If you need a MAST permit to serve or sell alcohol in Washington State, your first decision is choosing a training provider. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) certifies every approved MAST course, but the providers behind those courses differ in price, platform quality, support, and how fast you receive your permit card.
This guide compares five real, WSLCB-approved MAST providers so you can make an informed choice — whether you prioritize the lowest price, the best user experience, or the fastest path from enrollment to permit in hand.
Not sure what a MAST permit is or why you need one? Start with our overview: What Is the Washington MAST Program?
What Should You Look for in a MAST Provider?
Before comparing individual providers, here are the six factors that matter most when choosing a WSLCB-approved MAST training course:
- WSLCB Approval Status — This is non-negotiable. Only courses certified by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board will result in a legally valid Class 12 or Class 13 permit. You can verify any provider on the official WSLCB “Find a Class” page.
- Price — MAST courses range from roughly $8 to $35. The state-mandated curriculum is the same across providers, so price differences reflect platform quality, support, and extras — not course content.
- Course Length and Format — Washington law requires a minimum of 3 hours of training. Some providers offer online-only, some offer in-person, and a few offer both. Online courses let you start, stop, and resume at your own pace.
- Device Compatibility — If you plan to complete the course on your phone or tablet, make sure the provider’s platform is genuinely mobile-friendly — not just a desktop site squeezed onto a small screen.
- Support — Look for providers with live chat, email, or phone support staffed by people who understand Washington alcohol regulations. You do not want to be stuck on a technical issue at 11 p.m. with no way to get help.
- Permit Card Delivery Speed — Providers are required to mail your physical permit within 30 days, but top providers ship much faster. Some also provide an instant printable proof of completion so you can show your employer the same day you finish.
Need to understand the difference between Class 12 and Class 13 permits? See our full breakdown: Class 12 or Class 13 — Which Washington MAST Permit Do You Need?
The Top 5 WSLCB-Approved MAST Providers Compared
Below are five real, WSLCB-certified MAST providers available in 2026. Each one meets Washington’s legal requirements. The differences come down to price, user experience, and the extras that make certification easier.
1. Dash Authority — Best Overall
Price: $14.95 | Format: 100% Online | Course Length: 3 hours (self-paced)
Dash Authority was built specifically for the modern hospitality worker. The course platform is designed mobile-first, meaning it works flawlessly on phones and tablets — not just desktops. The curriculum includes real-world video scenarios, full audio narration, and interactive activities developed with input from experienced Washington bartenders.
Key advantages:
- $14.95 all-in — no hidden fees for card delivery or certificate downloads
- Modern, mobile-first platform — clean interface, intuitive navigation, fast load times
- Unlimited free exam retakes plus a 100% pass guarantee
- Instant digital proof of completion emailed the moment you pass
- Free Class 13 to Class 12 upgrade when you turn 21
- Permit mailed within 30 days (many students report receiving theirs in 10-14 days)
- Live chat, email, and phone support from a team that knows Washington rules
Dash Authority hits the sweet spot between affordability and a genuinely enjoyable course experience. If you want to get certified quickly on your phone without fighting an outdated interface, this is the provider to choose.
Ready to start? Enroll in the Dash Authority MAST Course — $14.95
2. A+ Server Education — Best for Established Track Record
Price: $17.99 | Format: 100% Online | Course Length: 3 hours (self-paced)
A+ Server Education has been a WSLCB-approved provider since 2010, making them one of the longest-running online MAST courses in Washington. They have earned strong reviews (4.9 stars across 6,800+ reviews in all states) and are BBB-accredited.
Key advantages:
- WSLCB-approved for 15+ years
- Unlimited free exam retakes
- Free Class 13 to Class 12 upgrade at 21
- 5-year renewal reminder emails
- Toll-free phone support (877-740-5509)
- Bulk employer pricing available
Considerations: At $17.99, it is slightly more expensive than Dash Authority and some budget options. The platform is functional but not as visually modern as newer competitors.
3. TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) — Best for Employer-Required Training
Price: $29.00 | Format: Online + In-Person | Course Length: 3 hours
TIPS is a nationally recognized alcohol training brand with over 40 years of experience and more than 5.5 million certified servers nationwide. Some Washington employers specifically require TIPS certification in addition to (or as the means of obtaining) a MAST permit.
