Frequently Asked Questions

See the SMART Programs training requirements page for information on the certifications required to work in the liquor, gaming and cannabis industries.

All SMART certifications are valid for five (5) years from the date of certification. You may need more than one SMART Programs certificate for the work you do.

More information about the SellSafe program is on the About page of this site.

Contact SMART Programs to get help accessing your account. Toll-free in Alberta, call 1-877-436-6336, Mondays through Fridays, from
8:15 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. You can also send us an email.

If you didn't receive an account confirmation email, password verification email, or email purchase receipt:

• Check the Spam, Junk or Bulk mail folders of your email account. If you use Gmail, click on the All Mail tab.
• Allow additional time to receive the message (a few minutes or a few hours). You should receive it within 12 hours.
• Check for spelling errors or typos in your email address. Correct the errors and try sending the message again.

If you can't find the email, please contact us.

Click here or on the "Forgot Your Password" hyperlink on the Sign In page at smartprograms.aglc.ca to retrieve your password. Follow the on-screen instructions. If you don't remember the email address assigned to your account, please contact us.

After signing in, you can change your password, email address and contact information on your Personal Information page. Click on the [Edit] hyperlink beside the information you want to change. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Visit smartprograms.aglc.ca and click on Create Account. Enter your information into the correct fields on the Account Registrations page. Check each field to make sure the information is complete, correct and up-to-date. Then, click on the Submit button.

To work in Alberta's cannabis industry, you must be recognized by AGLC as a Qualified Cannabis Worker (QCW).

All prospective QCWs must have SellSafe certification. Find out what else you need to work in a retail cannabis store or as a cannabis representative at aglc.ca.

You can update the information on your Personal Information page, except the Name, Date of Birth and Qualified Cannabis Worker fields. Sign in to your account to make updates to your information.

To update your account after a legal change of name, follow these steps.

If the date of birth needs to be corrected, send an email to info@sellsafe.aglc.ca. Include your legal name and 12-digit SMART Programs Registration Number in the subject line of your email. Include your date of birth with your request. SMART Programs will make the update for you.

To revise all other fields, click on the [Edit] hyperlink beside the content you want to change. Be sure what you have entered is correct, complete and up-to-date and save your changes.

Please use a personal email address on your account, not one that belongs to someone else or an organization. You can get a free email account from Gmail, Yahoo!, iCloud, Microsoft (Outlook, Hotmail, MSN, Live), and other providers.

To update your account after a legal change of name, follow these steps.

Send an email to info@sellsafe.aglc.ca. Include your legal name and 12-digit SMART Programs Registration Number in the subject line of your email. Include your date of birth with your request. SMART Programs will make the update for you.

The price of a SellSafe online program or activation ticket purchase is $26.25 (includes GST).

If you are buying the program for your staff, online activation tickets are available for purchase. There is no discount for bulk purchases.

Pay online with Visa or MasterCard (credit or debit) or American Express.

Money orders, payable to AGLC, can be mailed to our Head Office. Your purchase will be completed once it's been received.

Debit and cash payments can be made in person at any AGLC satellite office. Please bring exact payment, as staff are not able to make change. Do not send cash in the mail.

No. SMART Programs does not have SellSafe manuals for sale.

Once you're SellSafe-certified, the information in the program can be reviewed until 60 days before your certification expires. Sign into your account to see it. If you've already signed in, click here.

No, the program cannot be printed from the website.

SellSafe program content belongs to AGLC and is protected by copyright. Our logo and name are trademarked. Material may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of AGLC.

Yes, you do. SellSafe program content belongs to AGLC and is protected by copyright. Our logo and name are trademarked. Material may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of AGLC.

Legislation and AGLC policy may have changed since workers were certified. Industry workers and licensees are responsible for reviewing, understanding and applying updated regulations. Cannabis legislation and policies are online at aglc.ca.

AGLC supports licensees' efforts to ensure workers provide responsible sale and service at licensed premises. Contact our office if you'd like to use any SMART Programs' content, names, logos, etc. Toll-free in Alberta, call 1-877-436-6336 between the hours of 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. You can also send us an email.

• Operating system: Windows XP or newer or Mac OS 10.3 and newer
• Browser: Mozilla Firefox 12, Google Chrome, Safari 5, Edge v.87, Opera v.72 and newer
• Adobe Acrobat Reader, free download

Sound card, speakers and a stable, high-speed Internet connection are recommended.

Note: Restrictions placed on corporate systems, applications or mobile devices may restrict learners' access to program or exam content, or limit some functions on the SMART Programs' websites. Contact your IT professional for assistance or use a computer or device without these restrictions.

Browsers not listed above may not display content correctly.

Sign in to your account at smartprograms.aglc.ca. If you don't remember your password, retrieve it here (follow the on-screen instructions).

