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California RBS Exam Practice Test 2026

California requires on-premises alcohol servers and their managers to pass the ABC Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) exam within 60 days of starting work. You need 70% to pass and get three attempts. Practice test 1 covers California's own rules, and the other sets cover responsible service topics used across the U.S.

  • Alcohol server
  • California
  • 79 questions
  • Checked October 10, 2026

Quick answer

Pass mark: 70% (3 attempts within 30 days of training). It is run by California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), RBS Training Program. Practise here for free with 79 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the California RBS Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 19

    Who must be certified under California's Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training Program?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Alcohol servers at on-premises licensees and their managers

    The RBS law covers people who serve alcohol for on-premises consumption, such as in bars and restaurants, and the managers who supervise them.

  2. Question 2 of 19

    Under California's RBS law, which worker counts as an "alcohol server"?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Anyone who checks IDs, takes alcohol orders, or pours or delivers alcohol for an on-premises licensee

    The RBS definition is broad. Hosts who check IDs and food servers who take drink orders can be alcohol servers too.

  3. Question 3 of 19

    Since what date has RBS certification been required in California?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. July 1, 2022

    Assembly Bill 1221 created the RBS Training Program Act, and the certification requirement took effect on July 1, 2022.

  4. Question 4 of 19

    How soon after starting a job must a California alcohol server be RBS certified?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Within 60 days of the first date of employment

    Servers and managers must be certified within 60 days of their first day of work.

  5. Question 5 of 19

    After finishing an approved RBS training course, how long do you have to pass the ABC exam?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 30 days

    You must pass the Alcohol Server Certification Exam within 30 days after ABC is notified that you finished training.

  6. Question 6 of 19

    What score do you need to pass California's Alcohol Server Certification Exam?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 70%

    The regulation requires servers to answer at least 70% of the exam questions correctly.

  7. Question 7 of 19

    How many attempts do you get to pass the RBS exam within the 30-day window?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 3

    You get three attempts within 30 days of finishing training, whichever limit comes first.

  8. Question 8 of 19

    A server fails the RBS exam three times. What must they do next?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Complete another approved RBS training course before trying again

    After using up the attempts or the 30 days, the server must complete an additional approved RBS course and pay another registration fee.

  9. Question 9 of 19

    How long is California RBS certification valid?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 3 years

    RBS certification lasts three years. Servers must recertify before it expires.

  10. Question 10 of 19

    What is the first step to become RBS certified?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Create a server account in ABC's RBS Portal and pay the registration fee

    First register in the RBS Portal, then complete training with an ABC-approved provider, then pass ABC's exam.

  11. Question 11 of 19

    Who provides RBS training in California?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Training providers approved by ABC

    Training must come from an ABC-approved provider. You can search for providers in the RBS Portal.

  12. Question 12 of 19

    Besides English, which language is the California RBS exam offered in?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Spanish

    ABC offers the exam in English, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

  13. Question 13 of 19

    Which state agency runs the RBS program and licenses alcohol sellers in California?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)

    The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licenses alcohol businesses and runs the RBS Training Program.

  14. Question 14 of 19

    During which hours is selling alcohol prohibited in California?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

    California law prohibits selling, giving or buying alcohol at licensed premises between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

  15. Question 15 of 19

    In California, what is selling alcohol to a person under 21?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A misdemeanor

    Business and Professions Code section 25658 makes selling or furnishing alcohol to anyone under 21 a misdemeanor.

  16. Question 16 of 19

    What does California law accept as "bona fide evidence of majority and identity"?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A government-issued document with the person's name, date of birth, description and photo, such as a driver's license or passport

    Section 25660 lists government-issued documents such as a driver's license, ID card, military ID or passport. Relying on such an ID in good faith can be a defense.

  17. Question 17 of 19

    In California, what is selling alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A misdemeanor

    Section 25602 makes it a misdemeanor to sell or give alcohol to a habitual drunkard or an obviously intoxicated person.

  18. Question 18 of 19

    In California, when can a licensee be sued for injuries caused by a customer it served?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. When it sold alcohol to an obviously intoxicated minor whose intoxication caused the injury

    California generally limits this kind of civil liability, but section 25602.1 allows lawsuits when a licensee sells to an obviously intoxicated minor.

  19. Question 19 of 19

    In California, what is it when a person under 21 shows a false ID to buy alcohol?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A misdemeanor

    Section 25661 makes it a misdemeanor for a person under 21 to present false evidence of age to buy alcohol or enter a licensed premises.

What to know before the test

  • Since July 1, 2022, on-premises alcohol servers and their managers must hold RBS certification.
  • You must be certified within 60 days of your first day of work.
  • Register in the RBS Portal, complete training with an ABC-approved provider, then pass ABC's exam.
  • You must pass the exam with at least 70%, within 30 days of finishing training or three attempts, whichever comes first.
  • If you do not pass in time, you must complete another approved training course.
  • Certification is valid for three years.

Frequently asked questions

Is RBS certification mandatory in California?

Yes, for alcohol servers and their managers at on-premises licensees such as bars and restaurants. It has been required since July 1, 2022.

What is the passing score for the RBS exam?

You must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly.

How many times can I take the RBS exam?

You get three attempts within 30 days after finishing training. After that, you must take another approved course before trying again.

How long is RBS certification valid?

Three years. You must recertify before it expires.

What languages is the RBS exam offered in?

ABC lists English, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

Sources

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