If you have just been hired as a bartender or server in the State of Washington, or are looking to become one, you’ll need to know how to get a MAST Permit from an approved course approved by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB).
Washington law requires your permit within 60 days of your hire date. Getting certified quickly ensures you stay compliant and avoid penalties. Whenever you’re working a shift involving alcohol service, keep your ID and permit on you and ready to show law enforcement.
Working after the grace period without a permit risks a criminal citation, up to a $500 fine, 90 days in jail, or both.
Table of Contents
Ready to get started? ServeSmart is a WSLCB-approved provider with a 99% first-attempt pass rate.
WSLCB-approved · 99% first-attempt pass rate · Valid 5 years statewide
Step 1: Select an Approved Course
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board maintains an official list of approved providers; you can browse it at lcb.wa.gov. ServeSmart is one of them.
One important thing to know upfront: there’s no separate course for Class 12 vs Class 13. Any WSLCB-approved course satisfies the requirements for both permit types. Your age at the time of completion determines which class you receive. See the full breakdown of Class 12 vs Class 13 differences.
Online courses are by far the most popular choice. No commute, no fixed schedule, and you can complete the training from any device, phone, tablet, or computer. ServeSmart’s online course is one of Washington’s highest-rated options:
- ⭐ 4.8 stars across 93 Google reviews
- 📱 100% mobile-friendly
- ✅ Fully WSLCB-approved
Ready to enroll? Choosing the right course is where it all starts. ServeSmart’s WSLCB-approved course takes about 3 hours and costs $19.99, with no hidden fees and no subscription.
WSLCB-approved · 99% first-attempt pass rate · Valid 5 years statewide
Step 2: Take the Training
Once you’ve selected a WSLCB-approved course, you’re ready to begin training. Most online courses cost between $15 and $20. ServeSmart’s course is $19.99 with no hidden fees. The training takes a minimum of 3 hours to complete, covering six modules with knowledge checks and end-of-module quizzes throughout.
The course is broken into six modules, each followed by a knowledge check to reinforce what you’ve learned. Here’s what you’ll cover:
ServeSmart's Course Outline
- Module One: Mandatory Alcohol Server Training. Overview of WSLCB rules and your legal responsibilities.
- Module Two: Alcohol and Its Effects on the Body. The science behind intoxication and impairment signs.
- Module Three: Minors and Checking ID. Fake ID detection and legal age verification.
- Module Four: Apparently Intoxicated Person (AIP). How to recognize and respond to an intoxicated guest.
- Module Five: Liability. Your legal risks and dram shop law explained.
- Module Six: Rules Related to Alcohol Laws and MAST. Washington State-specific regulations.
The course is 100% online and works on any device, smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. No downloads required. Just log in from your browser and start learning.
📋 What you’ll need to enroll: Your date of birth, age, sex, and Social Security Number. These are standard requirements collected securely by all WSLCB-approved providers.
WSLCB-approved · 99% first-attempt pass rate · Valid 5 years statewide
Step 3: Take the Exam
At the end of the course, you’ll take the final exam to receive your certification. Washington’s process is simpler than some states. Unlike jurisdictions where you’re redirected to a separate government website to test, Washington allows you to complete both the training and exam in one place, right inside ServeSmart’s platform.
The exam consists of 40 questions and requires a passing score of 80% or higher. Want to feel more prepared? See our MAST test prep guide for practice questions and study tips.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, no need to worry. ServeSmart includes a free retake with your enrollment, but most students don’t need it. 99% pass on their first attempt, and the course content prepares you thoroughly before exam time.
Not feeling confident? ServeSmart’s course includes a printable workbook covering all key topics, a great resource to review before starting the exam.
Step 4: Receive Your Permit by Mail
Upon successfully completing the course and passing the exam, your course provider is required to mail your official MAST permit and report your completion to the WSLCB within 30 days. That’s the final step.
You can track your permit status at any time using the WSLCB Permit Checker, a free tool on the state website. If you don’t receive your physical permit within 30 days, contact ServeSmart directly, and we’ll help resolve any delivery issues.
When your 5-year validity is up, you’ll need to retake the course. See how to renew your MAST permit for the timeline and process.
What you'll receive immediately after passing
ServeSmart issues a PDF Certificate of Completion the moment you pass the exam. Print this certificate and present it to your employer right away. It serves as valid proof that you’ve completed the required MAST training while your physical permit card is being processed by mail.
Important: The Certificate of Completion is not the same as your MAST permit card. Keep the original certificate safe and give your employer a copy.
WSLCB-approved · 99% first-attempt pass rate · Valid 5 years statewide
Frequently Asked Questions
The MAST Permit is required to be mailed to you within 30 days, but in most cases, you can expect your permit to arrive in one to two weeks.
Your course provider issues your MAST permit (ServeSmart, or any WSLCB-approved provider). The provider reports your completion to the WSLCB and mails your physical permit within 30 days.
After completing your approved training course, your provider reports your completion to WSLCB within 30 days. You can verify this by contacting your training provider for confirmation, or by checking your status on the WSLCB Permit Checker once your record is processed.
Get Your Washington MAST Permit Today
Getting your MAST permit in Washington State is straightforward when you follow these four essential steps: choose an approved training provider, complete your course, take the exam, and receive your permit by mail.
With more than 20 approved training providers available, you have plenty of options to find a course that fits your schedule and learning style. The most important thing is to get started within your 60-day grace period if you’re already employed.
Ready to begin your MAST certification? Visit our complete MAST permit guide to compare training options, read reviews, and get certified with Washington’s most trusted provider. We make getting your MAST permit simple, fast, and affordable.
