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Info for RSA and RCG Students

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Australia Post outlet finder

Search by postcode or town/suburb to find a participating Australia Post outlet in NSW where you can apply for a Competency Card.

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How to apply for a photo competency card
What ID documents do I need to obtain my competency card?
Your responsibilities
FAQs

Background

From 22 August 2011, students who graduate from an approved Responsible Service of Alcohol or Responsible Conduct of Gambling course in NSW, will need to apply for a photo competency card from a participating Australia Post outlet to carry as evidence of their qualification.

How much do students pay for the photo competency card?

Students will pay for the RSA/RCG competency card as part of their course payment to the training organisation when they enrol. It is not paid separately to the registered training organisation.

How much does the photo competency card cost?

RSA photo competency card: The fee component of the RSA competency card is $70 and is added to the cost of the course. Course costs will vary between different training organisations.
RCG photo competency card: The fee component of the RCG competency card is $30 and is added to the cost of the course. Course costs will vary between different training organisations.
Combined RSA and RCG competency cards: The fee for students completing both competencies is $100. To ensure only one card is issued, students should have completed both courses before applying to Australia Post.

Do I need to wait for my photo card before I can work in jobs that require RSA or RCG competencies?

No. After the trainer has assessed you as competent following your RSA or RCG course, you will be given an interim certificate by the training organisation. You can use your interim certificate straight away to work in jobs that require an RSA or RCG competency in NSW – but only until the expiry date on your interim certificate. Make sure you check the expiry date. You can't work after that date without your photo competency card.

How do I apply for the photo competency card?

Once you have successfully completed your RSA or RCG course and received your interim certificate you can apply in person at a participating Australia Post outlet in NSW for your photo competency card. The back of your interim certificate contains the application form and a list of documents you need to take to Australia Post to prove your identity.

There are 3 simple steps to getting your card.

1. Book a time at Australia Post

Use the Australia Post locator on this webpage or call 137 678 to find your nearest participating Australia Post outlet and to book an appointment. NOT all Australia Post outlets in NSW can process photo competency card applications. So check first!

2. Get your identity documents ready

In order for Australia Post to process your card application you will need to have your interim certificate and the correct documents to prove your identity.

These must be original documents (unless otherwise stated) to the value of at least 100 points that prove your identity. Details of acceptable documents are listed on your interim certificate. Please read this information carefully to make sure you have the right documents to take to Australia Post.

3. Go to your Australia Post interview

Attend the interview in person (other people can't apply for the photo competency card for you)
Take along your interim certificate
Bring the right documents that prove your identity
(100 points or more). If you don't do this, your application can't be processed by Australia Post.

Your photo will be taken at Australia Post as part of the application process. Your card will be ordered and sent to you within 3 weeks.

What ID documents do I need to obtain my competency card?

Once you have graduated from your RSA or RCG course, you must:

Bring your paper interim RSA/ RCG certificate with you (provided by the training organisation you did the course with) AND
Sufficient supporting identity documents.

to an Australia Post outlet to apply for your competency card. Note only graduates of approved RSA and RCG courses in NSW from 22 August 2011 can apply for an RSA or RSA photo competency card.

Not all Australia Post outlets process RSA/RCG competency card applications. Check which participating outlet is nearest to you using the Australia Post outlet finder on our photo competency card web page.

You can book an appointment time with Australia Post either by booking online via the Australia Post outlet finder or calling 137 678. You need to attend the interview in person and have you photo and signature taken.

You must ensure the value of your identity documents TOTALS 100 POINTS OR MORE from the list of documents below
If the details on your interim RSA/RCG certificate do not EXACTLY MATCH your identification documents a CHANGE OF NAME document MUST be provided
All documents MUST BE CURRENT unless otherwise state, and must be originals, not photocopies.

Primary identification documents: 70 points each
A maximum number of 2 primary documents can be presented

Australian passport (or expired in the last 2 years)
Foreign passport (current)
Australian birth certificate (not an extract)
Foreign birth certificate (with translation)
Australian citizenship certificate.

Secondary identification documents: 40 points each
A maximum number of 2 secondary documents can be presented

Licence issued in Australia (Drivers, Learner Permit, Boat Operator, Firearms and Security)
Foreign Drivers Licence (with photo and text in Roman alphabet).

Additional secondary documents: 25 points each
A maximum number of 3 additional secondary documents can be presented - each must be issued by a different organisation.

Proof of age card/NSW photo card (government issued)
Australian tertiary education institution photo identity card
Foreign tertiary education ID card (with photo and text in Roman alphabet)
Utility bill or council rate notice (less than 3 months old)
Medicare card
Insurance documents (home, vehicle, health)
Property lease/rental agreement/rent receipt
Motor vehicle registration documents
Australian Workcover licence
Tax assessment notice
National police certificate
Social security, health care or pension card (Centrelink or DVA)
Financial institution/bank passbook, statement or debit/credit card.

Change of name
If you have changed your name from that on the identity document, you will also need to provide one of the following Change of Name documents:

Change of name by deed poll
Marriage certificate (Australia)
Marriage certificate (foreign, with translation)
Change of name document (i.e. change of name certificate).

Your responsibilities

By law, you will be required to produce your photo competency card whilst working in roles that require RSA/RCG competencies if requested by OLGR inspectors or NSW Police. Penalties will apply for failing to produce the card.
An RSA/RCG photo competency card holder is not required to personally carry the card - it is sufficient to have the card on site (preferably in a secure place) so it can obtained immediately if requested by OLGR or NSW Police.
If a police officer or an inspector from the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing asks to see your photo competency card, you must show it. If you don't, you can be fined.
If you change your address details or change your name, you must download and complete the relevant form so that your details can be updated.
- Change of address details – download and complete the change of details form (PDF 250 kb)
- Change of name - download and complete the replacement card form(PDF 276 kb)
If the card is lost or stolen, you should report the matter to the Police and contact the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing as soon as possible.
You cannot legally work in a job that requires an RSA or RCG competency using an expired interim certificate or an expired photo competency card.

Look after your card!

Your photo competency card is essential for any job that requires RSA or RCG qualifications in NSW. Make sure you look after it – just as you would your driver's licence or other important documents.

FAQ's

Will other Australia Post outlets be available where RSA and RCG course graduates can apply for their photo competency card?

Yes. There are now 57 Australia Post outlets throughout NSW that can process photo competency card applications from RSA and RCG graduates who have completed their course from 22 August 2011. A further 31 Australia Post outlets will added to the network by June next year.

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

Join the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing e-news bimonthly subscription service. It's free. Sign up here.

What if my photo competency card is lost or stolen?

You need to report the matter to Police and also download and complete the replacement card form(PDF 276 kb) and provide this to OLGR as soon as possible.

How much is a replacement card?

A replacement card will cost $30.

What if my address details change?

Download and complete the change of details form (PDF 250 kb) and provide this to OLGR, so that your details can be updated.

What if I change my name after I get my photo competency card?

Download and complete the replacement card form(PDF 276 kb).

What happens if I lose my interim certificate?

Contact the training organisation where you did your course to get another copy. If you cannot, contact OLGR.

My details are wrong on the interim certificate. What do I do?

If any of your details on either the front or back of your interim certificate are wrong, including your name, date of birth or address, you must complete the Interim certificate amendment form (PDF 292 kb). A new interim certificate with your correct details can be issued to you by the training organisation you did the course with. You can then apply for your photo competency card at Australia Post using the new interim certificate.

How long does the card last?

The competency card lasts for five years. You will need to renew the card before the expiry date on the card.