“Took my smart serve in 2007 and got 96 %. Due to said regulations and changes (questionable) , had to retake the exam. Gone through the entire modules twice and got 67% on 1st attempt, and was not aware that I had 30 days to complete 2nd test and as a result, I could not even have a chance to write the 2nd test because it got expired. This is really unacceptable !!!! How come there is no practise test in the modules to test our knowledge as to how much we learned. I completely agree with majority of the reviewers in terms of not being classified under "bartenders, servers, cashiers, senior club servers" etc.. while signing up for the course so that anyone can select the right course and corresponding exams to achieve a passing grade to keep their employment in their own field.”
“it truly is a scam, the multiple choice is vague and doesn't even give you a full answer, no person should be expected to memorize everything that they ask you to and get an 80% and above and even when you fail twice you have to REPAY to do it again which is unbelievably ridiculous especially when the only passing rate is a 80%. Whoever created this was a cheap and money hungry person as it promises for jobs which is why people take the test in the first place and then will inevitably fail because the test isn't really fair, and even when redo the test a second time they change most of the questions so you might as well not memorize anything from the first attempt. unbelievebly disappointed and a waste of money.”
“Carefully reviewed all training material, both test as 76% and 79% accurate and failed the test, it is just a scam, the answer for some multiple choices are questionable, even some answer for same question varies at both times. The course purpose seems to be money grab, not to help someone who wants to learn and work.”
“I managed the course and test very well. My problem now is as a member of a senior club my fellow colleagues are having issues for recertification and as new comers. The online is not that friendly and difficult to manage through. For this reason many members are just throwing in the towel. As a spoke person for these members your policies and procedures should be revised. Our seniors deserve better services and made easier for them to move on during these challenging times.”
“I was very disappointed lately when attempting to recertify myself with Smart Serve. I took Smart Serve back in 2014 and passed with apparently 96% on the test according to my Smart Serve Ontario profile details. Lately I took an in-class session, it was one-on-one and only really needed 25 minutes to answer the 33 questions. I failed both times. I understood 90% of all the material and information covered in the training sessions, the questions are not so worded well in my opinion, but there should have been no reason why I didn't pass. I am 48 years old, with a lot of common sense, I am sure a lot of people have failed.”
“Just another money grab. Over 50% of the questions have the option to select multiple answers intentionally trying to trick you. I have a college degree and still managed to fail. The way it is worded is incredibly stupid. The 4 hours of videos and information is all over the place... as well its 4 HOURS. You would think they would want servers to be educated. Rather then filling the pockets of those who created this course set for failure.”
“I haven’t had to use my Smart Serve in 20yrs. I have been told all those years that once you have it, you have it. Now suddenly when I start working in a retail as cashier part time min wage Smart Serve decides we have to take the test. I have just finished spending over $100.00 several times & spent days, hours, months trying to get what other people are telling me they passed in their first or second attempt. I am done with Smart Serve as I agree it was just a money scam I won’t see any of that money back to me. Now I am unemployed, thanks Smart Serve.☹️”
“The materials along with the online videos are very helpful, however the test can be very deceiving at times, especially since this test has a passing minimum of 80%. Even after passing the test, there are some questions (such as the select all that apply ones) I still don't know the answer to. Even some online mock tests have the wrong answers, so take some time before doing the test to know that you're fully confident.”
“Ridiculously long! As the owner of a full service restaurant, this program is an encumbrance to hiring staff which is very difficult to begin with. And to charge the full course price after two failed attempts is nothing but a money grab!!”
“I just failed the exam twice with a first score of 75 % and second of 78%. I am an average student who studies the material fully and understands the topic. Now I need to pay for the course again in order to take the exam, this feels like a scam. If we already paid for the material I don't want to pay again for the material I already have just to take the exam! We should get unlimited attempts at the exam until we pass with 80%.”
“The smart serve course contains a question that pertain to signs of intoxication. Smart serve should be aware that signs and symptoms are two different things and can not be used interchangeably. Signs are objective data like vitals while symptoms are subjective data like observing slurred speech. Additionally, vital signs are not appropriate to list as a sign for a server to use to determine intoxication. A server is not qualified to assess pulse rate, respirations, or spO2.”
“I recently completed my final test for my smart serve and got 78.8% on my first attempt. I am really disheartened because the questions it said I got incorrect are the 'select all which apply' and I'm very positive and confident that I did not get some of them incorrect. I got in a total of 7 of those question types wrong; if I got one correct I'd pass. I strongly believe the 'A. I' used to mark multiple-answer questions is bugged.”
“For a person working/ volunteering at a golf course that has no connection to alcohol this is a ridiculous test. How about a seperate test for security types if you will?”
“Smart serve does not take into account different learning types. When you call you get no help to additional materials. I volunteer at a golf course but have to get certified which for me is extremely hard because of my learning style.”
“Terrible module created by people who have no idea how the industry works asking questions that dont need to be answered. Why am i guessing someones weight through a picture? why are there trick questions?
Its designed as a money grab and the test is designed for you to fail. plain and simple”
“This is a absolute highway robbery!!! I purchased this course hoping to complete however life happens - family emergency, 3 jobs. I sincerely didn't realize that the course needed to be completed within 30 days. I tried to work on it and it showed that it had expired. I emailed SS to let ask them why it shows expired. I did not receive any response. I called today to find out the status as i still haven't received a response. They noted i was sent an email June 13 to which i did not receive any email. I was waiting for the email specifically. I called today only to find out that it was extended without my knowledge and expired again. They have agreed to extend a few more days July 2. This is robbery. This is a paid service, we as consumers should be allowed to complete this as we see fit to our daily lives. As someone how has 3 jobs, i do this in my spare time which is very little. Why do they only allow 30 days to complete a course? This is absolutely insane!!!!”
