Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mandatory Alcohol Server Training Course?
The Washington State liquor law requires anyone who serves or manages on-premises liquor licensed establishments to complete Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) and obtain either Class 12 or Class 13 permits. Our Mandatory Alcohol Server Training courses allow Washington alcohol servers to obtain a Class 12 or 13 permit. The course you should take depends on your age.
How do I know what class of permit I need?
You are required to have one of the following permits:
Class 12 Mixologist Permits are for people 21 years of age and older. This permit allows you to:
- Draw alcohol from a tap and mix drinks
- Perform duties included in the Class 13 permit
- Manage the establishment
- Conduct alcohol tasting
Class 13 Servers Permits are for people who are at least 18 years of age but under 21. This permit allows you to:
- Take alcohol orders
- Carry alcohol to the customer and pour it into a customer's glass at the table
My permit has expired. What do I need to do to renew it?
To renew your Class 12 permit, you must retake the Mandatory Alcohol Server Training course. To upgrade your Class 13 permit to Class 12, you must take the Class 12 course. We suggest you take our online MAST class before your current permit expires to comply with Washington state liquor law.
How long are the MAST courses?
The Class 12 course is a state-required minimum of three hours, and the Class 13 course is a state-required minimum of one hour.
Are the MAST courses completely online?
Yes. The registration, courses and final exams are all entirely online.
How do I sign-up?
Select the Register Now button and select the correct course depending on your age. Then, fill in the required information so we can process your completion to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. You can then begin the course!
Do I have to complete the course in one sitting?
No, you may take the course at your own pace. The system will save your progress each time you log off.
How do I get my permit?
Upon successful completion of this course, we will report your course completion to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and mail your permit within 10 business days to the address you entered when you registered for the course.
How long do I have to complete the course?
You have 90 days to complete the course after registration. You must spend the minimum time required for each course. The Class 12 course takes at least three hours to complete, and the Class 13 course takes at least one hour to complete.
Do MAST permits expire?
Yes. Permits are good for five years and expire on the first day of the month after the month you took your test. If you took your test August 24, for example, your permit will expire five years later on September 1.
MAST permits are not renewable. You can check your validity status on the MAST Permit Checker. It's recommended to take a new course 45 days before your current permit expires to eliminate the possibility of working without a valid permit.
Do I need to provide my Social Security number and other personal details?
Yes. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board requires permit holders to provide their Social Security number, height and weight. Without this information, your MAST permit cannot be issued.
Why do I need to supply my Social Security number?
RCW 26.23.150 requires that the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board obtain a Social Security number for each MAST permit holder. This is to assist with child support enforcement as required by federal law. As a provider, we are authorized by State law to obtain Social Security numbers from permit holders.
What is an acceptable ID in Washington?
According to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, acceptable IDs in Washington include:
- Driver's license, instruction permit or Enhanced ID card issued by any U.S. state or territory, the District of Columbia or Canadian Province
- Official passport (including passport cards)
- Valid Washington Temporary Driver's License when presented with the corresponding expired Washington Driver's License
- U.S. Armed Forces ID card
- WSLCB-approved WA state tribal enrollment cards
Acceptable forms of ID in Washington allow you to consume age-restricted products such as alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and more. Customers cannot purchase age-restricted products without a valid form of acceptable ID.
Am I required to keep my MAST permit with me at all times?
Yes. While working, you must have your MAST permit and a valid ID available while performing any job duty related to the sale, service or handling of alcohol. Your permit is your property and must not expire. If your employer requests a copy, you must have an official permit for yourself at all places of employment or volunteer locations.
Not possessing the required MAST permit could result in a criminal citation with fine, jail time or both. More details can be found in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 314-17-025.
Do you offer other workplace training?
Certus offers certificate courses and certification training for a variety of fields, including workplace safety, technical skills training, professional services, driver safety and more. In addition to alcohol training, we offer online programs for food handlers, food managers and cannabis vendors. Visit the Certus website to learn more about our brands and training programs.