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Serving It Right vs Smart Serve

Serving It Right is BC’s responsible beverage service program; Smart Serve is Ontario’s. They teach similar things, but each province sets its own rules about whose certificate counts.
From responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca, smartserve.ca and agco.ca, checked October 26, 2026.
Serving It Right (BC)Smart Serve (Ontario)
Run byBC’s Responsible Beverage Service Program, under the LCRBSmart Serve Ontario, approved by the AGCO
CourseFree, about 4 hoursFull Course $44.95, about 4–5 hours
Exam$40 plus tax, 3 attempts, 35 questions, untimedIncluded in the course fee; proctored online test with photo ID and webcam
Pass mark80%80%
Valid for5 years5 years (Ontario renews all liquor training every five years)

Moving from Ontario to BC

BC recognizes Smart Serve. A server or bartender with a valid Smart Serve certificate can work in BC without Serving It Right until that certificate expires. Licensees, managers and anyone supervising liquor sales or service still need Serving It Right, and employers may ask for SIR anyway as a best practice.

Moving from BC to Ontario

Ontario’s rule is that anyone who sells, serves, samples or delivers liquor needs certification from a course approved by the AGCO’s Board, and the AGCO lists Smart Serve as the approved program for bars and restaurants. Serving It Right isn’t on that list, and the AGCO page doesn’t mention out-of-province certificates. Plan on taking Smart Serve, and ask the AGCO if you think your situation is different.

Questions people ask

+Can I use Smart Serve in BC?

Yes, as a server or bartender, until your Smart Serve certificate expires. Managers and licensees need Serving It Right.

+Can I use Serving It Right in Ontario?

Ontario requires an AGCO Board-approved course, and Serving It Right isn’t one of them. Expect to take Smart Serve.

+Which is cheaper?

Serving It Right: the course is free and the exam is $40 plus tax. Smart Serve’s full course is $44.95.

Sources

Updated October 26, 2026. Not affiliated with the Government of British Columbia, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch or the Serving It Right program.

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