What is a MAST permit? A MAST permit, short for Mandatory Alcohol Server Training permit, is the certification Washington State requires for anyone who serves, mixes, sells, or supervises the sale of alcohol at a licensed establishment. It’s the legal document that proves you’ve completed state-approved alcohol server training and are authorized to work alcohol service in Washington.
If you’ve applied for a bartending or serving job in Washington and come across “MAST permit required” in the listing, this is what they’re asking for. This guide covers what the permit is, who needs one, and what makes it different from permits in other states. For enrollment, cost, training process, and renewal, you’ll find links to dedicated guides below. Ready to get certified?
WSLCB-approved · 99% first-attempt pass rate · Valid 5 years statewide
What Does MAST Stand For?
MAST stands for Mandatory Alcohol Server Training. It’s the official Washington State program administered by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) that trains alcohol servers on the laws, responsibilities, and safety practices required for legal alcohol service in the state.
The permit itself is sometimes called an “alcohol server permit” or “Washington alcohol permit,” but the official name is MAST permit. It’s only valid in Washington; if you move to another state, you’ll need that state’s equivalent certification (for example, RBS in California).
Who Needs a MAST Permit?
You need a MAST permit if your job involves any of the following at a Washington licensed establishment:
- Serving or delivering alcohol at a restaurant, bar, cafe, or event
- Mixing, pouring, or drawing drinks (spirits, beer, or wine)
- Selling alcohol directly to customers for on-premises consumption
- Supervising any of the above
This covers the obvious roles, bartenders, servers, managers, and also less-obvious ones like grocery store tasting hosts, growler fill station staff, brewery tasting room workers, event bartenders at weddings and festivals, and anyone running a pop-up alcohol service at a licensed venue.
Quick Fact: Over 100,000 Washingtonians hold active MAST permits, helping prevent underage drinking and over-service, key to community safety.
The Two MAST Permit Classes
Washington issues two permit classes based on your age at the time of certification:
- Class 13 — for ages 18 to 20. Lets you serve beer and wine under supervision. You can’t mix spirits or work behind a 21+ bar.
- Class 12 — for ages 21 and older. Full bartending and supervisory rights at any licensed venue.
The training course and exam are identical for both; which class you receive depends on your age when you complete the course. At 21, you can upgrade a Class 13 to a Class 12 for free without retaking the course.
Why Washington Requires MAST Training
The state created the MAST program to reduce alcohol-related harm, over-service, DUIs, underage sales, and the liability that comes with them. According to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, MAST training is required because:
“Education of alcohol servers on issues such as the physiological effects of alcohol on consumers, liability and legal implications of serving alcohol, driving while intoxicated, and methods of intervention with the problem customer are important in protecting the health and safety of the public.”
— RCW 1995 c 51 § 1
In practical terms, the training covers how to check IDs, how to recognize an apparently intoxicated person, how to refuse service safely, and what your legal liability looks like under Washington’s dram shop laws. The MAST test prep guide covers the specific topics in more depth.
Is a MAST Permit Required by Law?
Yes. Working alcohol service without a valid MAST permit after the 60-day grace period is a violation of Washington State law (RCW 66.20.310). The permit itself is required by law, and the training content is specified by the WSLCB. This isn’t a voluntary certification or an industry best practice; it’s a legal prerequisite to working alcohol service jobs in Washington.
New hires have 60 days from their start date to complete training and earn the permit. A few exceptions where there’s no grace period, and the permit is required from day one:
- Alcohol tasting events at grocery stores and farmers’ markets
- Off-premises alcohol sampling
- Growler filling at grocery and convenience stores
If you’re working one of those roles, you need the permit in hand before your first shift.
How Long Is a MAST Permit Valid?
Five years. The permit’s expiration date is the first of the month following your certification date. If you complete the course on October 15, 2026, your permit expires November 1, 2031.
Washington doesn’t technically “renew” MAST permits; when yours is about to expire, you retake the training and receive a new permit. Start the process 45 days before expiration to avoid a gap in your ability to work.
How to Get a MAST Permit
You get a MAST permit by completing a WSLCB-approved training course, online or in person, and passing the 40-question exam with 80% or higher. Most people finish the online version in about 3 hours. Your course provider mails your physical permit within 30 days of completion.
For the full enrollment process, provider comparison, and step-by-step walkthrough: how to get a MAST permit →
If you’ve already enrolled and want study tips for the exam: how to pass the MAST test →
WSLCB-approved · 99% first-attempt pass rate · Valid 5 years statewide
Frequently Asked Questions
MAST stands for Mandatory Alcohol Server Training. It’s Washington State’s required certification program for anyone who serves, mixes, sells, or supervises alcohol service at a licensed establishment.
Not exactly. “Bartending license” is a casual term; Washington doesn’t issue a separate bartending license beyond the MAST permit. The Class 12 MAST permit is what Washington bartenders carry, and it’s what employers and liquor inspectors will ask to see.
The MAST permit is issued by your course provider (ServeSmart, or any other WSLCB-approved provider), not directly by the state. Your provider reports your completion to the WSLCB and mails you the physical permit within 30 days. The state keeps a record you can verify using the WSLCB Permit Checker.
No. The MAST permit covers alcohol service; a food handler’s permit covers safe food handling. Some roles, like a bartender who also preps garnishes or handles food, need both. Washington’s food handler card is issued separately by county or state health departments, not by MAST providers.
Yes. Use the WSLCB Permit Checker, enter your last name and date of birth (or your permit number), and you’ll see your permit status, class, and expiration date.
No. MAST permits are only valid in Washington. Other states have their own alcohol server training programs; California requires RBS certification, Texas requires TABC certification, and so on. If you move, you’ll need to complete the new state’s program.
