Looking for a career change in Washington State? Consider becoming a bartender or server, earning about $20 per hour and climbing the ladder to become a bar or restaurant manager.
To enter the hospitality industry, you’ll most likely need the Mandatory Alcohol Server Training. It’s a certification that anyone serving or selling alcoholic beverages on-site must obtain in order to handle alcohol responsibly.
What if you or your staff are working without a valid MAST permit in Washington? Then, you should be prepared to face costly fines or even lose a liquor license.
Hence, it only makes sense to keep your certification valid and your knowledge fresh. Read on to learn exactly how to pass your MAST test in Washington State with confidence.
Table of Contents
What Is the Washington MAST Test?
The MAST test in Washington State is the final exam taken after passing a certified training course. This test ensures that individuals understand state alcohol laws, know how to check IDs properly, and are prepared to prevent over-service or underage drinking.
- Bartenders and servers
- Managers and supervisors in restaurants, bars, and clubs
- Banquet staff and event bartenders (weddings, festivals, etc.)
- Online alcohol delivery personnel
- Grocery and convenience store employees selling alcoholic beverages
- Pop-up event workers or food truck staff serving alcohol
Class 12 vs. Class 13 Differences
When enrolling in a MAST training course, you will need to choose between Class 12 and Class 13. See the table below to learn which one you need to apply for:
| Permit Type | Class 13 Permit | Class 12 Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years | 21 years |
| Allowed Duties | Serve alcohol, take orders, open beer/wine | Mix drinks, pour spirits, supervise |
| Common Roles | Servers, event staff | Bartenders, managers, supervisors |
| Promotion Path | Can upgrade to Class 12 at 21 | Full privileges |
💡 Practical Tip: If you’re 18–20, you’ll get a Class 13 permit first. When you turn 21, you can request a free upgrade to Class 12 without retaking the course.
How to Register and Prepare for the MAST Test
To take a MAST test in Washington, follow these steps:
- Choose a MAST course with a licensed training provider like ServeSmart.
- Enter your personal information, including legal name, birthdate, and a valid form of ID for age verification.
- Submit payment through a secure checkout.
📖 Preparation Tips
- Set aside 2–3 hours to complete the course modules.
- Study in short bursts if needed — your progress saves automatically.
- Use the provided quizzes and summaries to reinforce key topics.
The Course Format and What to Expect
Once enrolled, you will receive access to the course materials via your mobile phone, PC, or tablet.
At ServeSmart, we offer a fully online, self-paced MAST training course with interactive components and real-world scenarios. Our course was designed for busy individuals who have limited time and prefer to study on the go.
📑 What Topics You Will Learn
- Washington alcohol laws and regulations
- Checking ID and spotting fake IDs
- Intervention and refusal techniques
- Dealing with intoxicated customers
- Liability and legal responsibilities
- Incident documentation and reporting
🔵 MAST Test Format
- Multiple-choice format
- Must score at least 80% to pass
- Unlimited free retakes if needed
Tips for Success on the MAST Test
Most students at ServeSmart pass the MAST test in Washington on their first try. This is mostly due to their proper preparation and our engaging materials, which make studying a breeze.
If you’re still not sure whether you can pass the final test, here’s a list of tips we share with your students:
- Focus on key areas: How alcohol affects the body, legal service limits, when and how to refuse service.
- Practice actively: Take end-of-lesson quizzes and replay short videos to reinforce understanding.
- Write notes or flashcards: Especially around ID-checking rules and liability topics.
- Don’t stress about failure: If you don’t pass the first time, review the course and retake the test.
❓ Sample Question Example
What is the best course of action if you suspect an ID is fake?
A. Accept it to avoid confrontation
B. Ask a supervisor or manager for help
C. Ignore your suspicion if the photo looks close
Correct answer: B
After the MAST Test: Receiving, Using, and Maintaining Your Permit
Once you pass the test, ServeSmart automatically files your Certificate of Completion with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB).
The physical permit is delivered within 30 days. Don’t worry if your employer needs to see it right away—you can provide them with a copy of the Certificate of Completion for the time being.
⭕ Note that your MAST permit is valid for 5 years, after which you must retake the course again.
Five years is a long time, so we recommend that you set a calendar reminder at least 45 days before expiration. This way, you avoid gaps in your employment.
📋 Stay Compliant Checklist
- Keep a copy of your permit at work
- Notify your employer of permit changes
- Report name/address changes to the provider or WSLCB
Why Choose iservesmart.com to Prepare for the MAST Test in Washington State?
✔️ Trusted by industry professionals across Washington
✔️ Interactive, scenario-based video content
✔️ Works on all devices—start/stop anytime
✔️ Fast and easy registration
✔️ Automatic reporting to the state
✔️ Full support with permit issues, lost cards, or content questions
✔️ Course material always up-to-date with current laws
Conclusion
- Enroll in your course
- Pass the test
- Get your permit
- Stay compliant and advance your career
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone who serves, mixes, sells, or supervises the sale of alcohol at a licensed establishment in Washington must have a MAST (Mandatory Alcohol Server Training) permit. This includes bartenders, servers, and managers.
MAST permits in Washington cannot be renewed. Once your permit expires (after 5 years), you must retake the mandatory alcohol server training course from a state-certified provider and receive a new permit.
To replace a lost or stolen MAST permit, contact the provider who issued your original permit. Only they can issue a replacement. If you’re unsure of the provider, you can contact the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) for help.
Serving alcohol without a valid MAST permit can result in fines, suspension, or termination of employment. Employers may also face penalties for allowing unpermitted staff to serve alcohol.
Yes, your MAST permit is valid for any job or workplace in Washington where alcohol is served, as long as the permit is current and you follow all liquor laws and regulations.
If your name or address changes, contact your MAST permit provider to update your information and request a replacement permit reflecting the changes. You should also notify the WSLCB if you cannot reach your provider.
