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Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification: San Francisco restaurant guide

California ABC

What it is

Every on-premises alcohol server and manager must register in the ABC RBS Portal, train with an approved provider and pass the exam within 60 days of starting work.

When a restaurant needs it

Any staff who pour, serve or manage alcohol service.

How to apply

Each server creates an RBS Portal account, completes an approved course and passes the ABC exam; the licensee tracks certifications in ABC Online Services.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Registration fee paid at account creation and renewal (amount set in the portal); training fees set by providers
Processing time
A few hours of training plus the exam
Renewal
Every 3 years
Who files
Each server certifies individually; the licensee verifies.

Good to know

ABC audits RBS compliance during inspections; keep certificates on file.

Official source

ABC — RBS training program

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.