Certifications/Hospitality & Recreation
CredentialHospitality & RecreationRequired to startVaries by province

Serving It Right (British Columbia)

Serving It Right is the responsible alcohol service training required for people who serve alcohol in British Columbia. If you want to work behind a bar, on a restaurant floor, or in a catering or banquet role that involves alcohol, you need this certificate.

Official website ↗
Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
about CA$50
an estimate in Canadian dollars
Time to earn it
Not published
Renewal
no renewal
Issued by Province of British Columbia (Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch)
Required to start: Serving alcohol in British Columbia needs a Serving It Right certificate.

About

Serving It Right is a training program for people who serve alcohol in licensed places. It teaches you how to serve alcohol safely and legally. You learn how to spot signs of intoxication, check identification, and handle tough situations calmly.

The certificate is issued under the Province of British Columbia, through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch. It is a basic requirement for many jobs in the hospitality industry. Bartenders, servers, sommeliers, and many managers and directors in food and beverage use it. Employers will often ask to see your certificate before they hire you or before you start a shift.

How to get it

  1. Check that you need it
    If your job will involve serving alcohol or supervising people who do, you need the certificate. Ask your employer or the hiring manager if you are not sure.
  2. Sign up for the course
    The training is offered online and is made for people with no experience. You can study at your own pace from home.
  3. Complete the course material
    Work through the lessons on responsible service, the law, and handling difficult guests. Most people finish in a short time, often within a day or two of study.
  4. Pass the exam
    Once you finish the lessons, you take a short written exam. You need a passing result to earn your certificate.
  5. Save and share your certificate
    Keep a copy of your certificate in a safe place. Give a copy to your employer, since they must have proof on file.

The exam

The exam is a short written test, taken after you finish the course. It covers the main ideas from the lessons, such as the law, checking identification, and dealing with guests who have had too much to drink. The questions are meant to check that you understand safe service, not to trip you up. If you do not pass the first time, you can usually try again.

Licensed by each province

Each province and territory issues this itself, under its own rules. For example — British Columbia: Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch. Each province and territory has its own rules and its own responsible service training. A certificate from one province usually does not count in another. If you plan to move or work in a different part of Canada, check the local requirements before you start a new job. This page covers British Columbia, where the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch is the example regulator.

Careers that mention it

Keeping it

In British Columbia, the Serving It Right certificate does not need to be renewed once you have earned it. Keep your proof of certification safe, because you may need to show it to new employers. If you lose it, you can request a copy.

At a glance
Issued byProvince of British Columbia (Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch)
TypeCredential
Where it appliesEach province and territory
Required to workYes
Typical costabout CA$50
Time to earn itNot published
Renewalno renewal