Key advantages:
- Nationally recognized brand name — accepted in multiple states
- Both online and in-person options available
- Pre-paid “Passport” system for bulk employer purchases
- Strong curriculum backed by decades of research
Considerations: At $29.00, TIPS is one of the most expensive MAST options. The course content is thorough but the platform can feel dated compared to newer providers. If your employer does not specifically require TIPS, you can get the same WSLCB-approved permit for significantly less.
4. Craft Serving — Best for Bartender-Focused Content
Price: $17.00 | Format: 100% Online | Course Length: 1-3 hours (self-paced)
Craft Serving markets itself as a course “written by bartenders.” They are a WSLCB-approved provider with a strong 4.9-star rating (705+ Google reviews as of 2023) and a clean, modern website. Craft Serving also donates to charitable organizations that support the food and beverage community, including the USBG National Charity Foundation.
Key advantages:
- WSLCB-approved with strong user reviews
- Course content created by working bartenders
- 120-day course access window
- 30-day money-back guarantee and 100% pass guarantee
- Supports industry charitable organizations
Considerations: Pricing is competitive at $17.00. The course is solid, though the platform and feature set are similar to other mid-range providers.
5. RServing by PSCC — Best Budget Option
Price: $7.95 | Format: 100% Online | Course Length: 3 hours (self-paced)
RServing (operated by PSCC — Professional Server Certification Corporation) consistently offers the lowest-priced WSLCB-approved MAST course. At $7.95, it is roughly half the price of most competitors. The trade-off is a no-frills experience.
Key advantages:
- Lowest price on the market at $7.95
- WSLCB-approved and available nationwide under the Responsible Serving brand
- Team discount pricing for employers
- Downloadable certificate upon completion
Considerations: The platform and interface feel dated. Customer support is more limited than premium providers. If budget is your only concern and you do not mind a bare-bones experience, RServing gets the job done at the lowest cost.
Side-by-Side MAST Provider Comparison Table
| Feature | Dash Authority | A+ Server Education | TIPS | Craft Serving | RServing (PSCC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.95 | $17.99 | $29.00 | $17.00 | $7.95 |
| Format | Online | Online | Online + In-Person | Online | Online |
| Course Length | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | 1-3 hours | 3 hours |
| WSLCB Approved | Yes | Yes (since 2010) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile-Friendly | Yes (mobile-first) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Exam Retakes | Unlimited free | Unlimited free | Not stated | Unlimited free | Not stated |
| Free Class 13-to-12 Upgrade | Yes | Yes | No | Not stated | Contact required |
| Instant Proof of Completion | Yes | Yes | Not specified | Not specified | Yes |
| Permit Mailed Within | 30 days (often 10-14) | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Best For | Best overall value | Established reputation | Employer-required | Bartender-focused | Lowest price |
How Do You Verify a MAST Provider Is WSLCB-Approved?
The fastest way to verify any provider is through the WSLCB’s official website. Visit the WSLCB “Find a Class” page and look for the provider’s name on the approved list. If a training company is not listed there, their course will not result in a legally valid MAST permit — no matter what their website claims.
You can also call the WSLCB directly at (360) 664-1600 or email [email protected] to confirm a provider’s approval status.
Important: Every approved provider must include a disclaimer on their website stating they are a “WSLCB-certified third-party” provider. If you do not see that language anywhere on a training site, treat it as a red flag.
What Are the Red Flags When Choosing a MAST Provider?
Not every website selling “MAST training” is legitimate. Watch out for these warning signs:
- No mention of WSLCB approval — If a site does not clearly state it is certified by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, walk away.
- Hidden fees — Some providers advertise a low base price but charge extra for certificate downloads, card mailing, or “expedited processing.” Look for all-inclusive pricing.
- No physical permit card — Washington State requires a physical wallet-sized permit card. Any provider that only offers a digital certificate without mailing your official permit is not meeting WSLCB requirements.
- Extremely short course times — The state mandates a minimum of 3 hours. If a provider promises you can finish in 30 minutes, the course likely does not meet legal requirements.
