Are you serving up drinks in the Big Apple? Want to ensure you’re providing responsible and safe service to your patrons? Look no further than New York TIPS Certification! But with so many questions swirling around this crucial certification, it can be tough to know where to start.
To help you out, we’ve rounded up 12 of the most frequently asked questions about New York TIPS Certification. So, grab a pen and paper, and let’s dive in!
What is TIPS?
TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) is a widely recognized certification program that aims to educate individuals in the alcohol service industry on responsible alcohol service.
TIPS teaches techniques for recognizing and preventing intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving. TIPS helps servers, bartenders, and managers provide safe and responsible alcohol service.
Obtaining TIPS certification is an important step in demonstrating a commitment to responsible alcohol service and can improve job opportunities in the industry.
Is TIPS Certification Required in New York?
No, TIPS certification is not required in New York State. As we covered in our article about becoming a bartender in New York, you don’t need a license. The only legal requirements are that you be of age (18 to serve) and have no felony convictions.
In New York, there are two voluntary alcohol training programs: TIPS and ATAP. As a bartender, you’ll want to get the TIPS certification.
What is the Difference Between TIPS and ATAP?
TIPS and ATAP (Alcohol Training Awareness Program) are certification programs designed to educate individuals about responsible alcohol service.
The main difference between the two programs is the scope of their training.
- TIPS provides training and certification to servers, bartenders, and managers in the alcohol service industry.
- ATAP is designed for anyone who serves or sells alcohol, including retail sales associates and liquor store clerks.
Another difference is the format of the training. TIPS offers in-person and online training options, while ATAP is primarily offered online. Visit the TIPS or ATAP websites for more information on these two programs.
You get New York ATAP On-Premises alcohol training and ANAB-accredited food handler training through 360Training. This is the best option if you work at a restaurant or bar and need both certifications.
Does Your TIPS Certification Expire?
Yes, TIPS certificates do expire. In most states, your certification is valid for three years and must be renewed through recertification.
It is important to check the TIPS website and your state’s requirements to determine your TIPS certification’s specific renewal requirements and expiration date.
Why Do Restaurants Want TIPS Certification?
New York strongly encourages employers to have their staff TIPS certified as it shows that servers and bartenders have the knowledge and skills to recognize and prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving.
The main reasons restaurants may want their staff to have TIPS certification include the following:
- Legal Compliance: TIPS certification is often required by law for individuals who serve alcohol in certain states. By having TIPS-certified staff, restaurants can ensure they comply with state laws and regulations.
- Risk Management: TIPS certification provides training on how to recognize and prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving, reducing the risk of liability for the restaurant.
- Improved Service: TIPS-certified staff have the knowledge and skills to provide safe and responsible alcohol service, improving the overall experience for customers.
- Enhanced Reputation: With TIPS-certified staff, restaurants can demonstrate their commitment to providing safe and responsible alcohol service, enhancing their reputation and attracting more customers.
With TIPS-certified staff, restaurants can provide safe and responsible alcohol service to reduce liability risks. In some cases, insurance companies will offer discounts for establishments with staff trained with a nationally-recognized certificate like TIPS.
Where Is TIPS Certification Valid?
TIPS is a widely recognized certification program and is recognized in many states in the U.S. Visit the TIPS website for a complete list of states that require training.
Some states that require TIPS Certification include Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Texas. However, the list of states that require or recognize TIPS certification can change, so it is essential to check for the most up-to-date information.
How Long Does the TIPS Certification Take?
In-person TIPS training programs typically last 4 to 6 hours, while online TIPS courses can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to complete, depending on the program.
It is important to note that some TIPS programs may also include a final exam or assessment that must be passed to receive certification. The time required to complete this exam will vary depending on the program and the individual’s speed and understanding of the material.
How Many Questions Are on the TIPS Exam?
The number of questions on the TIPS exam can vary depending on the specific TIPS program and the state where the certification is obtained.
Can You Get TIPS Certified Online?
Yes, getting TIPS certified online is possible. In fact, since COVID, most providers have offered online training from the comfort of their homes or workplace.
Online TIPS training programs typically include interactive video lessons, quizzes, and assessments designed to understand responsible alcohol service comprehensively. Upon completing the online course, individuals must pass a final exam or assessment to receive their TIPS certification.
360Training offers an online TIPS course for New York and the ATAP course, which is good if you work in restaurants.
If you’re working in a grocery or liquor store, you can get the off-premises TIPS training from them too.
How Much Is TIPS Certification?
The cost of TIPS certification can vary depending on several factors, including the specific TIPS program, the provider, and the state where the certification is obtained. You can visit websites like GetTIPS for prices.
On average, TIPS certification for individuals should cost around $50, depending on the program and provider. Some TIPS programs may charge additional materials, assessments, or recertification fees.
It is important to note that some employers may cover the cost of TIPS certification as part of their training and development programs. Some TIPS providers offer discounts or special pricing for groups or organizations.
How Do I Check if Someone Is TIPS Certified?
To check if someone is TIPS certified, visit the website at https://www.gettips.com/certification-lookup.
On the website, you can verify the TIPS certification status of a job applicant by searching for an individual using either the assigned participation number or their last name and the last four digits of their Social Security Number.
It is important to note that the TIPS certification information is confidential and protected by privacy laws. TIPS may only release certification information to authorized parties, such as employers or regulatory agencies.
Can You Fail TIPS Certification?
Yes, you can fail the TIPS certification exam. The TIPS exam’s exact pass/fail criteria will depend on the specific TIPS program and the state where the certification is obtained. Some TIPS programs may require individuals to achieve a certain score or percentage on the exam to pass, while others may use a pass/fail system.
How Many Times Can You Take the TIPS Exam?
Once you’ve purchased a course, you have two tries and must pay again if you fail after the second attempt.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York TIPS certification is crucial to serving alcohol in the state. From understanding the importance of certification to finding the best study method, this article has answered the most common questions about the certification process. By being knowledgeable about the certification, you can ensure that you provide safe and responsible alcohol service in New York. So, take the time to educate yourself, and you’ll be on your way to becoming TIPS certified in no time!
If you’re interested in bartending in other American states, we’ve written an article about the requirements for a bartender here.
