California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training

California RBS Details

online certification

Our RBS Training Program is an online course aimed at allowing you to obtain your RBS certification to work legally in California as a server of alcoholic drinks or as a manager in such a setting. It is periodically updated to stay current with the Beverage Code and to improve quality.

how this course works

Before starting this course, you must register with the California RBS Portal and receive your Server ID Number. After you complete this course, you will go to the RBS Portal to take the ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam and become officially certified.

Each lesson contains detailed information on the topic and fun exercises. Self-paced lessons take less than 15 minutes and have a voice-over option that reads the lesson aloud. There are short 5 minute quizzes after each lesson.

A final exam becomes available on the RBS Portal within 24 hours after all 4 lessons are completed. To get your RBS Certificate, you must achieve a 70% on the ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam.

what you will learn in this course

Upon successful completion of the California RBS training course, you will understand:

• The definition of intoxication and the dangers of alcohol poisoning
• How to spot signs of intoxication and the laws regarding the sale of alcohol to intoxicated persons
• How to spot minors and the penalties for providing/selling alcohol to minors
• When to cut off service and how to intervene when an intoxicated person or minor is involved
• The way that alcohol affects the body
• What to look for when checking identification and how to spot a fake

RBS certification meaning

Anyone who serves alcohol or manages a facility that serves alcohol for immediate consumption (e.g., bars, restaurants, tasting rooms, clubs, stadiums, movie theaters, hotels, caterers, planes, and trains) must have a California RBS Certificate to show they understand the laws regarding alcohol sales. 

Knowledge of alcohol laws can help protect you against legal repercussions and will better prepared to do your job and serve customers appropriately and safely.

Many different situations can come up while working in an alcohol service role, and you might not have the knowledge needed to deal with those circumstances if you didn’t bother to complete the training process.

how to use The RBS Certification

Holding an RBS Certification shows employers that you have passed the minimum requirement of understanding the laws governing the sale of alcohol in the state of California.

However, there is no physical or downloadable certificate. Proof that you have completed the training and passed the  ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam resides in the RBS Portal.

You must provide your employer with your Server ID Number and the exact name you used to create your account in the RBS Portal. If you provide a different name, your employer will not be able to confirm that you are currently certified.

fastest way to get RBS certified

If you are trying to fit this training into your busy schedule, we have good news – you won’t need to commit hours and hours of study time to this process. You can work at your own pace and go through each of the four lessons plus the final review and exam as you are ready and have time available. Roughly 20 minutes will be required for each lesson and quiz, and there are four of those to complete, followed by a final review and exam process

You have up to six months from the date of registration to complete this program. With some time set aside to focus on the task, this course can be completed in a day and you will be finished with your RBS certificate. 

For how long is the RBS Certificate Valid?

RBS server certifications are valid for three years. You must re-certify before your certification expires for your RBS certification to remain valid. You will be sent reminder emails 90, 60, 30, and 10 days before your certificate expires. The emails will be sent to the email address associated with your account in the RBS Portal. 

To renew your certification, you must pay the recertification fee, take training from an authorized RBS Training Provider, and pass the ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam.

How am I registered with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control?

Upon completion of the Responsible Training RBS course you must return to the RBS Portal to take your final exam. The final exam becomes available on the site within 24 hours after all 4 lessons have been completed. 

Once you have passed the final exam on the RBS Portal with at least 70% correct answers, you are registered with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. 

Learn more about the getting started with online courses from Frequently Asked Questions.