The new Smart Choices programs have updated training material, are more interactive and accessible, and have a lower cost.
My Smart Choices certification recently expired or is expiring soon. When do I need to take the course?
You must maintain a valid Smart Choices certificate to handle liquor in a licensed retail or service establishment. If you previously took your Smart Choices certification through MTEC, the expiry date on your card still applies. If your Smart Choices certification is expiring soon, you must complete the course again before the expiry date.
I am having trouble with the Smart Choices course. Who can help me?
You can contact the service provider for help at SmartChoices@SmarterU.com.
I have unused course codes from a bulk purchase with MTEC. How do I use these codes?
All course codes purchased through MTEC are now expired. If you are interested in purchasing courses in bulk, you can do so through the new service provider at SmartChoicesMB.ca.
I want to buy courses in bulk. How can I do that?
Bulk purchases are available for both the Responsible Service and Cannabis Retail courses through the service provider. If you have questions about purchasing bulk courses, contact the service provider’s support team at SmartChoices@SmarterU.com.
The course code MTEC gave me does not work. How do I access the course?
Accounts created by MTEC are no longer active as Smart Choices is now hosted by a different provider. Please note all MTEC course codes are now expired, and you will have to repurchase the course through the new provider. The course can be accessed at SmartChoicesMB.ca.
I purchased a course code from MTEC but have not used it. What do I do now?
All course codes purchased from MTEC are now expired. You will have to repurchase the course through the new provider, Neovation. The course can be accessed at SmartChoicesMB.ca for $25, a savings of $20.
I own a licensed cannabis store or a licensed liquor service or retail establishment. Is it my responsibility to make sure my staff have this training?
Yes, in the hospitality industry, each licensee is responsible for making sure all employees who serve or sell liquor, as well as managers and security personnel, have successfully completed an approved responsible service program. In the cannabis industry, each licensee is responsible for making sure anyone involved in the sale of cannabis has successfully completed an approved responsible sales program. …
I already took the Smart Choices liquor program, but now I want to work in the cannabis industry. Do I have to take the cannabis program?
Yes, you still must complete the Smart Choices Cannabis Retail Certification. This program is different from the Smart Choices Responsible Service Certification. Anyone involved in the sale of cannabis must have the cannabis certification.
Why does Smart Choices expire? Why do I have to recertify?
Smart Choices certification is valid for five years from the date you successfully complete the course. The LGCA recognizes that responsible service laws and strategies change over time. A recertification requirement keeps knowledge up to date across the hospitality and cannabis industries. Recertification is common across Canada, and all other Western provinces have this requirement.



