Maryland Retail Fundamentals: Responsible Vendor Compliance Training (Sell-SMaRT™)

Retailing regulated, age restricted products comes with real risk. One mistake can trigger inspections, citations, costly penalties, license action, higher insurance costs, and serious operational disruption. Compliance failures are a leading reason regulated retailers get fined, suspended, or shut down.

The Sell-SMaRT™ Responsible Vendor Program helps protect you and your operation by teaching practical, real world best practices for safe and compliant sales in a regulated retail environment. You will learn how to follow store procedures, support responsible service, and handle complex situations that arise on the retail floor.

Designed for retail sales associates, owners, managers, frontline staff, compliance teams, regulators, and anyone looking to enter regulated retail, this program builds confidence in the rules and raises the standard of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

What's included

• Two online sections with engaging videos and written materials

• Knowledge checks at the end of every module

• Printable job aids for quick, on the job reference

• Access to a private forum to connect with other students

An official Sell-SMaRT™ certificate of completion after you pass the exam

Prerequisites

None

Time Commitment

2.5 hours of online learning and study

Passing Score

70% on the exam

Exam details

The Sell-SMaRT™ exam is a comprehensive multiple choice test administered online. Enrollment includes two attempts to earn a passing score. You have 30 days from purchase to complete the course and pass the final exam. This is a closed book exam.

Once you pass

You will receive your official Sell-SMaRT™ certificate to demonstrate credibility and reinforce trust in regulated retail.

Why Sell-SMaRT

Sell-SMaRT was created in 2014 by Maureen McNamara of Cannabis Trainers, and was the first responsible vendor program in the United States approved by both a state enforcement division and a state health department. McNamara built it on decades of food safety and responsible alcohol service training, which is why it plays as practical floor training rather than regulatory recitation. More than 18,000 Sell-SMaRT certificates have been issued to date, and Cannabis Trainers has secured approval for specialized Sell-SMaRT tracks in a number of states, with a general program covering the rest.

Common questions

What score do I need to pass?

70% on the exam. Enrollment includes two attempts, and the exam is a closed-book, multiple-choice test administered online.

How long do I have to finish?

30 days from purchase to complete the course and pass the final exam. Plan on about 2.5 hours of online learning and study, taken at your own pace.

Are there any prerequisites?

None.

Should my cultivation and processing team take this course?

No. This one covers the dispensary floor. Cultivation and processing teams take Maryland Grower/Processor Fundamentals instead.

Who is it for?

Retail sales associates, owners, managers, frontline staff, compliance teams, regulators, and anyone looking to enter regulated retail.

Related Maryland and responsible vendor training

Maryland cultivation and processing teams should take Maryland Grower/Processor Fundamentals instead. Operating in other states? See the USA National Sell-SMaRT program or browse the full compliance catalog.