Frequently Asked Questions

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What do I do if I misplace or lose my ABC Card?

If your Abc card was issued before February 1, 2018, please contact the TABC help desk at 615-532-2297 or email them here.

If you have passed the class and completed your application or have misplaced or lost your ABC Card, you can log into your RLPS system and perform the following steps to print your permit.
• Click here to login to RLPS ABC TN Citizen Access
• Select My Records
• Underneath the title RLPS ID, select the option that begins with (PERSER-***-******)
• Look underneath Record Details
• Select Print or View: License/Permit/Certificate (make sure you’re pop up blocker is turned off)
• A New window will open with your permit. At this point you are now able to print your permit to give to 
 your employer.

Is there a grace period for obtaining a card?

There is a sixty-one (61) day grace period from date of hire or a promotion from a non-serving position to a serving position (example – host to server). If you already have an ABC card and your card is about to expire, you must obtain a new permit before your old one expires, there is no grace period for servers who already possess an ABC Card.. If you have worked at an alcohol establishment in your 61 day grace period, you do not get a new grace period if you move to a new establishment.

How do I pay?

If taking an in person class the option to pay in cash or with a card is available in most areas.  Trainers do not accept personal checks.  Please contact your trainer for payment options.  For online classes, courses can be purchased individually or in bulk. Most major credit cards are accepted for online payment.

Notice: Do not forget to bring your RLPS # so the trainer can report your score to the TABC.

What is the ABC?

The Alcoholic Beverage Commission is responsible for the enforcement and regulation of all phases of liquor by the drink in most states.

What is A Server Permit/ABC Card?
The ABC Permit is what you need to serve alcohol at any liquor-by-the-drink establishment in most states. Your establishment must have a physical copy to present at the time of any inspection by the TABC. The server permit is issued electronically through the RLPS account.
How do I acquire my ABC Server Permit?

Step 1: Complete the RLPS application by clicking here. You will pay a $20 fee online.

Step 2: Register for an online Abc class or in person Abc class by clicking here.

Can I take an Online Course?
Yes you can. Tennessee approved online courses on March 15, 2019. They are the same length of time as an in person course. You can download our app in the Apple App Store, or Google Play Store and take the class right from your phone. You can also access the online Abc Class from any browser, stop and go as you please. The class will record your progress at the place you stopped. Aim To Serve is an accredited online course for the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Who do I contact if I do not receive my Abc permit?
The TABC help desk: Call 615-532-2297 or 615-741-1602 or send an email by clicking here.
Do I get my Abc card the day I take the course?
No, all training programs have to submit your RLPS # and grade to the TABC. For Aim To Serve, we submit grades daily, except on weekends and major holidays. Those classes will be submitted the next business day.
What is the application fee for my Server Permit?

The application fee is $20 and is non-refundable.

My RLPS says I am approved but their is no Abc permit visible. What do I do?
contact the TABC help desk line at 615-532-2297 or 615-741-1602 or send an email by clicking here.
What is the RLPS Number?

The RLPS Number is a record number given to the applicant after a Server Permit Application has been completed and paid for to the TABC. AIM to Serve uses this number to identify the student and attaches this RLPS number to the students final grade.

How do I get my RLPS Number?
To obtain your RLPS number you must apply and pay for your server permit application through the TABC’s Regulatory Licensing Permit System. Click here to start your application.
Is it required for me to have a copy of my Abc card with me?
Your establishment must have a copy of your Abc card for inspections. Your certificate of completion is NOT your Abc card and will not substitute for your Abc permit. It is good practice to have a copy your Abc card on you in case your establishment misplaces their copy.
What is the Certificate of Completion and can I use until I receive my Abc permit?

The Certificate of Completion is required to be issued by the Server Training Program in the State of Tennessee. However, it does NOT substitute for your actual Abc permit. You are not eligible to work until you receive your official permit issued by the TABC.

How long does my certification last?

Server Permit valid for 5 years. Wine Vender Clerk valid for one year. Designated manager permit valid for 5 years (updated rules and regs course required each year for the designated manager).

How do I print off my ABC card?

First you must apply for your RLPS before taking an accredited ABC server permit class. Your permit will NOT be emailed or mailed to you. You will need to log back into RLPS ABC TN Citizen Access by clicking here to print off your permit. Once you log in, go under “my records” and your permit will be under your application record. Click on the permit line and open up the PDF to print off your permit. If it is not there, contact Brian Hill at 615-532-2297 or email him by clicking here.

What does it mean if my status on the RLPS says In Review?

If your status on the RLPS says “In review”, it typically means that the TABC needs additional information or you have been selected for a random background check. You may contact the state for more information at 615-741-1602.

RBS training and certification is a three step process:

• Register with the California ABC as an alcohol server (this includes the managers of alcohol servers) on the RBS Portal.
• Take RBS training at www.RBStraining.com.
• Take the California alcohol server certification exam on the RBS Portal.

What is a California RBS?
Responsible Beverage Service training teaches servers to responsibly serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption and mitigate alcohol-related harm in California communities.
Is RBS training mandatory in California?
Yes, effective July 1, 2022, RBS training is required by CA Assembly Bill 1221 and Assembly Bill 82. On-premises alcoholic beverage servers and their managers must successfully complete an ABC approved RBS training program and exam no later than August 31, 2022, or within 60 days of initial employment.

Does the manager of a license establishment need to obtain an RBS certification?
A completed RBS course is required by all employees working at an establishment with an “ABC on Premise License.” An on premise license means customers both purchase and consume alcohol at the establishment. All staff and managers will need to be certified.

Do I need to take the whole RBS course in one sitting?
No, you do not need to take the entire course at one time. You may take as many breaks as you would like throughout the course. Just make sure you log out prior to exiting out of the course. Note: Your progress automatically saves every time you complete a module section.

Where can I find my RBS certification?
There will not be downloadable RBS certificates. Instead, upon completing training and the final exam, a certification number is issued and valid for 3 years. RBS Certification can be found on your ABC RBS Portal. To login to your account click here. Your server ID number should be given to your employer for verification.

How do I pay?
The RBS course can be paid for using most major credit cards online.

Can I take an online course?
Yes, the RBS course is available online and can be found on www.rbstraining.com

How do I get a Learner ID?
To obtain a Learner ID, you must register as an alcohol server (including managers of alcohol servers) with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the alcohol server will need to create an account on the RBS Portal here. Once an account has been created on the RBS Portal, the alcohol server will need to select and complete the Server Registration form. There is a $3.00 fee associated with the registration process. This $3.00 fee is non-refundable.

How long does my RBS certification last?
RBS certification is valid for 3 years. The course and exam have to be retaken every 3 years.

How do I take the Final Exam?
Once training has been confirmed by the training provider, exam access will be granted in your RBS portal. You will have three attempts to pass the exam with a 70% or better before having to retake the training and paying $3.00 for the exam.

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