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Alberta’s ProServe responsible liquor service training isn’t just a “nice-to-have” training program: it’s required by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) for most Alberta liquor license holders as outlined in section 1.6 “ProServe Liquor Staff Training” of the Alberta Liquor Licensee Handbook.
Who is Required to Take ProServe Training?
The following Alberta liquor licensees and staff are required to take and pass ProServe training:
- Full and part-time employees working in Class A, B, D, E, F, and Duty Free establishments
- Class A (minors allowed): restaurants and other businesses who primarily serve food
- Class A (minors prohibited): pubs, bars, nightclubs
- Class B: recreational facilities, tourist facilities, racetracks, sports stadiums, convention centers, theatres, and transportation (aircraft, trains, watercraft where alcohol is served)
- Class D: retail liquor stores and off-sales
- Class E: manufacturers (distillers and vintners)
- Class F: ferment on-premise facilities where customers make beer, wine and cider
- Special Event Public Resale: required of the licensee or designates and a minimum of 25% of bartenders or servers
- Full and part-time liquor agents and employees who sample liquor products
Read “How to Get an Alberta Liquor License” for more information about license types and applications.
ProServe training must be taken by owner-managers, managers, supervisors, retailers, hosts and delivery employees, and security staff employed by the licensee. Proof of certification can be accessed by logging into the SMART Training Programs account. SMART provides many training programs to Alberta liquor and cannabis retailers, bingo staff, and casino staff.
How ProServe Training Works
To take Alberta ProServe training, create a Smart Training Programs account. You’ll provide personal information and information about the Alberta liquor licensee’s company at which you are an employee or volunteer.
The program cost is $26.25 CAD (including GST) at the time of this writing. You may pay online by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, money order or in-person at local AGLC office in your community.
ProServe is an online course which requires Windows XP or newer or MAC OS 10.3 or newer. Trainees will also need Acrobat Reader, soundcard, speakers and a high-speed Internet connection.
ProServe trainees have 30 days from the time of payment to complete the training.
The training does not have to be completed in one session. You can log out and log in again to continue from where you left off.
The 35-question closed-book online exam is 45-minutes long and must be completed in one session/sitting. Trainees have 5 attempts to pass the exam per registration.
A score of 80% (28 correct answers out of 35 questions) or more is required to pass. If you fail, SMART recommends reviewing online training materials before retaking the exam.
ProServe certification lasts for five years after which you must renew certification.
Source: ProServe Liquor Staff Training FAQ, AGLC.
Get Help with for Your Alberta Liquor License
Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors provides Alberta liquor license application support and guidance. We are western Canada’s go-to liquor consultants. Whether you’ve been in business for some time or are starting a liquor business, our team of experienced consultants do the heavy lifting, freeing up your time so you can do what you do best – run your business.
