California RBS portal top ribbon dashboard

California RBS Training and Exam FAQs

Is RBS certification required in California?

The state is now mandating that every person who sells or serves alcohol under an ABC On-Premises License or employees licensed to serve alcohol on planes, trains, or boats go through an updated and certified Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training. We worked nights and weekends tirelessly to get our course approved by the California Alcohol and Beverage Control Department and have it ready for you. There are new concepts the state wants to cover, new driver's licenses, and new regulations that you must review to continue selling, serving, and managing responsible beverage service. Our knowledge checks are included in the course to help test your understanding of key concepts. The state now administers the RBS exam, and the state is charging a $3 fee for each employee to register.

What is California RBS training?

California RBS Training is the course required by the state for those who serve alcoholic beverages. California RBS Training is the common name but other names are California Bartending License, California RBS Certification, and California ABC On-Premises License. The California ABC license grants the privilege to serve alcoholic beverages to customers who then consume them on the licensed premises. This license includes but is not limited to restaurants, bars, fast-casual dining, tasting rooms (including off-sale locations), hotels, and stadiums."

Who does this affect? Approved California RBS Responsible Beverage Service Training Course for bartenders and servers

Anyone under an ABC On-Premise License or who sells and serves alcohol on a plane, train, or boat (server or manager) who: 

  • Has taken California RBS training through Serving Alcohol (or other providers) before March 29, 2021. Even if you've taken RBS training before or after, then you may still not comply, depending on when your provider was approved.
  • Needs to take training to serve alcohol within 60 days of hire.

Is there anything new to the process? 

Once you have completed the review of the new material, you will then need to access the RBS Portal one more time. You will then take the RBS exam. The questions throughout the course will help you practice and understand what will be on the RBS exam. You have three attempts to complete the RBS exam. You must pass it with 70% or higher. It is an open-book, open note with a downloadable file provided within our Serving Alcohol RBS Training course material and knowledge checks to help you prepare. Once you have passed the RBS exam, your employer will see that you have completed the requirements through the RBS portal.

Once you pass the California RBS exam, you will receive your certification from California. The process is different from when the trainer issued the certificate.

How do I get my RBS certification in California?

You will need to do the following:

Step 1: Your staff will need to register with the state of California in their RBS Portal. They will navigate to 'Getting Started' at the bottom of their screen and register on the portal. (This login is entirely separate from Serving Alcohol). They must pay $3 to the state of California to register. Have them write down their Server ID provided to them by the state. California RBS Training website

Step 2: Enroll in the California RBS Training course.  Please enter your new RBS Server ID and last name. Your last name in the course MUST be the same as your RBS login. Complete the RBS training course. Your completion status will automatically be transmitted from Serving Alcohol to the state. (forgot your password?)

Serving Alcohol is California RBS approved training course

Step 3: Return to the RBS Portal and login. From the Server Dashboard, select 'Take Exam.' Complete the RBS Exam. Serving Alcohol California RBS Certification Training only $9.95

How do I access the RBS training? 

We would like you to log back into your profile; you will have access to the new material and a chance to review it in its entirety. If you've never taken RBS training with Serving Alcohol before, you'll need to register, purchase, and follow the prompts.

Do I need a different login to access the RBS Portal?

Yes. You need to create an account with the California Alcoholic Beverage Control in the RBS Portal and create a password.

Who do I contact if I have questions in the RBS Portal?

The RBS Portal is operated and maintained by the California Alcoholic Beverage Control. You will need to contact their support from within the login screen or portal for more information.

When will I need to complete this RBS training?

You will need to take action by July 1, 2022, so you have time but don't wait until the last second. It won't take long for you to do this, which will allow you to remain in compliance. Also, anyone employed by a licensed establishment that serves alcoholic beverages, if they are not already certified, must get their California RBS certification within 60 days of being hired.

When am I at risk of being out of compliance?

Enforcement begins September 1, 2022.

How long is my RBS certification valid?

Training is good for three years before you must get recertified.

Do I need RBS Training or LEAD Training?

RBS Training is for on-premise employees who sell or serve alcohol. LEAD training is only for off-sale licenses and their employees. Please visit the Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs (LEAD) program webpage for more information.

You can learn more about the laws and provisions from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control on their Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training website and in their posted Frequently Asked Questions.

Important California RBS Information

When registering on the California RBS website, please make sure to keep your legal name the same as when signing up for the Serving Alcohol California RBS Training Course.

Failing to do so may result in your certificate not being issued or delayed. 

Additionally, we do not issue the final exam. The final exam must be taken inside the official California RBS portal after the completion of the Serving Alcohol California RBS Training course. 

The exam must be taken within 30 days of completing our course. The RBS portal will not allow you to take the exam if you wait longer than 30 days. Please be aware that we do not have access to the final exam or are able to support it. 

A certificate is not provided by California RBS or Serving Alcohol, only a confirmation the training has been completed. Begin your California RBS Certification today by clicking here: California RBS Training Certification

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