Online Seller-Server Training in 3 Easy Steps
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Earn Your Alcohol Server Certification
If you want to serve alcohol in New Mexico, you need to complete a state-approved training program. The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD) mandates this permit for anyone who handles alcohol, including beer, wine and spirits. Servers, bartenders and managers must all have a valid state liquor server permit.
You may work in a restaurant, bar or hotel. You might serve at a tasting room or event venue. No matter where you work, this rule still applies. Our online alcohol server course helps you meet the state's training requirements.
The course is self-paced and simple to follow, giving you the tools to serve alcohol responsibly. It also helps you comprehend and comply with New Mexico's alcohol laws.
Who Needs Alcohol Server Training?
Anyone directly involved in serving or selling alcohol must complete an approved course and pass a certification exam within 30 days of hire.
This includes:
- Bartenders
- Servers and waitstaff
- Hospitality staff
- Catering personnel
- Barbacks and bussers involved in alcohol service
- Convenience and grocery store clerks
- Managers and supervisors overseeing alcohol sales
- Liquor license holders (including retail store owners)
Even part-time or temporary staff must meet these alcohol server requirements. If your job involves checking IDs, pouring drinks or delivering alcohol to patrons, you're legally required to hold a valid permit.
How to Obtain Your Server License
To receive your alcohol server certification in New Mexico, follow these steps:
- Enroll in a state-approved course
- Take online training at your discretion
- Pass the alcohol server final exam
Once you've passed the course and exam, you'll receive your permit from the ABC, valid for three years.
Course Overview
We designed this course with your schedule in mind. You can finish the course at your own pace from your preferred device.
The training covers a wide breadth of topics that will help you to become a responsible alcohol server, including:
- New Mexico liquor laws and regulations
- How to check IDs to verify customer age
- Preventing sales to minors
- Identifying signs of intoxication
- How and when to refuse service
- Seller-server liability
The material is divided into five lesson modules. Each module is narrated and interactive, keeping you properly engaged with the material as you work through it.
- Introduction
- Alcohol Facts
- Your Responsibility
- Practical Skills and Techniques
- Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to popular questions about our New Mexico seller-server training course.
Who establishes and enforces local liquor laws?
The Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Division, previously referred to as the New Mexico Alcohol and Gaming Division, sets the rules for serving and selling alcohol, including training requirements. ABC is part of the state's Regulation and Licensing Department.
Is this course mandatory for alcohol seller-servers in New Mexico?
Yes. Anyone who participates in the sale of libations will require accredited training.
How much time do I have to do the training?
According to Chapter 60, Article 6E NMSA 1978 (also known as the Alcohol Server Education Article of the Liquor Control Act), sellers and servers in the state must finish a liquor training program within 30 days of hiring.
How much time is required to pass the class?
The course takes approximately 4.5 hours to finish.
What are the testing requirements?
Quizzes ranging from three to six questions in length are provided at the end of Modules 2, 3 and 4. The passing score for every quiz varies from 66% to 80%. You must pass each quiz before progressing to the next module, but you'll have unlimited attempts to retake them.
A final assessment will be administered after the training is completed. You must ace the exam with a minimum score of 80% to get certified. You'll have just three attempts to pass the exam. If you don't achieve a passing score within these attempts, you'll need to repurchase the course.
How quickly can I get my certificate of completion?
As soon as you work through the program and pass the exam, your certificate of course completion and temporary permit will be available for immediate digital download.
What do I get when I finish this course?
Finish the training, and you'll earn a 120-day temporary permit. Need a replacement? Our customer service team is prepared to help!
How do I get my official state server permit?
The NMRLD will send your official permit through the post. If you haven't received it within 120 days of finishing your exam, please call (505) 476-4547 or email a copy of your temporary permit and phone number to abc.serverpermits@rld.nm.gov.
How long is my license valid?
The certification is valid for three years. In order to stay compliant, you must renew it before its expiration to continue providing alcohol service.
What is the process for renewal and replacement for a permit?
If your certification has expired, you must purchase and retake the training program. If you lose your permit, the ABC can issue an official replacement.
What age must you be to sell alcohol in New Mexico?
You must be 21+ to sell or serve alcohol in places like bars, convenience stores, grocery stores and package stores.
People who are 18 to 20 years of age can still attain a permit. However, this is confined to locations that also serve food. You must be 21+ to work legally in the state as a bartender.
Additional Links and Useful Resources
Browse these resources for more information on safe serving laws and alcohol guidelines.
