Earning your Pennsylvania RAMP certification is more than just a box to check—it’s the primary legal defense for you and your establishment. In the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) takes alcohol service seriously. Whether you’re working a busy Friday night in Philadelphia’s Center City or serving fans at a sports bar in Pittsburgh, your Pennsylvania RAMP certification ensures you know how to handle high-pressure situations, especially when it comes to minors attempting to purchase alcohol with fraudulent identification.
At ACE Food Handler, we have been an officially approved PLCB provider for over 10 years. We understand that the “Source of Truth” in alcohol service is your ability to detect a fake ID before the sale happens. To help you stay compliant, we teach the F.E.A.R. method—a industry-standard technique for every RAMP-certified server.
How to Spot a Fake ID in Pennsylvania (The F.E.A.R. Method)
The PLCB recommends the F.E.A.R. method (Feel, Examine, Ask, Return) to help you catch underage patrons before they become a liability.
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Feel (Texture and Build): Legitimate Pennsylvania licenses have a specific feel. Run your thumb over the surface. Newer PA IDs use Guilloche security patterning and laser-engraving that creates a tactile, slightly raised feel on certain elements. If the card feels “too smooth,” lacks any raised texture, or the edges feel sharp and unevenly cut, it is likely a counterfeit produced on a standard card printer.
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Examine (The “Ghost” and Metallic Tint): Hold the ID up to direct lighting. Authentic Pennsylvania IDs feature a Dynamic Look Through Element (DLTE) with a gold metallic tint. You should also look for the Optically Variable Ghost Portrait. This is a smaller version of the photo that changes appearance or disappears when you tilt the card. If the ghost image is static or missing that metallic shimmer, do not accept it.
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Ask (The Verbal Quiz): If the physical card looks good but you still have a “gut feeling,” ask the customer a question. Don’t ask for their birthday (they’ve memorized that). Instead, ask for their Zip Code or their Middle Initial. If they have to look down at the card to answer a basic question about themselves, they are using someone else’s ID.
Return or Refuse: If you are not 100% satisfied, you have the legal right to refuse the sale. Your Pennsylvania RAMP certification protects you when you make the right call to stay compliant.
Get RAMP Certified for Just $8.00 Today!
Staying legal in Pennsylvania shouldn’t cost you a whole night’s tips. While other corporate providers charge $15 or more, ACE Food Handler offers the exact same official PLCB-approved training for a base price of just **$10**.
Even better? You can use coupon code ace20 at checkout to save an extra 20%. That brings your total to only $8.00.
Why Pennsylvania Pros Choose ACE:
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10+ Years Approved: We are one of the most experienced PLCB providers in the state.
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Direct SCRAM Reporting: We upload your roster to the state database (SCRAM) within 24 hours.
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Mobile Optimized: Watch our 100% video-based course on your phone between shifts.
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Instant Certificate: Download and print your RAMP server/seller certificate the second you pass.
[GET YOUR PENNSYLVANIA RAMP CERTIFICATION FOR $8.00]
Pennsylvania RAMP FAQ
How long does my RAMP certification last? The Server/Seller training is valid for two years. You must be retrained before that two-year window expires to remain compliant.
Is this valid in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh? Yes. As a state-approved provider, ACE Food Handler’s certification is valid in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Harrisburg, and every other municipality in the state.
Do I have to mail my certificate to the state? No. We handle the paperwork. We report your completion directly to the PLCB online system so your employer can see you are legal to work.
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