As of March 2025, California marks the three-year anniversary of implementing the Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training Program Act, a major milestone in advancing responsible alcohol service across the state. Since July 1, 2022, all alcohol servers and their managers are required to be RBS certified to legally serve alcohol in California. RBS certification remains valid for three years, which means many servers are now due for renewal.
What Is the RBS Training Program?
The RBS Program was established to help reduce alcohol-related harm by ensuring alcohol servers understand their responsibilities. Whether you're pouring drinks behind a bar or serving tables at a restaurant, you must be certified through an approved RBS training provider and pass an online state exam.
To become certified, servers must:
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Register with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and receive a unique Server ID.
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Train with an approved provider like SSC® Seller Server Classes using your Server ID.
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Pass the RBS exam through the California RBS portal within 30 days of training.
Choose SSC® Seller Server Classes for Your RBS Certification
SSC® Seller Server Classes is a state-approved RBS training provider offering a fast, user-friendly, and affordable way to meet California’s alcohol server training requirements. Whether you’re certifying for the first time or need to renew your license, SSC® makes the process easy.
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Mobile-friendly online courses you can complete at your own pace
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Instant certificate access upon completion
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State reporting included—we report your training directly to the California RBS Portal
If your current RBS certification is expiring in 2025, now’s the time to renew with SSC®.
Who Needs to Be RBS Certified?
RBS certification is required statewide in California, including major cities like:
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Los Angeles
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San Francisco
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San Diego
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Sacramento
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San Jose
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Fresno
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Long Beach
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Oakland
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Anaheim
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Bakersfield
This includes employees working in a wide range of establishments that serve alcohol, such as:
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Fine Dining Restaurants – With upscale wine and cocktail service
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Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants – Offering beer, wine, or spirits
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Bars, Pubs & Nightclubs – Focused on drink service and nightlife
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Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries – With tasting rooms or tours
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Hotels, Resorts & Event Spaces – Offering food and beverage service
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Stadiums, Theaters & Venues – Where alcohol is served to attendees
Renewing Your RBS Certification in 2025?
If you were first certified in 2022, your RBS certificate is likely expiring in 2025. You must complete training and pass the exam again to stay compliant. The easiest way to renew is by registering at the RBS portal and training through SSC® Seller Server Classes—your trusted provider for fast, affordable RBS certification.
Why Certification Through SSC® Matters
With SSC®, you get:
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An approved provider recognized by California ABC
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Courses designed for real-world servers and bartenders
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Support from a company that’s helped certify millions of alcohol servers
RBS certification is not just a legal requirement—it’s a commitment to safety, responsibility, and professionalism in California’s alcohol service industry.