Overview
Smart Serve is Ontario's responsible alcohol service training. In Ontario, anyone who sells, serves, samples or delivers liquor, or takes orders for liquor sales, must hold valid certification from a course approved by the Board of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Security staff employed by a licensee and some other roles are covered as well.
The AGCO approves three kinds of programs: liquor retail programs, licence-to-deliver programs, and Smart Serve, which is approved for all licensees and their employees, including bars, restaurants and retail stores. The AGCO says it is your responsibility to know which program applies to your role and workplace.
The Smart Serve website sits behind a security check that blocked direct reading of some of its pages, so the course details below are taken from the Full Course page and the AGCO page. Confirm current details on both before you book.
Who can apply
Anyone working, or planning to work, in a role that needs liquor training. The pages read do not state a minimum age, so check the AGCO and Smart Serve sites if age matters for your role.
Courses
| Course | For | Fee listed by the AGCO | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Serve Full Course | All liquor licensees and employees, including bars, restaurants, grocery and convenience stores and delivery licensees | $44.95, no HST | 5 years |
| Smart Serve Retail Online | Retail staff in a convenience store, grocery store or offsite winery retail store only | $24.95, no HST | 5 years |
The Full Course is offered online and in person, in English, French, Chinese, Korean, Punjabi and Spanish. The Retail course is online, in English, French, Punjabi, Korean and Chinese. A retail-only certificate does not allow you to sell, serve or deliver liquor outside a retail store.
Exam pattern
The Full Course ends with a final test.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | 33 randomly generated multiple-choice questions |
| Supervision | Proctored through webcam and microphone |
| Pass mark | 80% minimum |
| Attempts | Two attempts at the final test are included |
| Time | About 30 minutes, in one sitting |
| Identification | Valid government-issued photo ID needed to start the test |
If you exit the test or leave the camera view, you lose that attempt. A proctor flag for a violation also costs you your attempts. The course itself takes about 4 hours, and you must finish within 30 days of purchase. Fees are non-refundable.
Marking and results
You need at least 80% on the final test. The pages read do not describe how results are delivered.
Fees
For 2026, the AGCO lists 24.95 for the Retail course, neither with HST. Other AGCO-approved retail programs list different prices; see the AGCO page if you work in retail.
How to apply
Decide whether you need the Full Course or a retail-only program.
Buy the course on the Smart Serve website, choosing online or in person.
Finish the training within 30 days, then take the proctored final test with your photo ID and a working webcam and microphone.
After the exam
Certification is valid for five years. In Ontario, all liquor training certification must be renewed every five years by retaking training. Smart Serve has a recertification page for this. The AGCO says people with a valid Smart Serve certificate can keep selling and delivering liquor in retail settings until it expires. After that they must recertify or get a certificate from another approved program that fits their role. Licensees should keep copies of employees' certificates, because AGCO inspectors may ask for proof at any time.
Preparation tips
Complete every module before the test; the test uses randomly generated questions.
Test your webcam and microphone and keep your ID ready, since a lost attempt cannot be recovered.
Sit the test somewhere quiet where you will not leave the camera view.
Do I need Smart Serve to work in a bar or restaurant in Ontario?
You need valid certification from an AGCO Board-approved program. Smart Serve is the one approved for all licensees and their employees, including bars and restaurants.
How long is Smart Serve certification valid?
Five years. After that you must retake the training.