Frequently Asked Questions
Washington
How does the training work?
The Way To Serve training is divided into modules. Start first with the Introduction. Each module contains information presented in videos, simulations and/or text. Once you view all the information in a module, you take a quiz on the information in the module. At the end of of the course you must take and pass a final exam. Way To Serve will mail a permanent certificate through the US Postal Service within 30 days of passing the final exam.
What are the benefits of the training?
The training is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can complete the entire training all at once or stop and come back at the point you left off. Once you have completed the training and passed tests you can start working as a server or seller of alcohol in your state.
What information is covered in the training?
The training covers information on responsible sales of alcoholic beverages required by your state. The topics include the state laws on the sale of alcohol, ways of preventing alcohol services and sales to minors, knowing how reduce sales of alcohol to intoxicated customers by learning how to spot signs of intoxication and how to track of the amount of alcohol consumed by customers using Way To Serve's unique SERVE system. In some states, you also receive training in the effects of alcohol during pregnancy and management procedures for alcohol sales.
What is special about this training?
The Way To Serve training is delivered entirely over the Internet. It is guided by video hosts and provides information in fun, engaging interactive simulations, not just in plain text. The simulations give you a chance to practice the methods taught in the training.
Is this program approved by my state?
Way To Serve is approved by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board for Mandatory Alcohol Server Training. You can be sure that when you successfully complete Way To Serve, you are certified in your state.
Does this training apply to me?
Way To Serve was built with input from servers, sellers, and managers. It was tested throughout production to be sure the training is user-friendly and engaging, and presents skills in real-world settings that servers, sellers, and managers encounter every day.
Will this training actually help me be a more responsible alcohol server?
Yes. The training was tested in a university study funded with a grant from the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Servers at restaurants and bars that used the training served alcohol to customers who appeared to be intoxicated less often. Reducing intoxication should help decrease the number of individuals who leave and drive under the influence of alcohol.
Is this training program good for new AND renewing alcohol server licenses?
Absolutely. If you work at a licensed establishment or plan to work at an establishment that serves or sells alcohol and you are getting certified for the first time, or if you have already been certified and need to renew, you can complete the Way To Serve training program and get your required server certificate.
If I take this training, when do I get my certificate?
Way To Serve will mail a permanent certificate within 30 days of passing the final exam.
What do I do if I haven’t received my permanent certificate in the mail?
Contact Way To Serve at 888-898-7217 or click "FAQ/Support" at the top of this page if you would prefer to file a support ticket.
How long is the certificate earned from this training valid?
5 years
California
How does the training work?
The Way To Serve training is divided into modules. Start first with the Introduction. Each module contains information presented in videos, simulations and/or text. Once you view all the information in a module, you take a quiz on the information in the module. After completing the Way To Serve training, you must visit the California RBS Training Program website at https://abcbiz.abc.ca.gov/, where you take the final exam and receive approval from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), which is recorded in the state’s trained-servers database.
Where do I get my server number for California?
Go to the California RBS Training Program website at https://abcbiz.abc.ca.gov/ and register as a server. You will receive your server number. Return and put your server number in the Way To Serve profile to complete your registration for the training.
What are the benefits of the training?
The training is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can complete the entire training all at once or stop and come back at the point you left off. Once you have completed the training and passed tests and received your California approved server number, you can start working as a server or seller of alcohol in your state.
What information is covered in the training?
The training covers information on responsible sales of alcoholic beverages required by your state. The topics include the state laws on the sale of alcohol, ways of preventing alcohol services and sales to minors, knowing how reduce sales of alcohol to intoxicated customers by learning how to spot signs of intoxication and how to track of the amount of alcohol consumed by customers using Way To Serve's unique SERVE system. In some states, you also receive training in the effects of alcohol during pregnancy and management procedures for alcohol sales.
What is special about this training?
The Way To Serve training is delivered entirely over the Internet. It is guided by video hosts and provides information in fun, engaging interactive simulations, not just in plain text. The simulations give you a chance to practice the methods taught in the training.
Is this program approved by my state?
Way To Serve is approved by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to provide training in responsible beverage service. You can be sure that when you successfully complete Way To Serve, you are certified in your state.
Does this training apply to me?
Way To Serve was built with input from servers, sellers, and managers. It was tested throughout production to be sure the training is user-friendly and engaging, and presents skills in real-world settings that servers, sellers, and managers encounter every day.
Will this training actually help me be a more responsible alcohol server?
Yes. The training was tested in a university study funded with a grant from the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Servers at restaurants and bars that used the training served alcohol to customers who appeared to be intoxicated less often. Reducing intoxication should help decrease the number of individuals who leave and drive under the influence of alcohol.
Is this training program good for new AND renewing alcohol server licenses?
Absolutely. If you work at a licensed establishment or plan to work at an establishment that serves or sells alcohol and you are getting certified for the first time, or if you have already been certified and need to renew, you can complete the Way To Serve training program and get your required server certificate.
