How to Get Your California Alcohol Server Certificate (Fast + Online)
How to Get Your California Alcohol Server Certificate (Fast + Online)
If you work in a bar, restaurant, hotel, or event venue in California and serve alcohol—or supervise someone who does—you’re legally required to complete Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training and pass the California ABC exam. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your certification, this guide will show you exactly what to do.
We’ll walk you through:
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✅ Who needs RBS certification
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✅ How to register with the state
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✅ Where to take your course online (with no hidden fees)
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✅ How to save 30% on bulk purchases
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✅ What to expect from the ABC exam
Who Needs RBS Certification in California?
As of July 1, 2022, all alcohol servers and their managers in California must complete an ABC-approved RBS course and pass the state exam within 60 days of hire.
You need RBS certification if you:
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✅ Serve or pour alcohol for consumption onsite
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✅ Take alcohol orders or deliver alcoholic beverages
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✅ Check IDs for alcohol service
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✅ Supervise or manage alcohol servers
This applies to:
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Restaurants and bars
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Hotels, resorts, and casinos
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Breweries, wineries, and tasting rooms
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Event venues and private clubs
Already working in the industry? You must be certified before your 60-day grace period ends—or you could face fines or be removed from your job.
Step-by-Step: How to Get RBS Certified in California
The certification process is simple. Here’s how it works:
1. Register on the California RBS Portal
Visit the RBS Portal and create an account.
Select the Server role and pay the $3 state registration fee (non-refundable).
2. Get Your RBS Server ID
You’ll receive an official 9-digit Server ID—you’ll need this when enrolling in any RBS course.
3. Take an ABC-Approved RBS Course Online
Enroll in our California RBS Certification Course—it’s just $11.99, takes under 2 hours, and includes no hidden fees, taxes, or certificate charges.
4. Pass the ABC Exam
Once we report your course completion to the ABC, log back into the RBS portal to take the online state exam.
You’ll need a 70% score to pass, and you’ll have three attempts.
5. Receive Your RBS Certification (Valid 3 Years)
Once you pass, your certificate will be valid for 3 years. ABC stores your certification digitally—you don’t need to carry a printed copy.
What’s Covered in the California RBS Course?
Our RBS training includes all 5 learning outcomes required by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control:
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The Social Impact of Alcohol
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The Impact of Alcohol on the Body
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State Laws and Legal Responsibilities
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Intervention Techniques and Safe Service
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Establishing Safe Alcohol Service Policies
Course length: Under 2 hours
100% online and mobile-friendly
Instant certificate upon completion
Why Choose 1st Choice CE for RBS Training?
We’ve been an approved RBS provider in California since 2022. Here’s what makes us different:
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✅ State Approved (Provider #313397061 | Course #313333304)
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✅ Only $11.99 — no hidden taxes, no certificate fees
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✅ Instant certificate + completion reported to ABC
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✅ Finish in under 2 hours, fully online
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✅ Works on phones, tablets, laptops
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✅ 30% off when you purchase 3 or more courses (great for teams or restaurants)
Bulk Discount for Teams or Employers
Own or manage a restaurant, bar, or hospitality business? Save time and money by purchasing courses for your entire staff at once.
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3 or more courses = 30% off automatically
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We can track completions and provide receipts
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Call or text us at 1-800-698-2770 to get started
Need Help Registering with ABC?
Watch this short video from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control:
How to Register as a Server (YouTube)
✅ Get Your California RBS Card Today
Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your certification, we’ve got you covered:
Start the RBS Alcohol Server Course – $11.99
No upsells. No surprises. Just quick, compliant training—approved by the state of California.