- No customer support contact information — Legitimate providers list phone numbers, email addresses, or live chat. If there is no way to reach a real person, that is a problem.
- Outdated or broken website — While not necessarily a scam, a provider whose site has not been updated in years may have outdated course content that does not reflect current Washington liquor laws.
Why We Recommend Dash Authority
We are transparent about this: you are reading this on the Dash Authority blog, and we genuinely believe our course is the best option for most people getting their MAST permit in 2026. Here is why — based on facts, not hype:
- Price: At $14.95, Dash Authority is less expensive than A+ Server Education ($17.99), Craft Serving ($17.00), and TIPS ($29.00), while offering a significantly better experience than the cheapest budget options.
- Platform: The course was built mobile-first in 2026 — not adapted from an old desktop platform. The interface is clean, fast, and intuitive.
- Content quality: Modules include real-world video scenarios and interactive activities, not just text on a screen. The curriculum was developed with input from working Washington bartenders.
- Speed: Most students finish in under 3 hours and receive an instant digital proof of completion. Physical permits often arrive in 10-14 days.
- Support: Live chat, email, and phone support from people who actually understand WSLCB regulations.
- Guarantee: 100% pass guarantee with unlimited free retakes, plus a satisfaction guarantee with a refund option.
If you are a new hire, remember that Washington gives you 60 days from your hire date to have your permit in hand. Do not wait until the last minute.
Get started now: Enroll in the Dash Authority MAST Course — $14.95
Frequently Asked Questions About MAST Providers
How do I know if a MAST provider is WSLCB-approved?
Visit the WSLCB “Find a Class” page on the official Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board website. Every approved online and in-person provider is listed there. You can also call the WSLCB at (360) 664-1600 to verify. If a provider is not on the list, their course will not earn you a valid permit.
What is the cheapest way to get a MAST permit?
The lowest-priced WSLCB-approved online MAST course is currently around $7.95 (offered by RServing/PSCC). However, budget courses often come with a dated platform and limited support. Mid-range options like Dash Authority ($14.95) offer a significantly better experience for just a few dollars more. All approved courses result in the same legally valid permit regardless of price.
Can I take the MAST course in person?
Yes. Several WSLCB-approved providers offer in-person MAST training, including TIPS, AlcoSmart Training and Consulting, and Absolute Alcohol Server Training. In-person classes are most commonly available in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. However, online courses are far more popular because they let you train on your own schedule from any location in Washington.
Are all online MAST courses the same?
The state-mandated curriculum topics are the same — all courses must cover Washington alcohol laws, ID verification, intoxication recognition, liability, and intervention techniques. However, the quality of the learning experience varies significantly. Some providers use modern video-based platforms with interactive scenarios, while others rely on text-heavy pages with minimal engagement. Price, support, and platform quality are the real differentiators.
What if my employer requires a specific provider?
Some employers do require a specific MAST training provider, most commonly TIPS. If your employer has a preferred provider, use that one — the WSLCB does not differentiate between approved providers when it comes to your permit’s validity. If your employer does not specify, you are free to choose any approved provider. Check the step-by-step process for getting your MAST permit online.
How long do online MAST courses take?
Washington State law requires a minimum of 3 hours of training. Most online providers enforce this through timed modules that prevent you from skipping ahead. You can typically complete the course in a single sitting of about 3 hours, or break it into multiple sessions — all approved online courses save your progress so you can log out and resume later.
Final Verdict
All five providers on this list are WSLCB-approved, which means any of them will earn you a legally valid MAST permit. The right choice depends on what matters most to you:
- Best overall value and experience: Dash Authority ($14.95)
- Longest track record: A+ Server Education ($17.99)
- Employer-required or nationally recognized: TIPS ($29.00)
- Bartender-created content: Craft Serving ($17.00)
- Absolute lowest price: RServing/PSCC ($7.95)
If you want a modern, mobile-friendly course at a fair price with real human support, Dash Authority is our recommendation. You will be done in under 3 hours, have proof of completion in your inbox immediately, and your physical permit card in the mail shortly after.
Get Your MAST Permit with Dash Authority — Start Now for $14.95
