TIPS Training: What Is TIPS Certification?
If you’re interested in becoming a server, bartender, or manager of a business that serves or sells alcohol, chances are you need to take an alcohol training course. Those who do are better able to recognize signs of intoxication, prevent selling alcohol to minors, and handle difficult alcohol-related situations, creating a safer and more responsible environment.
You might have some questions about how to get TIPS certified. Continue reading to get the answers you need and learn more about what kind of course you need to take in order to serve or sell alcohol across the country.
What Does TIPS Certified Mean?
The abbreviation “TIPS” stands for Training for Intervention ProcedureS. To be TIPS certified means you have successfully completed a TIPS training course.
What Is TIPS Certification?
The TIPS program was developed to create a plan that would give bartenders and servers the skills and confidence they need to prevent their customers from being intoxicated. TIPS alcohol server education courses teach employees federal and state alcohol laws, how to spot a fake ID and much more. TIPS is recognized by courts, liquor boards, and businesses as the standard for server training programs.
Who Needs TIPS Training?
Each state has its own guidelines on who is required to take and complete a TIPS training course. Generally, anyone who serves alcohol in an establishment that holds a liquor license should become TIPS certified. This includes:
- Servers
- Bartenders
- Bar-backs
- Managers
- Owners
- Hosts or hostesses
Is TIPS Certification Mandatory?
Whether or not TIPS certification is mandatory will depend on where you are located. Some states require TIPS training, while others do not. However, even in states where training is not mandatory, your place of work might still require you to complete the course so that you know how to follow the alcohol laws in your state.
Which TIPS Training Course Do I Need?
There are several TIPS training courses we provide. They include:
- On-Premise: On-premises courses are intended for employees who serve alcohol that is meant to be consumed in the same location. Examples of these types of establishments include restaurants, bars, wineries, hotels, casinos, and similar businesses.
- Off-Premise & Delivery: Off-premise courses are for workers who sell alcohol that is meant to be consumed off-site. This includes liquor stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, and similar businesses. This program is also appropriate for those who work at a delivery or online ordering service that provides alcohol or "to go" cocktail delivery.
- Concessions: TIPS Concessions Alcohol Training is specifically designed for people who serve or sell alcohol in a concession setting. This course is ideal for those selling alcohol at sports stadiums, convention centers, arenas, festivals, concert halls, fundraisers, and other concession outlets.
- Gaming: If you are going to sell or serve alcohol in a gaming or gambling environment, like casinos, then you’ll want to take the TIPS Gaming Alcohol Training course. This course was designed for workers, including cocktail servers, bartenders, floor managers, security guards, card dealers, valets, and food service personnel.
How Long Does a TIPS Training Course Take?
The amount of time it will take to complete a TIPS training course will depend on the time management of the person taking the course and the type of program they are taking. In general, online courses can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours to complete. Users are allowed to log out and return to the course at any time before starting the final exam. Upon returning, the course will resume from the point at which the user logged out. However, each attempt at the final exam must be completed during a single, uninterrupted session.
What Kind of Topics Are Covered in a TIPS Training Course?
The specific topics covered in a TIPS training course can vary depending on the state you are located in and the type of program you have enrolled in. Generally, our courses cover a variety of topics, including alcohol laws and guidelines, how alcohol affects the body, recognizing an intoxicated customer, tips for refusing service, and much more.
Does TIPS Certification Expire?
Yes. Unfortunately, your TIPS certification expires. Upon expiration, you will need to renew your certification by retaking the course.
How Long Does TIPS Certification Last?
TIPS certification is generally good for three years. However, to ensure that servers and sellers are following current laws and regulations, states require that servers and sellers receive alcohol training every two, three, or four years, depending on the jurisdictional requirements, and pass the appropriate course exam.
How Soon After Finishing the Course Will I Receive My TIPS Certificate of Completion?
Once you finish your course and pass any required exams, you can print your certificate of completion immediately by accessing your training account. If you lose your certificate of completion and need a new one, you can contact customer service via chat on our website or email support@360training.com.
How Do I Get TIPS Certified?
Getting TIPS certified is simple. You can start one of our TIPS training programs today in just 3 easy steps:
- Enroll in one of our TIPS training courses
- Complete the course and pass the certification exam
- Access your account to print your TIPS certificate as proof of completion
TIPS by 360training is a trusted online training provider and is approved in many jurisdictions. It's a cost-effective solution to your compliance training needs. Start today by selecting your state to view our full catalog of alcohol server/seller courses.
