# Compare your options

> Every comparison on Serving It Right Test in one place: side-by-side guides, the best ways to prepare and what changes for your role. Honest, sourced and free.

Canonical: https://servingitrighttest.ca/compare
Last updated: 2026-10-26

Side-by-side guides for the choices people ask us about most, with the official sources linked on every page.

## Side by side

- [Serving It Right vs Smart Serve](https://servingitrighttest.ca/vs/serving-it-right-vs-smart-serve): Serving It Right (BC) vs Smart Serve (Ontario): cost, exam, pass mark and validity side by side, and whether either certificate works in the other province.
- [Serving It Right vs Special Event Server](https://servingitrighttest.ca/vs/serving-it-right-vs-special-event-server): Serving It Right vs Special Event Server in BC: who needs which, cost ($40 vs $25), exam length (35 vs 25 questions), and why SIR covers special events too.
- [Serving It Right vs FOODSAFE Level 1](https://servingitrighttest.ca/vs/serving-it-right-vs-foodsafe): Serving It Right and FOODSAFE Level 1 are different BC certificates: one for serving alcohol, one for food safety. Who needs each, cost, exam and how long they last.

## Best ways to prepare

- [The best ways to study for Serving It Right](https://servingitrighttest.ca/best/ways-to-study-for-serving-it-right): The best ways to study for Serving It Right: start with the free official course and manual, then drill the hard topics and take practice tests before the $40 exam.

## By role

- [Serving It Right for bartenders](https://servingitrighttest.ca/for/bartenders): What BC bartenders need to know: Serving It Right is required, plus the rules on serving sizes, pre-mixing, refills, infusions, bottle service and staff drinking.
- [Serving It Right for servers](https://servingitrighttest.ca/for/servers): What BC servers need to know: when Serving It Right is required, minors serving at 16, Bring Your Own Wine, sealing wine, the half-hour rule and cutting people off.
- [Serving It Right for managers and licensees](https://servingitrighttest.ca/for/managers-and-licensees): What BC licensees and managers must do: SIR for every manager and server, six-year records, incident logs, posters, out-of-province staff and penalties for minors.
- [Serving It Right for security and door staff](https://servingitrighttest.ca/for/security-staff): What BC door and security staff need: a Security Services Act licence, plus the liquor rules they enforce: two-ID checks, intoxication and the 24-hour rule.