If I take this training, when do I get my certificate?
You receive your approved server number from the California RBS Training Program website after passing the final exam at that site.
What do I do if I haven’t received my permanent certificate in the mail?
Contact the California RBS Training Program (https://abcbiz.abc.ca.gov/) if your server number does not receive approval.
How long is the certificate earned from this training valid?
3 years
Do I need an California Food Handlers Card?
If you are a food handler, yes! California law requires you to get your card within 30 days of starting work.
Is this food handler training approved for my area?
This training and test is approved for use throughout California. You’ll need to take a different course if you work in one of the following areas: Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and Siskiyou County.
What do I get when I finish this course?
State of California Food Handlers Card.
How long is my Food Handlers Card valid for?
Your California Food Handlers Card will be valid for 3 years.
New Mexico
How does the training work?
The Way To Serve training is divided into modules. Start first with the Introduction. Each module contains information presented in videos, simulations and/or text. Once you view all the information in a module, you take a quiz on the information in the module. Way To Serve provides a temporary certificate at the end of the training when you pass all module quizzes. Be sure to print it. The New Mexico Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC) will mail a permanent certificate through the US Postal Service within 120 days of passing the final exam. Your temporary permit will be recognized as valid after its expiration, if you have not yet received your permanent permit from New Mexico ABC.
What are the benefits of the training?
The training is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can complete the entire training all at once or stop and come back at the point you left off. Once you have completed the training and passed tests, and received your certificate you can start working as a server or seller of alcohol in New Mexico.
What information is covered in the training?
The training covers information on responsible sales and service of alcoholic beverages required by the state of New Mexico. The topics include the state laws on the sale of alcohol, ways of preventing alcohol services and sales to minors, knowing how to reduce sales of alcohol to intoxicated customers by learning how to spot signs of intoxication and how to track of the amount of alcohol consumed by customers using Way To Serve's unique SERVE system.
What is special about this training?
The Way To Serve training is delivered entirely over the Internet. It is guided by video hosts and provides information in fun, engaging interactive simulations, not just in plain text. The simulations give you a chance to practice the methods taught in the training.
Is this program approved by my state?
Way To Serve is approved by the New Mexico Alcoholic Beverage Control Division to provide training in responsible beverage service. You can be sure that when you successfully complete Way To Serve, you are certified in your state.
Does this training apply to me?
Way To Serve was built with input from servers, sellers, and managers. It was tested throughout production to be sure the training is user-friendly and engaging, and presents skills in real-world settings that servers, sellers, and managers encounter every day.
Will this training actually help me be a more responsible alcohol server?
Yes. The training was tested in a university study funded with a grant from the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Servers at restaurants and bars that used the training served alcohol to customers who appeared to be intoxicated less often. Reducing intoxication should help decrease the number of individuals who leave and drive under the influence of alcohol.
Is this training program good for new AND renewing alcohol server licenses?
Absolutely. If you work at a licensed establishment or plan to work at an establishment that serves or sells alcohol and you are getting certified for the first time, or if you have already been certified and need to renew, you can complete the Way To Serve training program and get your required server certificate.
If I take this training, when do I get my certificate?
A copy of your temporary certificate is available when you complete the Way To Serve training program. Be sure to print it. New Mexico ABC will mail a permanent certificate within 120 days of passing the final exam. Your temporary permit will be recognized as valid after its expiration, if you have not yet received your permanent permit from New Mexico ABC.
What do I do if I haven’t received my permanent certificate in the mail?
Your temporary permit will be recognized as valid after its expiration, if you have not yet received your permanent permit from New Mexico ABC. Contact New Mexico ABC about the delay.
How long is the certificate earned from this training valid?
3 years
I have already completed the training and I need to print another copy of my temporary license. Where do I find it?
To print your temporary certificate for New Mexico simply log in to Way To Serve and then click on the "Profile" button along the top navigation bar. On this page, you will see a link that says "Click here to view your Server Certificate." Click on that link and you will be able to print another copy.
Do I need a New Mexico Food Handlers Card?
If you are a food handler in New Mexico, you are required to complete a food safety course that is approved for use in New Mexico, except in Albuquerque. Completing an approved food safety course will award you with a New Mexico Food Handlers Card. A food handler is someone who handles, prepares, serves, sells, or gives away food for human consumption.
Is this food handler training and test approved for my area?
This program that includes a training and test is approved for use throughout New Mexico, including all counties (Bernalillo, Doña Ana, Sandoval, Santa Fe, etc.) and cities (Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, etc.). However, Albuquerque does not at this time require food handler food safety training.
What do I get when I finish this course?
New Mexico Food Handlers Card
How long is my New Mexico Food Handlers Card valid for?
Your New Mexico food handlers card will be valid for 3 years.