How To Acquire a TIPS Certification in Arkansas: A Step-by-Step Guide

TIPS Certification in Arkansas: Key Takeaways

• Online TIPS certification in Arkansas costs $38 and some employers may cover the cost.
• Certification is not legally required statewide, but many employers mandate it for alcohol service roles.
• The certification lasts for three years before requiring renewal through retraining and exam.

In Arkansas, TIPS certification isn’t mandated statewide, but is required by many employers to ensure responsible alcohol service.

This article provides a step-by-step guide to obtaining TIPS certification in Arkansas including where to apply, costs, training formats, exam details, and renewal instructions.

Employers looking to implement consistent training will find practical advice in our guide to hiring reliable kitchen staff, which covers workforce training essentials.

Steps To Acquire a TIPS Certification in Arkansas

TIPS certification in Arkansas is available in both online and in-person formats to suit different learning preferences.

Option 1: Online TIPS Certification

• Visit the official TIPS site at www.gettips.com to enroll in the Arkansas online course.
• Select the course relevant to your role: On-Premise for bartenders and servers, Off-Premise for retail staff, or specialized courses like Concessions and Gaming.
• Pay the fixed fee of $38 online.
• Complete the self-paced online training, which typically takes around 3 hours.
• Pass the final exam with a minimum score of 70%.
• Receive your digital TIPS certification via email.

Option 2: In-Person TIPS Training

• Find in-person TIPS classes offered locally by certified instructors via www.gettips.com.
• Register and pay the applicable fee (exact in-person cost data unavailable).
• Attend the live session, typically lasting a few hours.
• Complete and pass the final exam.
• Receive your certification card, either physical or digital.
• Employers may also organize group training sessions for staff convenience.

To better prepare your team, consider reviewing the bartender career and certification guide which includes helpful insights on training requirements and industry standards.

Cost of TIPS Certification in Arkansas

The online TIPS course costs $38 per person in Arkansas.

Exact costs for in-person training vary and are not publicly specified, but the fee is usually comparable or slightly higher.

Some employers may cover the cost of certification for their employees as part of training requirements.

Once earned, the certification is valid for three years before renewal is necessary.

What To Expect in the Arkansas TIPS Training and Exam

TIPS training covers essential topics such as:

• ID verification techniques and identifying fake IDs.
• Arkansas-specific alcohol laws and regulations.
• Recognizing signs of intoxication in customers.
• Preventing alcohol-related incidents and managing difficult situations.
• Properly refusing service to underage or intoxicated patrons.

The final exam consists of multiple-choice questions where a score of 70% or higher is required to pass.

If unsuccessful, unlimited retakes are allowed until you pass.

Renewal and Maintaining TIPS Certification

TIPS certification in Arkansas remains valid for three years.

To renew, you must complete the full TIPS course again and pass the exam before your certification expires.

Who Needs a TIPS Certification in Arkansas?

While not required statewide by law, TIPS certification is usually mandatory for employees in:

• Bartending and serving at licensed establishments.
• Liquor store clerks selling alcohol.
• Casino and gaming staff involved in alcohol service.

Many employers require this certification to comply with company policies and reduce liability.

Benefits of Getting TIPS Certified in Arkansas

Obtaining TIPS certification provides several advantages including:

• Enhancing your employment opportunities in bars, restaurants, and retail alcohol outlets.
• Increasing your knowledge of responsible alcohol service to promote a safe environment.
• Helping businesses reduce liability risks with certified responsible servers.
• Ensuring compliance with Arkansas alcohol laws and regulations.
• Boosting your professionalism within the hospitality and gaming industries.

Key Arkansas Alcohol Laws Related to TIPS Certification

Important Arkansas alcohol laws include:

• Legal Drinking Age: 21 years old.
• Alcohol Sales Hours: On-premise and off-premise sales allowed from 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM Monday through Saturday; Sunday sales from 12:00 PM to 11:45 PM.
• ID checking is required for anyone appearing under 21 years.
• Dram Shop Liability: Establishments can be held responsible for damages caused by intoxicated patrons.
• Right to Refuse Service: Staff and businesses are legally permitted to deny alcohol service to intoxicated or underage customers.

TIPS training teaches compliance with these laws while fostering responsible alcohol service practices.

For employers, understanding restaurant employee referral programs can be an effective strategy to attract certified and responsible staff members.