If I Passed an Exam or Received an RBS Certificate From a Training Provider, Do I Still Need to Take the ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam?

Yes, even after completing RBS training and receiving a training certificate, you must still pass the ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam to meet California’s RBS certification requirements.

The RBS certification process is designed to ensure that all alcohol servers in California meet specific standards of knowledge and responsibility. While your training provider’s certificate demonstrates that you’ve completed their training course, it does not automatically fulfill the certification requirements set by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) in AB 1221.

• ABC’s Requirements: The ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam is a determining part of the certification process, designed to assess your understanding of the material learned during your RBS training.
• Verification: Passing this exam verifies that you have not only completed the training but also retained and can apply the knowledge in a real-world setting.

RBS Certification Requirements

• Training Provider Certificate: Although receiving a certificate from your RBS training provider is an important milestone of the certification process, no training completion will  replace the requirement to pass the ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam.
• 30-Day Window: After your training is confirmed, you have a 30-day window to pass the ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam. This ensures that the training and knowledge you’ve acquired are fresh and relevant. When this 30 day window has passed, servers will need to retrain in order to get an additional 30 day exam window.

Steps to Take After Completing RBS Training

1. Register for the ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam

• Log into the RBS Portal: After your training is confirmed, log into the RBS Portal.
• Exam Access: Look for the “Take Exam” button on your RBS Server dashboard. This can take up to 24 hours after your training to become active. Make sure that you complete the exam within the 30-day period.

2. Prepare for the Exam

• Review Training Materials: Use the knowledge gained during your RBS training to prepare for the exam. Review any materials provided by your training provider to refresh your understanding of the training.
• Practice: If available, take practice exams or review sample questions to familiarize yourself with the format and content of the ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam.

3. Take the Exam

• Complete the Exam: Complete the exam within the allotted 30-day period. Passing the exam is the necessary step to achieving RBS certification.

What If You Don’t Pass the Exam?

• You will need to retake a training course, pay a $3 exam fee again, and pass within the next 30-day window.

Completing an RBS training program and receiving a certificate from your training provider is an important step, but it’s not the final requirement for obtaining a RBS certification in California. To fully meet the certification requirements, you must also pass the ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam within 30 days of your confirmed training. This ensures total compliance within AB 1221.