Alcohol, Learning, News Updated: October 2026

Moving States? Can You Use Your RSA Interstate?

SITHFAB021 is nationally recognised — but some states have extra rules. Pick the state you're moving to and see exactly what you need before your first shift.

Moving States? Can You Use Your RSA Interstate?
RSA · Interstate · Moving States

Moving States?
Can You Use Your RSA Interstate?

SITHFAB021 is nationally recognised — but some states have extra rules. Pick the state you're moving to and see exactly what you need before your first shift.

Job Trainer Australia — RTO 45742October 20266 min read
Quick answer

Sometimes. SITHFAB021 is a nationally recognised unit, but each state controls who can serve alcohol. NSW needs a NSW Competency Card (via the full course or, for recent interstate RSAs, the bridging course). Victoria needs training through a Liquor Control Victoria approved provider plus the free SHARPR module. WA, SA, TAS and the ACT require an approved provider for that state. In QLD and the NT, SITHFAB021 is nationally recognised and accepted.

Moving for work is common in hospitality — Sydney for summer, Melbourne for events, Perth for the coastal and small-bar scene. Before your first shift, check that your RSA is valid where you're going. The rules depend on the state you're moving to.

Quick tool

Where are you moving to?

Pick your destination state:

State-by-State RSA Transfer Rules

Moving toWhat you needExpiry
NSWNSW Competency Card — full NSW RSA, or the bridging course if your interstate RSA is recent5 years
VICRSA from a Liquor Control Victoria approved provider + free SHARPR module3 years
QLDSITHFAB021 nationally recognised and acceptedNo formal expiry (refresher every 3 years recommended)
WARSA from an LGIRS-approved providerNo formal expiry
SARSA from a CBS-approved providerNo formal expiry
TASRSA from a listed Tasmanian training organisation3 years
ACTRSA from an Access Canberra approved provider3 years
NTSITHFAB021 nationally recognised and accepted3 years

Job Trainer Australia is approved by state liquor regulators where state approval applies (NSW, VIC, WA, SA, TAS, ACT), so you can complete the right course for your new state with one provider. See our RSA Laws by State guide for full detail.

Before You Move: Quick Checklist

Interactive checklist

Interstate move checklist

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is my RSA valid in every state?

SITHFAB021 is nationally recognised, but each state controls who can serve alcohol. NSW needs a Competency Card, Victoria needs an LCV-approved provider plus SHARPR, and WA, SA, TAS and the ACT require an approved provider for that state. In QLD and the NT, SITHFAB021 is nationally recognised and accepted.

Can I use my WA or QLD RSA in NSW?

Not on its own. If you've moved permanently to NSW and your RSA was issued within 5 years (QLD, WA, SA, TAS) or 3 years (VIC, ACT, NT), you may be eligible for the NSW RSA bridging course. Otherwise complete the full NSW RSA course.

Can I use my NSW RSA in Victoria?

Victoria requires RSA training through a Liquor Control Victoria approved provider, plus the free SHARPR module. If your RSA wasn't from an LCV-approved provider, complete the VIC course.

Do I need a new RSA to work in Queensland?

SITHFAB021 is nationally recognised and accepted in QLD, so a current SITHFAB021 Statement of Attainment generally carries across. A refresher every 3 years is recommended.

How quickly can I get my new state's RSA?

You study online at your own pace. Your Statement of Attainment is issued once a qualified assessor deems you competent, typically within 24–48 hours of submitting all assessments (business hours). Optional Priority Marking ($20) means work submitted before 2pm AEST, Monday to Friday, is marked that business day.

How much does a new state RSA cost?

With Job Trainer Australia, RSA is $58 in most states. NSW is $143 in total, which includes the $107 government fee for the NSW Competency Card.

Get the Right RSA for Your New State

One provider, approved by state liquor regulators where state approval applies. RSA from $58.

Sources: NSW RSA bridging course · Liquor Control Victoria — approved providers · CBS SA — RSA approved providers