Click on "Program Options" from the menu bar. Choose "Online Training" from the drop-down menu. Read through the information, noting the date and time your program access ends. Plan your time so you can get certified before your access ends.

When you're ready to begin, click on STEP 1: View Course.

Note: Persons who require SellSafe certification must be certified before applying to be a Qualified Cannabis Worker and before their employment start date. Qualified Cannabis Workers must maintain their SellSafe certification, renewing it before their current certificate expires.

You have 30 days from the date and time of registration or approved purchase to successfully complete your program.

Sign in to your account at smartprograms.aglc.ca. If you don't remember your password, retrieve it here (follow the on-screen instructions).

• Click on Program Options from the menu bar. Choose Online Training from the drop-down menu.
  • If you haven't purchased the program, sign in to your account, order it through the online shopping cart system and follow the on-screen instructions to check-out and submit your payment. Return to the Online Training page to take the program.
  • If you have an activation ticket, enter the activation code and follow the on-screen instructions. Return to the Online Training page to take the program. Note: Unused activation tickets must be redeemed before May 31, 2024.
• Read the information on the Online Training page carefully. Note the date and time access to your online program ends. Plan your time so you can get certified before your access ends.
• Click on STEP 1: View Course. All of the program exercises and questionnaire must be completed before you can take the exam. When you're ready to take the test, click on STEP 2: Take Exam.

You have 30 days from the date and time of registration or approved purchase of the online program to get certified. When you pass the exam, you can print your certification card right away or save an image of it to your mobile device/phone.

AGLC policy requires cannabis retailers and their staff to have SellSafe certification before applying to be a Qualified Cannabis Worker.

You have 30 days from the date and time of registration or approved purchase of the online program to complete all program requirements and pass the exam. Check the Online Training page of your SMART Programs account to see when your program access ends.

If you have not completed all program requirements and passed the exam by that date and time, the program will be dropped from your account. Previously completed work will not be saved.

No, you may enter and exit the program, sign in and out of your account, etc. as often as you like within 30 days from the date and time of registration or approved purchase of the online program. Your access to the online program ends after the 30th day.

For your security, always sign out of your account when you leave, especially when using a public or shared computer/mobile device.

The online exam is timed. The clock cannot be stopped once the exam attempt has started. If you accidentally close the test window, you will be able to reopen it if the time limit has not expired. You are strongly encouraged to complete the test in a single sitting.

Yes, you can! Sign in to your account. Click on Program Options from the menu bar. Choose Online Training, and then click on STEP 1: View Course. Click on the Contents button to get to the section(s) of the program you'd like to review.

If you're retaking the exam, check the Completion Status page of your account to find out which section(s) of the program need more review. Click directly on the test score. Then, go back into the online program and take a few minutes to look through these sections before you try the exam again.

SMART Programs cannot provide feedback on specific test questions.

Sign in to your account at smartprograms.aglc.ca. If you don't remember your password, retrieve it here. Follow the on-screen instructions to recall your password.

Choose Program Options from the menu and then Online Training from the drop-down menu. Check that you have completed all of the program exercises and questionnaire. Then, click on STEP 2: Take Exam. Follow the on-screen instructions to take the exam.

The exam has 35 questions. You have 45 minutes to take the exam. A total of 5 exam attempts are given to you with each online program registration.

If you accidentally close the test window, you will be able to reopen it if the time limit has not expired.

The test is not an open book exam. Once the exam timer has started, you cannot go back into the program to look for answers to the questions. Read the test questions carefully to be sure you understand what each one asks. Then read each of the possible answers. Choose the best answer.

If you have extra time at the end, review each of your answers. Click on the Submit Exam button at the end when you are satisfied with the answers you've chosen to submit your test for marking.

The SellSafe online program is designed so that users can get their certification without the assistance of a third party. The test is a closed book exam. Use of resources or supporting materials is not permitted. Completion of the test does not require a supervisor.

When you submit your exam attempt, a message will appear on the screen within a few seconds, stating that you have passed or that you did not pass the test. Read this message carefully.

If you passed, you will be able to get proof of your certification right away. Print a copy of your certificate or save an image of it to your mobile device/phone.

If you did not pass, check the Completion Status page of your account to find out which section(s) of the program need more review. Click directly on the test score. Then, go back into the online program and take a few minutes to look through these sections before you try the exam again.

An exam score of 80% or higher (at least 28 correct answers out of 35 questions) is required to be certified with SellSafe.

Yes, you can! You have five attempts to pass the final exam. You may take the test again, but we strongly encourage you to review the program before making another attempt.

To see the details of your last test attempt, sign in to your account and click on the My Account tab. Choose Completion Status from the drop-down menu. Click directly on the test score to find out what sections of the program need more review. Look through these sections before you try the exam again.

SMART Programs cannot provide feedback on specific test questions.

Please note, some test attempts will result in a Fail score if the Internet connection was suddenly interrupted or dropped. Contact SMART Programs to have any lost test attempts restored to your program.

