FAQ - Way To Serve Alcohol Server Training

FAQs

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. In some states you also must pass a final exam. The official server certificate is provided to you in different ways depending on the state in which you train:

California: 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.

New Mexico: 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.

Texas: Way To Serve provides a permanent certificate at the end of the training when you pass the quizzes. Be sure to print it.

Washington State: Way To Serve will mail a permanent certificate through the US Postal Service within 30 days of passing the final exam.

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 certificate or 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 your state 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 servers, seller, 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 or, in California, reapproval of your server number.

How long does the training usually take to complete?

You should plan to spend at least 3 to 3½ hours with Way To Serve and sometimes a little longer. Note, the program does not need to be completed in one sitting. You can log out and then resume where you left off. You are encouraged to take your time and go at your own pace, when it is convenient for you.

If I take this training, when do I get my certificate?

It depends on how your state handles certificates, as follows:

California: You receive your approved server number from the California RBS Training Program website after passing the final exam at that site.

New Mexico: 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.

Texas: A copy of your permanent certificate is available when you complete the Way To Serve training program. Be sure to print it.

Washington State: 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?

It depends on how your state handles certificates, as follows:

California: Contract the California RBS Training Program (https://abcbiz.abc.ca.gov/) if your server number does not receive approval.

New Mexico: 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.

Texas: You received the permanent certificate from the Way To Serve website. 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 a copy.

Washington State: Contact Way To Serve at accounting@wedgecommunication.com.

How long is the certificate earned from this training valid?

Each state sets a different period that your certificate is valid. Check your state's website regarding alcohol server training certification. Or, read the information at the end of Way To Serve when it gives you your certificate. It tells you how long the certificate is good for.

I have already completed the training and I need to print another copy of my temporary license. Where do I find it? (New Mexico and Texas only)

To print your temporary certificate for New Mexico or your permanent certificate for Texas, 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.

How do I reach customer service?

For questions concerning business issues, email us at accounting@wedgecommunication.com.

Is technical support available?

If you have technical support issues or questions about Way To Serve, please click here (https://form.jotform.com/222964082010043).

We strive to respond to customer service requests received on weekdays, within 24 hours. Requests received on Saturday, Sunday, or major holidays will be handled on the next business day.

I need to renew my certificate - How can I do that?

Each state requires you to re-register, pay the fee, and take the training course again in order to renew your server's permit. New Mexico server permits expire after 3 years; Texas after 2 years; and Washington after 5 years.

Way To Serve contacts users whose permits will expire in 30 days with an email with instructions on how to renew. If you have received this email, follow the instructions and you will be able to re-register, pay, take the course, pass the exams, and get your new certification. If you haven’t received an email, please contract technical support.

How do I renew my server's permit in New Mexico?

The state of New Mexico requires alcohol servers to renew their certification every 3 years by re-registering, paying for the training, and taking and passing the course again. You may have received an email from us telling you that your permit will expire in 30 days. if so, here’s what to do: Go to the Way To Serve home page at https://www.waytoserve.org. Instead of trying to log in, you will choose your state in the top section of the page. Under “Select State…” select New Mexico or New Mexico-Spanish in the drop down list, click Register Now, and then fill out all the registration information. Check the Renewal option on the New or Renewal Certification drop-down list. You can use your same email (or a different one). You can use your same password although it wouldn’t hurt to make a new one. Then go on to the Payment page and after paying, you can start the course. You must complete the entire course to receive your renewed permit. Your temporary permit will be recognized as valid after its expiration, if you have not yet received your permanent permit from New Mexico ABC.