FAQ

1. What is my Server ID number and where do I get it?

Your Server ID number is how the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will track and ensure you have a valid Responsible Beverage Service certification. To get your Server ID number you will need to create an account on the RBS Portal and then complete the Server Registration form. There is a $3.00 fee associated with the registration process.

Watch the video to the right to learn how to become a registered server or manager:

2. How do I find my server ID number on the RBS portal?

Your Server ID is in the “Server Certificate Details” box on your RBS dashboard. It is called “ID Number” and is a nine-digit number.

Server ID Number

3. Can I just take the certification exam or do I have to take an RBS Training Course?

No, you cannot skip the training. In order to get your RBS certification, you must complete a training course prior to taking the exam.

4. Who is required to get their Responsible Beverage Service Certification?

Anyone who does any of the following is considered to be an alcohol server and therefore must become certified in order to continue working:

  • Anyone who checks customer’s ID’s to get alcohol service or enter an ABC on-premises licensed establishment.
  • Anyone who takes customer alcoholic beverages orders.
  • Anyone who pours alcoholic beverages for customers.
  • Anyone who delivers alcoholic beverages to customers.

Additionally, anyone who directly hires, oversees, or trains alcohol servers is required to be certified.

Any ABC licensee who has an “ABC On-Premises License” will need to have their all members of their team trained and certified in the RBS portal within sixty (60) days of the date of initial employment. This includes but is not limited to restaurants, bars, fast casual dining, tasting rooms (including off-sale locations), hotels, and stadiums.

5. How soon will I receive my certificate for the course I complete?

You will receive a certificate of completion immediately after completing your course. We will submit your course completion information to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control within 24 hours of your completion.

6. How do I take the RBS exam?

After you have completed your course, we will report it to RBS within 24 hours. You will then be able to access your exam and have 3 attempts to pass it with a 70% or higher. If you do not pass after 3 attempts, you will have to repay your RBS registration fee of $3.00 and retake the RBS training.

7. Can I log out in the middle of the course without losing my progress?

Absolutely! You can take this course at your pace and log in and out as many times as you’d like. We will save your progress so you can resume right where you left off.

For more information about Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) requirements in California, please visit the: Alcoholic Beverage Control website.