12 Questions About the Smart Serve Certification Test

What is Smart Serve?

Smart Serve (or SmartServe Ontario) was created with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) in 1995 to provide responsible alcohol beverage service training for the Ontario hospitality industry.

Who Needs Smart Serve Certification?

Smart Serve is now required for anyone working where alcohol is sold, served, delivered or handled. All staff, managers, licensees, and security must be certified and carry Smart Serve cards.

Where Is It Valid?

Smart Serve is an Ontario program, so it’s only valid in Ontario. Other provinces have their certification programs, such as Serving it Right in BC and ProServe in Alberta, but the programs’ aim is similar: to teach staff how to serve alcohol responsibly to the public.

If you are interested in bartending in Alberta, we’ve written a guide to ProServe and one for Serving it Right here, which is required in BC. For a complete guide to licences needed in Canada, see this guide to Canadian licencing requirements.

Even if you’re looking to become a Cicerone (or “beer sommelier”), you will still be required to have Smart Serve to work in a restaurant. If you are interested, we’ve written an article on the Cicerone exam here.

I Have a Serving Licence From Outside Ontario. Can I Use That Instead?

Smart Serve is the only program approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). You will need to be Smart Serve certified to work in Ontario. However, much of the material covered on the test will be familiar (underage drinking, handling intoxicated patrons, etc.) if you have been certified in another North American jurisdiction.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Take the Smart Serve Test?

There is no age limit. However, you must be 18 years to serve alcohol or become a bartender in Ontario.

Do Smart Serve Certificates Expire?

Yes, if you have a certificate dated before July 1, 2018, you will need to re-certify before June 2023. New certificates will last for five years. More information can be found on the Smart Serve website.

How Long Do I Have To Get My Smart Serve After Being Hired?

You are required by law to have your certification by the 1st day of work.

How Much Does Smart Serve Certification Cost?

The Smart Serve course costs $44.95 and includes two test attempts.

If you are already certified, the course costs $29.95. This is the full course and includes two test attempts.

What Do I Need To Take My Smart Serve Certification Test Online?

You can take the exam on a computer or a mobile device. For a computer, it’s recommended you have Chrome (or Firefox). You can check if your computer meets the requirements by going to: www.smartserve.ca/proctoring-exams and clicking on the online tool.

What Languages is the Smart Serve Test Available In?

The online training and test are fully translated (text, video, audio) into six languages: English, French, Chinese, Korean, Punjabi, and Spanish.

How Long Does the Test Take, and What’s the Passing Mark?

The training course and test take approximately 3-4 hours. Once you’ve taken the training, the test can take 30-45 minutes.

If you receive 80% or higher and pass the integrity check, you will receive an email, and your Smart Serve certificate will be available in your online account for downloading or printing at home

If I’ve Lost My Smart Serve Card, How Much Is It To Replace It?

As of October 25, 2021, replacement cards will no longer be printed and mailed.

You can view, save, download, or print your Smart Serve certificate (eCertificate) from your online account.

For more information on SmartServe and alcohol serving in Ontario, see the FAQ on the SmartServe website.

For more information, we’ve written an article about becoming a bartender in Ontario.

Schools Offering Smart Serve Certification Training

Note: Since the online testing release, several locations may no longer offer in-class testing.

We also have a guide here to Toronto bartending schools that covers schools and mixology classes.

Other Organizations Offering Smart Serve Certification Training

For the full, up-to-date list of schools, see https://smartserve.ca/in-class-training.