Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is RSA?
Responsible Service of Alcohol. It is a 6½ hour (1-day) course required by law for anyone working on licensed premises where alcohol is served. It teaches you your legal responsibilities and duty of care when you are serving alcohol - or if you work around it's delivery or management - such as with Security, Gaming staff or even liquor sales and promotion. You will also learn about fake ID’s, how to recognise signs of intoxication and sensible methods and practices to deal with minimising the effects of intoxication. It is a lot of common sense put into legal terms. This course is all theory; you will learn nothing about pouring drinks   
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What is RCG?
Responsible Conduct of Gambling. It is a 6½ hour ( 1-day ) course required by law for anyone working around poker machines, to teach you your legal responsibilities, duty of care and what to do if approached by a problem gambler whilst you are in the gaming area. The responsibilities are not limited purely to Gaming Room staff - as bar staff often have gaming patron contact. This course is another proactive measure by the NSW government.  
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Why would I need RCG?
Most hotels and Clubs prefer to have staff that can work anywhere. If a “pokie” patron wanders to the bar —that bar person must have their RCG. Without an RCG Certificate, you may exclude yourself from most clubs and hotels - and about 70% of jobs in licensed premises. Having your RCG gives you more job opportunities.   
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What is BarMax Bar Skills course?
BarMax is a bar course that is a fun and easy way to learn the skills that will prepare you for the basics in bartending. You will learn at a real bar with real drinks. We’ll train you in all the essentials : opening and closing a bar, restocking, pouring beer, wine and spirits, making mixed drinks and how to use all the basic equipment.
It will give you the skills and confidence to know what you are doing when you are out there working. This is the fun course, the practical one. RSA and RCG are all theory. Having the bar course + RSA + RCG will make you more employable.   
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What should I wear for the Bar Course?
For BarMax we ask attendees to wear all black : black pants and a black shirt, nothing fancy - plus closed-toe shoes. If you do not have all black, that is fine, but wearing black gets you into the feel of what it will be like.   
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Do I need RSA and RCG outside of NSW?
RSA and RCG is mandatory in NSW. Other states are following suit, however you will need to check with the states laws that you are looking for work in as you may still have to do their RSA or RCG course.
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I’m under 18—can I still do the course?
YES. What we provide is training. We don’t sell or supply alcohol, so you can do any course except Bar or Cocktails with a couple of conditions.
You must be moved from the foyer under escort directly to the training area and cannot access the Restricted areas of any training venues.
Additionally, recent changes to the law precluse you from actually serving any real patrons. We have never done this - but you will role-play order-taking, preparation and service with your classmates.
You obviously cannot work with alcohol in this state until turning 18   
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Do you get me a job?
No. No-one can guarantee a job, or your ability to work or even to turn up. That said, it is not hard if you try. At certain times of the year there are more jobs than people looking ! What you need is your RSA, RCG and proof of some bar skills. Add to that good personal presentation and a desire to work. We do have bars contact us up looking for staff and we are more than happy to pass attendee details on to our clients after approval. Better still—watch out for our BARLINK web page !!!  
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Can Centerlink pay for me?
They can, but you need to go through a “Job Services Australia '(Job Network Partner) eg Salvation Army Employment Plus, IPC, Work Directions etc. We require a Purchase Order or a letterhead faxed to us stating that they (the JNP) will pay for their attendee to complete the course. Upon receipt of the purchase order (and only then) can we then book you in.   
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Can I pay by cheque?
Generally speaking - NO. We will not accept personal, business or travelers cheques on the day of training.
We prefer payment in full of course or package fees over the phone by credit card or in CASH on the day.
Invoices and acceptance of company cheques is by prior arrangement with management only.
Our city location in Broadway does offer the additional facility of EFTPOS and Credit Card charging.   
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Can I pay my Package in installments?
No. Part of the reason we offer the packages at such greatly reduced prices is that we expect full payment. To receive package discounts, the full amount must be paid in advance or at first course attended ( package rates vary )   
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Are there any dress regulations?
There are dress regulations for the courses that are held at Registered clubs ( RSL’s, Social or Leagues Clubs ). Rules vary from place to place but the following can be taken as a guide :
     No shorts or torn jeans
     No thongs or sandals
     No singlets
These are not our rules : they are the club’s and aversion to their policies may stop you entering the club. We will be adding links to the specific training venues rules in the near future  
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I lost my OLGR /CLGCA certificates and I did my course before the 22nd August 2011—how do I get a replacement?
There is an administration fee of $50 per certificate for all certificates (eg RSA, Bar, FSS,) which includes all administration and certificate costs. You will need to complete the Re-Issue form, sign and return with the fee using Money Order, Bank Cheque or Postal Order or complete the Credit/Debit card section on the base of the re-issue form. (Don’t forget to fill in the dollar amount).

Applications will not start until the appropriate amount is received along with correct paperwork. Reissues are completed every Friday so all completed paperwork and payment must be in our office by the prior Thursday 5pm.

If you wish to have your reissue processed within 24 hours of receipt of payment the fee and completed reissue form the fee will be $75 per certificate. From this site ( click here ) you can download a Certificate Reissue Form.

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Important links and questions for Photo Competency Card

What if my photo competency card is lost or stolen?

You need to report the matter to Police and also complete a replacement card form from the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) website as soon as possible.

How do I get a replacement card?
Download and complete the replacement card form at
www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/photocard
A replacement card will cost $30.

What if my address details change?
Download and complete the change of details form at
www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/photocard

What if I change my name after I get my photo competency card?
Download and complete the replacement card form available from the OLGR website www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/photocard.

What happens if I lose my interim certificate?
Contact MHM-Barmax on 1300 139 233 to organise a replacement interim certificate.

My name is wrong on the interim certificate. What do I do?
You must complete the name amendment form from the OLGR website www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/photocard. A new interim certificate with your correct name will then be issued provided you completed the course with MHM-Barmax. 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.

More questions?
The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing website
www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/photocard
has lots of info about the RSA/RCG photo competency card.
You can also email
competencycard@communities.nsw.gov.au
or call 02 9995 0900.

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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 by all approved training organisations prior to 31 December 2000 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.

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