General FAQ

How can I purchase a certification for my employees or someone else?

• You can use the Certification Gift Cards for this type of purchase. 

Do I need to keep my certificate available for validation?

• Yes, you can keep a copy of the certificate on a device such as a mobile phone, tablet, or PC. As well, you can print the certificate to have a physical copy. The QR code on the certificate must be visible in order to be scanned and confirm it is valid. 

Can I obtain a physical card for my certification?

• We do not provide physical cards. We provide a printable PDF for your certification.

My physical Smart Choices card is still valid, but it was lost or stolen. How can I get a replacement?

• The physical Smart Choices cards were issued by the previous provider and cannot be replaced. Contact smartchoices@lgcamb.ca to determine whether a digital replacement card can be issued.

I have a Serving It Safe certificate, is it still valid?

• The Serving It Safe certifications are no longer valid, but you can recertify by purchasing the new program here.  

How can I update the name on my certificate?

• Please contact Support to have this updated.

What is the refund policy for Smart Choices certifications?

• The cost of the course is not refundable, not cancellable, or transferable. The credit card provided will be charged the full amount at the time of the purchase.

Why do I see "Neovation" in my credit card statement?

• Neovation Corporation provides the Smart Choices certifications on behalf of the Liquor, Gaming & Cannabis Authority of Manitoba.

Can I complete the Smart Choices certifications on a mobile device (phone/tablet)?

• You may not have an optimal experience using a mobile device. We recommend using a desktop/laptop PC that runs on Windows or macOS, and a modern up-to-date browser (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari).

Why do Smart Choices certifications expire? Why do I have to recertify?

• The certifications are valid for 5 years from the date you successfully complete each program. The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) recognizes that responsible service laws and strategies change over time. A recertification requirement keeps knowledge up-to-date across the hospitality industry. Recertification is common across Canada, and all other Western provinces have this requirement.

Are there other training options?

• Licensees are also allowed to propose their own responsible service training program for approval by the LGCA. They will review any proposed third-party programs to ensure that core responsible service information is included, and they may require additions and amendments to third-party programs or may reject approval if a proposed program is insufficient. A licensee can only offer its own program in place of Smart Choices if it has been approved in writing by the LGCA.

 

Liquor Service and Retail Certification

Why is my access code not working?

• The Smart Choices Liquor Service and Retail Certification has been updated and is now being hosted by a new provider, Neovation. All access codes previously purchased through MTEC have now expired and you must repurchase the course.

What do I do if I started the certification but haven't completed it?

• All incomplete certifications through MTEC have now expired. You must repurchase the course and complete the certification from the beginning.

Who has to take the training?

• All staff who serve, sell or deliver liquor, and security and managers in licensed service and retail establishments must take Smart Choices before starting to work in a licensed establishment or for a licensed third-party delivery company.

How long is the Smart Choices certification valid for?

• Your certification will be valid for 5 years. It will have an expiry date on it and is dated for 5 years from the date that you successfully completed the program.

I own a licensed establishment. Is it my responsibility to make sure my staff have this training?

• Yes, each licensee is responsible for making sure that all employees who serve or sell liquor, as well managers and security personnel have successfully completed an approved responsible service program. Some licensees protect themselves by keeping copies of everyone's proof of certification in their employee files.

How many courses are there? Is there a final test?

• There are 7 courses and a final quiz. The final quiz consists of 50 questions, and a grade of 75% is required to pass. You have 2 attempts at the quiz, and if both attempts are failed, you will need to re-purchase the certification to attempt the quiz again. Please contact Support if you need to re-purchase.

 

Cannabis Retail Certification

Who has to take the training?

• Anyone involved in the sale, delivery or distribution of cannabis or cannabis products must have this certification. This includes managers and staff in cannabis stores.

I already took the Smart Choices liquor program, but now I want to work in the cannabis industry. Do I have to take this cannabis program?

• Yes, you still must complete the Cannabis Retail Certification. This program is different from the Liquor Service and Retail Certification. Anyone involved in the sale of cannabis must have this cannabis certification.

How long is the Smart Choices certification valid for?

• Your certification will be valid for 5 years. It will have an expiry date on it and is dated for 5 years from the date that you successfully completed the program.

I own a licensed cannabis store. Is it my responsibility to make sure my staff have this training?

• Yes, each licensee is responsible for making sure that anyone involved in the sale, delivery or distribution of cannabis has successfully completed an approved responsible sales program. Some licensees protect themselves by keeping copies of everyone's proof of certification in their employee files.

How many courses are there? Is there a final test?

• There are 4 courses and a final quiz. The final quiz consists of 30 questions, and a grade of 75% is required to pass. You have 2 attempts at the quiz, and if both attempts are failed, you will need to re-purchase the certification to attempt the quiz again. Please contact Support if you need to re-purchase.