# 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.

Canonical: https://servingitrighttest.ca/vs/serving-it-right-vs-special-event-server
Last updated: 2026-10-26

Both come from BC’s Responsible Beverage Service Program. Special Event Server is the short course for permit events; Serving It Right is the full course for licensed establishments, and it covers events too.

*From responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca, checked October 26, 2026.*
|  | Serving It Right | Special Event Server |
| --- | --- | --- |
| For | All licensed establishments, plus special events | Special Event Permit events only |
| Course | Free, about 4 hours | Free, about 1.5 hours |
| Exam fee | $40 plus tax, 3 attempts | $25, 3 attempts |
| Exam | 35 questions, 80% (28) | 25 questions, 80% (20) |
| Time limit | None | None |
| Valid for | 5 years | 5 years |

## Which one do you need?

- **You work (or want to work) in a bar, restaurant, liquor store or for a caterer:** Serving It Right.
- **You’re volunteering or serving at a wedding, festival or fundraiser on a Special Event Permit:** Special Event Server is enough.
- **You’re the permit holder or a manager at an event of 500 or more people:** Serving It Right.
- **You’re the permit holder or a manager at an event under 500:** Special Event Server.
- **You already have Serving It Right:** you’re covered for events, no SES needed.

If there’s any chance you’ll work in hospitality, Serving It Right costs $15 more and covers everything. More on events: [Special Event Server](https://servingitrighttest.ca/special-event-server).

## Questions people ask

### Does Serving It Right cover special events?

Yes. A valid Serving It Right certificate means you don’t need Special Event Server.

### Can I work in a restaurant with Special Event Server?

No. SES is for Special Event Permit events only. Restaurants and bars need Serving It Right.

## Sources

- [Special Event Server FAQs (responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca)](https://www.responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca/support/special-event-server-faqs) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [Special Event Server final exam (responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca)](https://www.responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca/products/1995-special-event-server-training-program) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [Serving It Right FAQs (responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca)](https://www.responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca/support/serving-it-right-faqs) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [Serving It Right course and final exam (responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca)](https://www.responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca/serving-it-right-course) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [Special Event Permit Terms and Conditions, June 2024 (LCRB, PDF)](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/employment-business-and-economic-development/business-management/liquor-regulation-licensing/guides-and-manuals/guide-sep.pdf) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation, B.C. Reg. 241/2016 (BC Laws)](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/241_2016) (checked 2026-10-26)

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

## Related

- [Special Event Server (SES)](https://servingitrighttest.ca/special-event-server)
- [The Serving It Right certificate](https://servingitrighttest.ca/serving-it-right-certificate)
- [Serving It Right practice test](https://servingitrighttest.ca/serving-it-right-practice-test)