitality staff to return to the sector by offering free refreshers to those who hold an RSA competency card that expires in the last 2 years or will expire before 28 February 2023. These free renewals apply to those with an RSA card, and those that have both RSA and RCG on their card. If you have RCG only and it has expired since 1 February 2020, you still benefit as you have additional time until 28 February 2023 to renew your RCG at cost, and don’t have to complete a full RCG course and pay the higher course fee.
I have just paid for a new full RSA/RSA Refresher. Can I get a refund and then do the free course? If not, why not?
The NSW Government is not able to provide refunds for RSA courses already paid for and completed.
Does the extended renewal period for competency cards that expire between 1 February 2020 and 28 February 2023 mean I can work in the industry with an expired competency card until I complete the refresher?
No, you cannot work in roles involved in the sale, supply or service of alcohol without a current RSA competency card. The extended renewal period means you have additional time until 28 February 2023 to renew your competency card at no cost. You should take advantage of this opportunity to complete the refreshers free of cost at the earliest, to enable your return to work in the industry.
Why have I been sent a tax invoice for my refresher course when the course is free?
This is a standard form so please ignore. The payment details are not filled in and you will not be charged for the course.
Why do the tax invoice and my interim certificate for the refresher not display any payment details?
The tax invoice and interim certificate do not include payment details because you have not been charged for the course.
