Competency Card

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RSA and RCG Photo Competency Card in NSW

Background

Important changes to the way workers demonstrate they have completed an approved course in Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) or Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) came into effect on 22 August 2011.

What are the changes?

A new RSA/RCG photo competency card replaces paper certificates for graduates of approved courses from 22 August 2011.
A new online environment, linked to a central licensing database, has been introduced for registered training organisations approved to deliver RSA or RCG training. The system will record details of courses and students and generate the certificates required to obtain the photo competency card.

When did the changes come into effect?

The new arrangements commenced on 22 August 2011. From that date the paper certificates will no longer be issued for courses completed on or after that date. Only certificates generated from the online system will be valid to show that the student has completed an approved course in RSA or RCG.

Can somebody who has a paper certificate still work in licensed venues after 22 August 2011?

Yes. The immediate changes only apply to students graduating from 22 August 2011. Existing paper RSA and RCG certificates will still continue to be valid as evidence of competency until they are all phased out in stages over the next 5 years.

Under the staged transition arrangements, people with paper certificates issued more than 10 years ago will be required to undertake training and obtain the card sooner than those who have obtained their certificates more recently.

The first group of RSA and RCG paper certificates to expire are those issued prior to 1 January 2001 which will no longer be valid from 1 July 2012. Holders of these certificates who are still working in the industry need to complete an RSA or RCG course with an approved training organisation and obtain their photo competency card (or interim certificate) by 30 June 2012.

Further details of the second stage of the transition arrangements, which apply from 2013, will be announced early next year. Paper certificate holders will be given ample time to undertake a course and obtain the new photo competency card.

Where can I find more information or ask a question?

How do I keep up to date with future transition arrangements and info about the photo competency card?

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Why are the changes being introduced?

These improvements are being made to improve the capacity for venue operators and regulators to verify RSA/RCG trained staff, reduce the risk of fraud and improve the administration and record-keeping arrangements for training providers.

The photo competency card is more portable and durable than paper-based certificates. It will be easier for staff/licensees who complete an approved RSA or RCG course from 22 August 2011 to look after this important evidence of their qualifications.