Thankfully, Userve’s California RBS Certification Training allows on-premises alcohol servers and their managers, to earn the state-required RBS Certification entirely online.
If you are already certified, there is one key thing to stay on top of—knowing when to renew. Understanding the renewal requirements for RBS Certification in California is key to staying on the right side of state regulations and continuing to serve responsibly.
In this blog, we will break down when and how to renew your RBS Certification in California, what to expect during the process and how to stay compliant with state alcohol service regulations. Whether you are just getting started as a bartender or have years of experience managing a busy venue, this guide will help you take the right steps toward maintaining your credentials without stress.
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) requires most alcohol servers and their managers to complete California RBS Certification training and pass an exam to legally serve alcohol. But that is not a one-time task—certification is only valid for three years. After that, it must be renewed if you want to keep working.
Letting your certification expire can lead to serious consequences. Not only would it prevent you from working, but your business could face penalties for allowing non-certified individuals to serve alcohol. Keeping your RBS Certification up to date ensures you are working legally and responsibly.
You should renew your certification before it expires. The RBS Portal at abc.ca.gov allows you to check your current certification status at any time. Userve customers who obtained their existing certification through the RBS Certification Training Program will receive an email reminding them to renew.
The key timeframe to remember:
Checking your certification date and acting early helps avoid last-minute surprises and disruptions to your employment.
Renewing your RBS Certification in California is a straightforward process that involves four main steps:
To renew your certification, you must first pay a recertification fee. Log in to your RBS Server account and click “Pay Renewal” from the Renewal Notice.
Once you have paid the recertification fee, you will be able to enroll in Userve’s California RBS Certification Training online. Head to the course page and follow the enrollment instructions to get started right away.
On-premises alcohol servers and managers in California must participate in state-approved RBS Training and pass a certification exam to meet legal serving requirements.
Userve’s ABC-approved RBS Certification Training Program consists of four online learning modules that will teach you everything you need to know pass your exam and get your RBS Certification:
Module 1: Social Impacts of Alcohol
Gain insights into the effects of alcohol and recognize your role in promoting safe and responsible service.
Module 2: Impacts of Alcohol on the Body
Learn how alcohol affects the body so you can recognize the signs of intoxication and avoid serving customers who have had too much to drink.
Module 3: Laws and Regulations Related to Alcohol Service
Understand the laws that apply to alcohol service and know what is expected from you, your employer and local authorities.
Module 4: Prevention of Service to Minors and Intoxicated Customers
Discover how to spot underage customers using reliable ID-checking methods, and learn how to handle intoxicated individuals calmly and confidently.
You will get access to the state exam through the RBS Portal within 24 hours of completing the course. You then have 30 days and three attempts to pass the exam, which consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. A minimum score of 70 percent is required to pass.
If you do not meet the passing criteria within the allowed attempts or timeframe, you will need to retake your RBS Training and Certification Exam.
Userve is a trusted option for RBS Certification in California. The online RBS Training Program is designed for working alcohol servers and bar managers, with a user-friendly platform that makes it easy to learn and retain the key skills needed to pass the RBS Certification Exam.
Renewing your certification is only part of staying compliant. Here are some additional tips for alcohol servers and managers:
For venue managers, setting up reminders for certification renewals can help the entire team stay compliant. Consider maintaining a shared calendar or spreadsheet to track staff certification status.
If it has been nearly three years since your last certification, the time to act is now. Delaying the process can leave you off the schedule or force you to retake everything from scratch. Renewing early gives you peace of mind and keeps your employment secure.
Remember, you can only begin the renewal process 90 days before your current certification expires. Attempting to renew earlier than this 90-day window is not permitted, and any training completed outside this period will not be accepted by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).
Whether you are an alcohol server, bartender, or bar manager, understanding how to renew RBS Certification in California is vital. The online RBS Certification Training offered by Userve makes it easier than ever to get certified on your schedule.
Check your certification status, register on the RBS Portal, and complete your California RBS Certification Training online before your current RBS Certificate expires.
Want to know more before enrolling? Contact us to discover all the benefits this course has to offer.