To see the details of your last test attempt, sign in to your account. Click on the My Account tab and then Completion Status. Click directly on the test score to find out what sections of the program need more review. Look through these sections before you try the exam again.

SMART Programs cannot provide feedback on specific test questions.

Details about your test attempt belong to you, the user. Your scores and details about them can be seen on the Completion Status page of your account, after you sign in. Administrators of the SMART Programs and AGLC Inspectors have access to this information to administer the programs, confirm program completion and enforce regulatory requirements.

By law, AGLC cannot share information with third parties without the user's consent. Licensees can check staff's certifications and expiry dates. For more information, please see the Privacy Statement page of this site. To protect the security of your information, do not share your sign in credentials (email address or password) with anyone.

You must provide proof of your certification when applying for or renewing your Qualified Cannabis Worker status. You must also provide proof of your certification to your employer for their records and when you recertify. Licensee staff must provide proof of SellSafe certification at the request of an AGLC Inspector.

Licensee staff must provide proof of certification at the request of an AGLC Inspector. Failure to present proof of SellSafe certification may result in disciplinary action.

Proof of certification includes:

• paper printed versions that have a QR code
• the Personal Information page printed from the staff member's SMART account
• clear images of any of the above (i.e., image, photograph or screen shot) saved to the staff member's mobile device/phone

Each of these shows the worker's legal name, SMART Registration Number, and certificate expiry date.

Proof of your certification is saved to the Personal Information and Completion Status pages of your SMART Programs account. You must sign in and follow the on-screen instructions to see it. Print a copy of your card or save an image of it to your mobile device/phone.

If you can't access your account, please contact us. If you can't remember your password, click here to retrieve it. Follow the on-screen instructions to recall your password.

You must provide proof of your certification when applying for or renewing your Qualified Cannabis Worker status. You must also provide proof of your certification to your employer for their records and when you recertify. Licensee staff must provide proof of SellSafe certification at the request of an AGLC Inspector.

Yes, you can! After you pass the online test, you'll be able to get proof of your certification right away.

Proof of your certification is also saved to the Personal Information and Completion Status pages of your SMART Programs account. You must sign in and follow the on-screen instructions to see it. Print a copy of your card or save an image of it to your mobile device/phone.

If you can't access your account, please contact us. If you can't remember your password, click here to retrieve it. Follow the on-screen instructions to recall your password.

You must provide proof of your certification when applying for or renewing your Qualified Cannabis Worker status. You must also provide proof of your certification to your employer for their records and when you recertify. Licensee staff must provide proof of SellSafe certification at the request of an AGLC Inspector.

After you pass the online test, you'll be able to get proof of your certification right away.

Proof of your certification is also saved to the Personal Information and Completion Status pages of your SMART Programs account. You must sign in and follow the on-screen instructions to see it. Print a copy of your card or save an image of it to your mobile device/phone.

You must provide proof of your certification when applying for or renewing your Qualified Cannabis Worker status. You must also provide proof of your certification to your employer for their records and when you recertify. Licensee staff must provide proof of SellSafe certification at the request of an AGLC Inspector.

If you can't access your account, please contact us. If you can't remember your password, click here to retrieve it. Follow the on-screen instructions to recall your password.

The image on your SMART certification is a QR (Quick Response) code. It is a two-dimensional barcode that includes information arranged in a simple black and white pattern. It can be read by an imaging device, such as a mobile device with a camera and QR code reader. After the code has been scanned, the QR reader changes the code to open a mobile URL, place a phone call or show information.

The QR code on your SMART certification includes information about your certification, which can be read only by AGLC inspectors and administrators of the SMART Programs.

Equivalency is not granted for retail cannabis training programs at this time. AGLC Inspectors will not accept certifications issued by other provincial jurisdictions, in lieu of the SellSafe Cannabis Staff Training program.

Yes, all SMART Programs' certifications are valid for five (5) years from the date of issue.

Follow these steps to renew your certification. If you can't access your account, please contact us. If you can't remember your password, click here to retrieve it. Follow the on-screen instructions to recall your password.

Workers must renew expiring certification before the expiration date on their certificate(s). There is no "grace period". Uncertified workers leave the licensee at risk for a penalty (warning, fine, licence suspension or termination).

After you've recertified, you can get proof of your certification right away. Proof of your certification is also saved to the Personal Information and Completion Status pages of your SMART Programs account. You must sign in and follow the on-screen instructions to see it. Print a copy of your card or save an image of it to your mobile device/phone.

You must provide proof of your certification when applying for or renewing your Qualified Cannabis Worker status. You must also provide proof of your certification to your employer after you recertify. Licensee staff must provide proof of certification at the request of an AGLC Inspector.

An email will be sent to the address on your SMART Programs account, reminding you that your certification is due to expire within 60 days. Contact us if you want to recertify earlier.