What is RBS Certification? California’s Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification is a mandatory training and exam program for anyone who serves, sells, or manages alcohol for on-premises consumption. The certification ensures that alcohol servers understand state laws, how to check IDs properly, and how to prevent underage drinking or overservice.
By completing an approved RBS course and passing the ABC exam, you’ll stay compliant with California law while promoting safe, responsible alcohol service in your workplace.
For a full walkthrough of the certification process, visit our California RBS Certification guide to learn how to register, complete your course, and pass the exam.
Table of Contents
What is the Responsible Beverage Service Training Program?
With the passing of Assembly Bill 1221 in 2017, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control was required to create the Responsible Beverage Service Training Program (RBSTP). According to the bill, the purpose of the training is to “ensure on-premises alcohol servers and their managers are educated on the dangers of serving alcohol to minors and over-serving patrons.”
Can I Work Without Being RBS Certified?
The short answer is no. As of July 1, 2022, RBS training is required by CA Assembly Bill 1221 and Assembly Bill 82. If you will be serving alcohol, you must pass the ABC Alcohol Server Certification exam within 30 days of completing the training. As mentioned above, you must be certified within 60 calendar days of your hire date. Serving alcoholic beverages is not a criminal offense, but per Business and Professions Code Section 25684, any violations will be subject to disciplinary action.
Who Needs RBS Certification?
If you are an alcohol server or alcohol manager, you are required to be RBS Certified.
An alcohol server is anyone who does any of the following:
- Checks customer identification for purposes of alcoholic beverage service or entry to an ABC on-premises licensed establishment;
- Takes customer alcoholic beverage orders;
- Pours alcoholic beverages for customers; or
- Delivers alcoholic beverages to customers.
An alcohol manager is anyone who:
- Trains;
- Directly hires, or;
- Oversees alcohol servers at an ABC-licensed premise.
The following employees are not required to complete RBS Training:
- Bouncers;
- Hostesses;
- Food staff;
- Janitorial staff, or;
- Anyone whose job duties do not fall under the definition of an alcohol server or manager.
For a more detailed breakdown of job roles and exemptions, see our complete guide on Who Needs RBS Training in California.
How Do You Get RBS Certified?
1. Register Your RBS Account:
Create an account on the RBS Portal and select the Server role. Registration requires a $3 fee, which is non-refundable.
2. Apply to Become a Server:
After you’ve created your account, complete the RBS application.
3. Search for Training:
Once you’ve completed your application, you’ll be brought to the Dashboard. In the panel titled “Training Provider Search”, search by name (i.e., “ServeSmart”) or by language and select a provider from the list. Get your California RBS Certification through ServeSmart!
Note: After you register and complete your application, you will be given an RBS Server ID Number. When asked, you will need to enter this number at the beginning of the course to continue.
4. Complete Training:
After you’ve selected your provider, pay for and complete the RBS training.
5. Take the Exam:
After taking the training, navigate back to your dashboard on the RBS Training Login and take the final exam.
What is Covered in the California Responsible Beverage Service Training?
The training is broken down into five separate modules:
- MODULE 1: Social Impact of Alcohol
Topics like the general positive and negative impact of alcohol on the community. - MODULE 2: Impact of Alcohol on the Body
This module covers topics like the effects of alcohol on the body and impaired driving. - MODULE 3: Laws and Regulations
State laws and regulations relating to alcoholic beverage control, including laws and regulations related to driving under the influence. - MODULE 4: Intervention Techniques
Intervention techniques to prevent the service or sale of alcoholic beverages to underage persons or intoxicated patrons. - MODULE 5: Management Policies
Management policies that support the prevention of service or sale of alcoholic beverages to underage persons or intoxicated patrons.
Each module is capped off with a short quiz that helps the student prepare for the final exam.
How Long is the RBS Training?
The length of the training usually takes between 90 minutes and four hours, depending on the provider. Upon completion of the course, the course provider will have 24 hours to report your completion status to ABC.
ServeSmart’s reporting is done automatically, so there should be no delay between completing the course and taking the final exam.
The final exam contains 50 multiple-choice questions and usually takes between one to two hours to complete. You have three attempts to pass the final exam with a minimum score of 70% within 30 days of completing your training.
Failing to pass the exam will require you to take a new training course and pay a $3 fee to retake the exam.
How Long Does RBS Certification Last?
Your California RBS Certification expires after 3 years. In order to keep your certification valid, you must renew your certification prior to the expiration date. In order to renew the certification, you must retake an approved course and retake the ABC’s final exam. You can complete these steps up to 90 days prior to your current certification’s expiration.
How Do I Get a Copy of My RBS Certification?
ABC does not issue a physical or downloadable RBS Certificate. After completing the training and passing the final exam, your status will be updated on your dashboard to “Certified“. On your dashboard, you’ll be able to access your status and Server ID in the “Server Certificate Details” box. If your employer requires proof of training, most RBS training providers issue a downloadable “Certificate of Completion”.
Conclusion
RBS Certification, or Responsible Beverage Service Training, is required for anyone in California who sells, serves, or manages the sale of alcohol. It ensures that alcohol servers and their managers understand how to prevent over-service, check IDs correctly, and maintain public safety.
The Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Program, established by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), was designed to promote safe and responsible alcohol service. Approved RBS training providers, like ServeSmart, offer online courses that meet state requirements and prepare servers for the official ABC exam.
RBS Certification is valid for three years, after which you’ll need to retake the training through an approved provider to renew your certification.
ServeSmart makes it easy to complete your California RBS Training 100% online—on your own schedule and at your own pace.
