# 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.

Canonical: https://smartservepracticetest.ca/vs/smart-serve-online-vs-in-class
Last updated: 2026-10-26

Smart Serve offers its training two ways: the **online course** you do on your own, and **in-class training** led by an approved facilitator. Either way, the final test is taken online and proctored.

## Side by side

*From smartserve.ca (Full Course and In-Class Training pages), checked October 26, 2026.*
|  | Online course | In-class training |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Who runs it | Smart Serve Ontario, self-paced | Approved training organizations, led by a facilitator |
| Cost | $44.95 | Set by each training organization |
| Time | About 4 hours, stop and start, finish within 30 days | Set by the class |
| When | Any time, 24/7 | Scheduled class dates |
| Final test | Online, proctored by webcam | Online, proctored by webcam (the instructor gives you a test token) |
| Languages | English, French, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Punjabi | Ask the organization |

## How in-class works

Smart Serve lists approved organizations around Ontario that run classes, and says the list can change without notice. After the class, the instructor helps you set up your individual account on smartserve.ca and gives you a token for the final test, which you write on your own, proctored online.

## Which should you choose?

- **Online** if you want to start today, work at your own pace, or need a language other than English or French.
- **In-class** if you learn better with an instructor and questions in the room, or an employer or employment program has booked one for you.
- **Group training** if you’re an employer: Smart Serve sells tokens through organizational accounts for staff or volunteers.

Whichever you choose, practise before the final test with our [free Smart Serve practice test](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/smart-serve-practice-test).

## Questions people ask

### Can I do Smart Serve in person?

Yes. Smart Serve lists approved training organizations that run facilitator-led classes. The final test is still taken online and proctored.

### Is in-class Smart Serve cheaper?

Smart Serve says in-class prices are set by each training organization, so ask the organization. The online Full Course is $44.95.

### Is the in-class test on paper?

No. Smart Serve says all final tests are completed online, independently and proctored.

## Sources

- [Smart Serve Ontario: Smart Serve Full Course](https://smartserve.ca/full-course/) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [Smart Serve Ontario: In-Class Training](https://smartserve.ca/in-class-training/) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [Smart Serve Ontario: Online Staff Training (group tokens)](https://smartserve.ca/online-staff-training/) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [Smart Serve Ontario: Proctored Testing](https://smartserve.ca/proctored-testing/) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [Smart Serve Ontario: home page (courses and prices)](https://smartserve.ca/) (checked 2026-10-26)

Not affiliated with Smart Serve Ontario or the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

## Related

- [How to get your Smart Serve certificate](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/smart-serve-certificate)
- [The Smart Serve test: what to expect](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/smart-serve-test)
- [The best ways to study for Smart Serve](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/best/ways-to-study-for-smart-serve)
- [Smart Serve for managers and licence holders](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/for/managers-and-owners)