Get Your Alcohol Seller Server Certification Online

Written by Staff Writer

Some states and local governments require beverage workers to obtain alcohol server certification. If you need to get or renew your alcohol server permit, you'll take courses that teach you to legally and responsibly serve or sell alcoholic drinks.

Your state might call it a Responsible Beverage Service (RBS), Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) or alcohol server seller certification. You might need this certificate or permit for on-premises consumption, off-premises sales or both.

Even if your jurisdiction doesn't have mandatory education or licensure (not all do), completing responsible beverage service training can make you more attractive to potential employers. This type of training makes you a more knowledgeable employee and helps you protect your community.

Types of Training

Not all states or local governments issue permits to serve or sell alcoholic beverages. Be sure to check with your state department of alcoholic beverage control or local government for requirements in your area. If you must get a permit or certificate, there may be a deadline, such as 30 or 120 days after hiring. Requirements vary.

Alcohol awareness training programs typically cover relevant state laws, identifying and preventing sales to underaged customers, impaired driving laws and more. You will also learn about alcohol server responsibilities like refusing service to impaired patrons. The coursework may help protect you and your employer from liability in jurisdictions with dram shop laws.

You may also want to complete bartending or mixology training. Mixology is the art of creating popular cocktails as a bartender. The coursework usually includes cocktail recipes, an overview of common bar tools and industry tips to help you succeed as a bartender or mixologist.

A mixology course is a purely voluntary professional development program, not a legal requirement.

Getting Educated

Start by selecting your education provider. Make sure the course you choose is approved for professionals in your area. In many states, you can select classroom or online instruction.

Classroom Courses

In-person classes are held in a classroom with an instructor. Before virtual learning became commonplace, classroom instruction used to be the only option.

On-site, instructor-led classes require you to attend for the entire duration of the program. The duration varies by state. Classroom start and end times are set in stone. Rearranging or skipping classes may be difficult or impossible.

In-person providers tend to fill up quickly with limited seats. It may be hard to find a class with an open seat that fits your schedule.

Online Courses

It's easier to complete your training at your own pace with Seller Server Online. When you train with us, you can log in and learn from your phone, tablet or computer without ever entering a classroom. Finish lessons at your preferred pace — complete your work in one sitting or spread the course out.

We collaborate with alcoholic beverage control agencies across the country to ensure our lessons are up-to-date and accurate. Enrolling in one of our 100% online courses can prepare you to work as a bartender, bouncer, clerk, event worker or other hospitality professional.

You can download and print your Certificate of Completion as soon as you finish the course.

Start Today

Seller Server Online offers state-accepted education courses in California, New York, Illinois, Texas and more. Choose your state at the bottom of the page to get started now! You can complete your education in just a few hours.

Need additional certifications? We offer Food Handler and Food Manager courses and alcohol/food worker course bundles. Learn at your own pace and get the training you need from any internet-connected device.