You’re a bartender. You see a customer who’s had too much to drink. Do you know what to do? This is where TIPS certification comes in. It’s about responsible alcohol service for anyone serving or selling alcohol.
What is TIPS Certification?
TIPS stands for Training for Intervention Procedures. This alcohol training program gives servers and sellers practical skills to handle tricky situations. These include spotting fake IDs, recognizing intoxication, and refusing service responsibly. The program’s training aims to stop alcohol-related harm before it starts.
Why Get TIPS Certified?
There are many good reasons to become TIPS certified. For servers and sellers, this alcohol server training offers valuable skills and demonstrates responsibility. This bartending school certification may also give you an edge over other applicants in the ever-competitive job market.
Some states require this type of training. Even if your state doesn’t require it, your workplace might. For employers, training helps reduce incidents involving alcohol on their property. It also shows courts and alcohol boards you are serious about responsible alcohol service.
Who Needs TIPS Certification?
If you serve or sell alcohol, understanding responsible alcohol service and intervention procedures is beneficial. Some states mandate alcohol server certification for servers, sellers, managers, and even bussers.
However, requirements vary depending on where you live and work. In some states such as Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, and Maryland you’ll want to double check to ensure your alcohol service training and certification is up to date. Even further, states such as Massachusetts and Michigan, Rhode Island, North Carolina, and South Carolina, or North and South Dakota may not have clear rules in place. Be sure to always double check your state requirements.
What Does TIPS Training Cover?
Specific training content varies by location. However, underage drinking, drunk driving, and how to prevent these things is typically covered in TIPS. Here’s an overview of what’s usually included:
- Understanding Alcohol’s Effects: Learn how alcohol affects the body and factors influencing intoxication.
- Recognizing Signs of Intoxication: Master observing and spotting signs, enabling responsible intervention.
- Handling Difficult Customers: Practice intervention techniques and communication skills to handle difficult patrons.
- Serving and Selling Responsibly: Understand best practices in responsible alcohol service.
- Following the Law: Learn federal and state regulations related to alcohol sale, service, and consumption.
- Spotting Fake IDs: Learn proven ways to prevent underage patrons from getting alcohol.
What is TIPS Certification Online?
You can usually get TIPS certified online, often completing it on your phone at your own pace. You’ll find on-premise training (for restaurants and bars) and off-premise training (for stores). Some programs even specialize in training for concessions, gaming venues, and universities. It also covers both on-premise and off-premise alcohol sales in states like Illinois, Indiana, and Idaho. Additional coverage includes food handler related issues in certain jurisdictions such as Georgia, Florida, Hawaii and West Virginia.
Online training offers flexibility, typically providing a 30-day window to finish. Most training only takes a few hours. Need to train your staff? Many programs allow you to buy training passports for multiple enrollments.
Different TIPS Certifications
Several types of TIPS Alcohol Certification cater to different work environments. For your convienience, please review the chart below:
| Certification | Description | Enroll |
| TIPS On-Premise | For servers in bars, restaurants, and other on-site alcohol consumption locations. | Enroll Here |
| TIPS Off-Premise | Designed for alcohol sales in stores where it’s typically consumed elsewhere, like liquor stores and grocery stores. | Enroll Here |
| Off-Premise & Alcohol Delivery | For off-site alcohol sales and deliveries, such as liquor stores, grocery stores, or delivery services with alcohol. | Enroll Here |
| TIPS Gaming | For alcohol service in gambling environments like casinos or racetracks. | Enroll Here |
| TIPS Concessions | For serving alcohol at stadiums, festivals, and other concession-style setups. | Enroll Here |
How Much Does TIPS Certification Cost?
Most TIPS certifications cost around $38. Prices may vary, so check the official TIPS website for the latest pricing information. Bartending school and other server training prices vary as well, so it’s good to comparison shop and see what the going rates are for similar training and certification programs. Often programs and employers offering training provide resources for students or staff to utilize.
How Long is TIPS Certification Good For?
TIPS certifications are typically valid for three years. Recertification frequency may vary by location, so check local requirements. Renewal involves retaking the course and exam. Lost your TIPS card? You can get a replacement card through the provided link.
FAQs about what is tips certified
What does TIPS certification stand for?
TIPS stands for Training for Intervention Procedures.
Is TIPS certification worth it?
Yes, it shows commitment to responsible alcohol service. It gives servers skills to prevent alcohol-related harm. TIPS certification may also be helpful in legal situations and improve your hiring prospects. There’s underage drinking, drunk driving, alcohol training and alcohol certifications. The information in the training helps people who are on the front lines when serving and handling patrons to properly and legally intervene to mitigate issues.
How long does TIPS certification take?
Online training often takes just a few hours, though lengths vary. You typically have 30 days to complete the coursework and exam after registration. The course saves your progress, allowing for flexible timing. You get multiple logins for learning.
However, exam attempts must be completed in one sitting to maintain test integrity. For instance if your state of residence or employment is one of these; Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia, it is extra important that you complete the requirements as specified.
How much does it cost to be TIPS certified?
Online courses usually cost about $38. Costs may change, so it’s best to check with the specific vendor before purchasing. If you live in one of these states or territories, American Samoa, Guam, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, please make sure you understand your state and or territorial requirements, regulations and fees as some things can vary greatly from area to area.
Conclusion
TIPS certification is more than just a certificate. It’s valuable training that empowers anyone selling or serving alcohol to promote harm reduction, whether in a restaurant, bar, store, or other licensed establishment. With responsible alcohol training and proper preventative intervention techniques and alcohol service procedures you’ll have all the required tools for effective responsible alcohol service. Now you have all the answers about what is tips certified. Put your fresh learning into practice.
