BEST FAQ's

What is BEST?
Do I have to take BEST?
What are the regulations for my county in regards to certification?
How long is my certification good for?
Do I get a certificate?
How do I recertify?
Do I have to go to the entire class if I’m only recertifying?
Can I take the training online?
Can I take the test online?
How can I get this training for less money?
How is BEST different from TIPS or TAM?
Why is BEST only a Maryland Program?  Why isn’t it a DC, VA, PA etc… approved program?
Who are the BEST trainers?
How can I become a BEST Trainer?

What is BEST?

            BEST is a Responsible Alcohol Service Training Program.  It meets the requirements of Maryland’s Annotated Code, Article 2B for Alcohol Awareness Training and holds a Program Certificate from the Comptroller.  BEST was written by the Maryland Hospitality Education Foundation in cooperation with the Restaurant Association of Maryland with input from several advisors in 1994.  The program is updated every 2 years and approved annually by the Comptroller’s Office.

Do I have to take BEST?

            Each liquor license holder in the state must have one person on staff that has completed an approved Responsible Alcohol Service training class within the last four years.  Some counties require that there must be a certified person on site at all times.

What are the regulations for my county in regards to certification?

            The following counties must have one certified person on site at all times:

Anne Arundel, Annapolis City, Carroll, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Washington

Four years.  Contact MHEF in the case of a misplaced certificate.  (A nominal certificate replacement fee applies)  classes@mhef.org

            Yes, at the successful completion of the BEST training you will receive a certificate which is valid for four years in Maryland.

How do I recertify?

            Attend any regular class once every four years.  There are no separate re-certification classes or procedures.

Do I have to go to the entire class if I’m only recertifying?

            Yes.

Can I take the training online?

            At this time, BEST is not offered as an online class.

Can I take the test online?

            To meet the requirements from the Office of the Comptroller, all tests must be proctored.  No, you cannot take a BEST test online.

            MHEF is continually working with agencies that supplement the employers’ payment for a class.  Ask an MHEF representative about available scholarship money.  Employers with multiple attendees should consider booking a private class at their location to receive group rates.  Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM) Members receive a discount on all classes.

How is BEST different from TIPS or TAM?

            BEST is administered by the Maryland Hospitality Education Foundation which is the only endorsed Responsible Alcohol Service training provider of the Restaurant Association of Maryland.  All programs such as this one must be approved by the Office of the Comptroller.  An annual application must be submitted with documentation of program curriculum and training procedures.  BEST was written by hospitality industry professionals in the state of Maryland FOR hospitality professionals in the state of Maryland.

Why is BEST only a Maryland Program?  Why isn’t it a DC, VA, PA etc… approved program?

            Many of our neighboring states, like Virginia, do not require certification in order to obtain a liquor license.  There is no formal approval process for training providers, nor is there a requirement for workers to have such training.  Furthermore, MHEF only trains within the state of Maryland.

Who are the BEST trainers?

            BEST Trainers must complete a Train the Trainer Workshop and excel at BEST knowledge.  All BEST trainers hold an Instructor’s Permit from the Office of the Comptroller which is renewed annually.  BEST trainers come from the industry, working as chefs, managers, owners, trainers, consultants or bartenders before becoming a registered BEST Instructor.

How can I become a BEST Trainer?