# Compare your options

> Every comparison on Smart Serve Practice Test in one place: side-by-side guides, the best ways to prepare and what changes for your role. Honest, sourced and free.

Canonical: https://smartservepracticetest.ca/compare
Last updated: 2026-10-26

Side-by-side guides for the choices people ask us about most, with the official sources linked on every page.

## Side by side

- [Smart Serve vs Serving It Right](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/vs/smart-serve-vs-serving-it-right): Smart Serve (Ontario) vs Serving It Right (BC): cost, test, pass mark and expiry side by side, and whether either certificate counts in the other province.
- [Smart Serve online vs in-class](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/vs/smart-serve-online-vs-in-class): Smart Serve online vs in-class training compared: cost, time, who runs the classes and how the final test works for each. Both end with an online proctored test.
- [Smart Serve vs food handler certificate](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/vs/smart-serve-vs-food-handler-certificate): Smart Serve and the Ontario food handler certificate are different: one covers serving alcohol, the other safe food handling. Who needs which, and why.

## Best ways to prepare

- [The best ways to study for Smart Serve](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/best/ways-to-study-for-smart-serve): The best ways to study for the Smart Serve test, in order: the official course, explained practice questions, the AGCO’s own guides and a few smart habits.

## By role

- [Smart Serve for bartenders](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/for/bartenders): Smart Serve for Ontario bartenders: why you need certification, the rules you apply behind the bar, from pours and pricing to cutting someone off.
- [Smart Serve for servers](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/for/servers): Smart Serve for Ontario servers: why you need it, the age rules, checking ID at the table, cutting off service, takeout and delivery, and what you’re liable for.
- [Smart Serve for security and door staff](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/for/security-staff): Do bouncers and security staff need Smart Serve in Ontario? Yes, if the licensee employs them. Here’s what the rules mean at the door: ID, capacity, intoxication.
- [Smart Serve for managers and licence holders](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/for/managers-and-owners): What Ontario licensees and managers must do about Smart Serve: who must be certified, proof for inspectors, house policies, staff age and the rules you answer for.