TIPS Alcohol Online Training Course - Frequently Asked Questions

TIPS stands for Training for Intervention ProcedureS. It is a skills-based training program designed to prevent intoxication, drunk driving, and underage drinking by educating servers, sellers, and consumers on the responsible service, sale, and consumption of alcohol.

The course content is designed around the circumstances in which alcohol is sold to the customer.

On-Premise courses are for staff who serve alcohol by the drink for immediate on-site consumption. This course is ideal for roles such as:

• Bartenders
• Servers and waitstaff
• Hosts and bussers
• Valets
• Managers and supervisors overseeing alcohol service
• Any other front-of-house staff at bars, restaurants, hotels, catering events, or similar venues

Off-Premise courses are for staff who sell packaged liquor to be consumed off the premises. This is better for roles such as:

• Retail clerks and cashiers
• Store managers and supervisors
• Staff at liquor stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations

Yes. TIPS certification courses are mobile-friendly and can be taken on any smartphone or tablet.

Yes. TIPS certification courses are designed to work on both Mac and Windows computers. To ensure the best experience, please keep in mind the following technical requirements:

• An internet-enabled device, such as a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone
• Audio capability to view course videos
• An internet connection of at least 56K, though a faster connection is strongly recommended
• An HTML5 compatible browser

Both online and in-person versions of our TIPS training courses cover the same material. Here are some advantages to taking a TIPS course online. 

• Convenience: Take it at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home.
• Flexibility: Complete the course in one sitting or across multiple sessions, even on multiple devices.
• Time: Online courses typically take 2–3 hours to complete, compared to 3–5 hours for a typical classroom course.
• Cost: Online TIPS courses can range anywhere from $15-$60 depending on the state, jurisdiction, and format of course you are taking. In-person classroom courses tend to be higher in cost and vary by trainer and location.
• Review: With the online course, you can go back and revisit material at any time, something that's difficult to do in a group classroom setting.

TIPS online courses can typically be completed in 2-3 hours. You can take it all in one sitting or log in and out as needed to finish at your own pace.

Getting TIPS certified is simple and can be done entirely online in just a few steps:

1. Purchase the course for the state you'll be working in by clicking the purchase button on our state page. Provide your information and complete payment on the shopping cart page.
2. Start the course right away, or return to it anytime by logging into your account on this website.
3. Complete the course and pass the exam. Your certificate will be available for immediate download and printing from your dashboard.

Once you purchase your TIPS online course, you will have 60 days to complete it. If the course is not completed within 60 days, access will no longer be available and a new course will need to be purchased. For additional details, please refer to our Terms of Use.

If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you will be granted one additional opportunities to complete the course and pass the exam at no extra charge. Please note that a maximum of two attempts is permitted for most states. Washington, Oregon, and Pennsylvania allow one attempt. If you fail the allotted attempts, you will need to repurchase and retake the course.

Your TIPS certification is typically valid for 3 years with some state certifications being valid for 2 or 4 years. It's worth keeping in mind that certain employers may require renewal sooner. Be sure to verify renewal requirements with your state or local jurisdiction and your employer to ensure your certification remains current.

A personal training account is set up for every TIPS user in our learning management system, allowing you to view and manage your records at any time. To access it:

1. Return to this website and click the "Log In" button.
2. Sign in with the username and password you created when you registered. If you had an account on the previous TIPS platform, you will need to re-register on this updated platform.
3. Once logged in, you can view your purchases, check your records, and print certificates for any completed courses.

Absolutely. TIPS certification is a valuable credential for anyone working in the alcohol service or retail industry. Here's why it's worth it:

• Legal Protection. Many states require alcohol service training by law. Having a TIPS certification demonstrates that you or your staff have been trained to serve and sell alcohol responsibly, which can help reduce liability in the event of an incident.
• Workplace Confidence. TIPS training equips you with the skills to recognize signs of intoxication, handle difficult situations, and make informed decisions, giving you greater confidence on the job.
• Employer Expectations. Many bars, restaurants, and retail establishments require or prefer TIPS certified staff, making it a valuable addition to your resume.
• Affordable and Convenient. The TIPS online course can be completed in just a few hours from any device, making it one of the easiest professional certifications to obtain.

Ready to get started? Enroll in a TIPS Online Course today and take the first step toward responsible alcohol service certification.

If you're unsatisfied with your course purchase and would like to request a refund, please note that eligibility requirements must be met. To see if your purchase qualifies and to understand the steps involved, we encourage you to review our official Refund Policy.