Get Your Mandatory Alcohol Server Training Permit for Washington

Written by Jim Simpson

If you're a bartender or server who wants to work in Washington's food and beverage industry, proper education is not only a smart idea but also a critical requirement.

Before you can mix the perfect Old Fashioned or serve a round of IPAs to thirsty diners, you'll need to obtain a MAST (Mandatory Alcohol Server Training) permit in Washington state. This program is certified by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB).

So, just how difficult is it to get MAST training so you can legally serve alcoholic drinks? Actually, it's relatively straightforward; there are two types of permits, and you have to know which one you need. You can take your course 100% online at your own pace.

Whether you're seeking a new permit or renewing an expiring one, an online option is simple and affordable. This article highlights important information on how to get the alcohol server permit in Washington state.

Why You Need MAST

In The Evergreen State, permits are required by law for workers who serve, mix, sell and supervise the sale of liquor for on-premises consumption. You'll also need one to conduct tastings at licensed off-premises businesses or fill growlers at grocery stores.

According to state administrative code, businesses with retail liquor licenses must ensure that any person who sells or serves alcohol for on-premises consumption obtains a current and valid Class 12 or 13 permit within 60 calendar days of the date of hire. This includes supervisors and managers.

Two Types of Permits

There are two types of permits: Class 12 and Class 13. The one you need depends on your age and job duties. To serve liquor throughout the state, managers, bartenders, servers and other employees who sell or supervise alcohol sales need a Class 12 Mixologist or a Class 13 Servers permit.

Class 12 Mixologist

This one is for servers aged 21 or older, including bartenders, servers, managers and employees who conduct tastings. Businesses are required to have at least one Class 12 permit holder on duty.

Additionally, this is required for any employee who:

  • Manages a retail premises licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption
  • Sells, mixes or draws alcohol from a dispensing device for on-premises consumption
  • Supervises a Class 13 permit holder

Class 12 permit holders can perform all the same duties as Class 13 workers.

Class 13 Server

This is for servers between 18 and 21. These employees cannot mix drinks or draw beer or wine from a tap, but they can open beer or wine, pour drinks and carry beverages to customers.

Class 13 is required for any employee who:

  • Takes orders for alcoholic beverages that will be consumed on premises
  • Delivers alcoholic beverages to customers for on-premises consumption
  • Opens or pours beer or wine into a glass at the customer's table

Washington MAST Online Course Details

At Seller Server Online, we know that proper education is vital to public safety and responsible drink service. After completing our state-approved course, workers gain the skills and knowledge to serve their customers confidently, properly and legally.

Upon successful completion of the program, servers will gain valuable insights such as:

  • Preventing service to minors
  • Preventing service to visibly intoxicated customers
  • Following state alcohol laws and avoiding MAST permit violations

The 3-hour program consists of 6 modules, including:

  • Mandatory Alcohol Server Training Program
  • Alcohol and its Effects on the Body
  • Minors and Checking ID
  • Identifying Apparently Intoxicated Patrons
  • Liability
  • Rules Related to Alcohol Laws and MAST

Your age will determine whether you need a Class 12 or 13 permit.

Testing Requirements

After each module, students will take an eight-question quiz and must pass with a score of 80%. An unlimited number of attempts are allowed to earn this test result.

At the course's end, there is a 40-question final exam with no time limit. Students must complete the entire course before proceeding to the final exam.

It's a good idea to revisit and study concepts already covered during the course to help better retain this information. However, please be aware that the final exam is closed book — once you begin the exam, you may no longer go back and review. You have one attempt to pass the final exam with a score of at least 80%.

Receiving Your Permit

Congratulations! Once you've passed the final exam, you can download a temporary certificate of completion immediately. Provide this certificate to your employer to confirm that you completed the program.

You can expect your official permit to be delivered to you by mail, typically within 15 business days of course completion. No MAST permit fees are required aside from the cost of your education.

Next Steps

Whether you're a bartender or server needing a Class 12 or 13 permit or a business owner searching for easy online training for your staff, the first step is to sign up and get started. Our 100% online MAST training — provided at WashingtonAlcoholTraining.com — is WSLCB-approved and satisfies requirements for new and renewing permits.