If you’re planning to work in the hospitality industry in Boulder, Colorado, obtaining a TIPS certification is a valuable step to ensuring responsible alcohol service. Many bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and event venues require or strongly prefer employees with a TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) certification.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting TIPS certified in Boulder, CO, including training options, costs, the exam process, renewal requirements, and local regulations.
What is TIPS Certification?
TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) is a nationally recognized alcohol training program that educates servers, bartenders, and sellers on responsible alcohol service. The certification helps prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and alcohol-related incidents while ensuring compliance with local and state liquor laws.
TIPS certification is widely accepted in Boulder and throughout Colorado, making it a valuable credential for anyone working in the hospitality or retail alcohol industry.
Why Get TIPS Certified in Boulder?
- Required by many employers in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores
- Helps reduce liability for businesses serving alcohol
- Teaches legal compliance with Colorado’s liquor laws
- Prepares employees to handle intoxicated customers responsibly
Who Needs a TIPS Certification in Boulder?
While Colorado law does not mandate TIPS certification statewide, Boulder businesses and local regulations often require it for employees serving or selling alcohol. The following roles typically need or benefit from TIPS training:
- Bartenders in bars, clubs, and restaurants
- Servers who handle alcohol at restaurants or catered events
- Liquor store employees and grocery store clerks selling alcohol
- Brewery, winery, and distillery staff conducting tastings or serving drinks
- Event staff serving alcohol at festivals, concerts, or private events
- Hotel and casino employees in establishments offering alcohol service
Many Boulder employers require staff to complete TIPS training before starting work or within 30 to 60 days of employment.
Steps to Acquire a TIPS Certification in Boulder
You can obtain your TIPS certification in Boulder through two main formats:
- Online TIPS Training – Complete the course at your own pace
- In-Person TIPS Training – Attend a live class with a certified instructor
Each format covers Boulder-specific liquor laws and best practices for responsible alcohol service.
Option 1: Online TIPS Certification
- Visit the official TIPS website: www.gettips.com
- Choose a Colorado-approved TIPS course based on your role:
- TIPS On-Premise – For Bartenders, Servers, and restaurant staff
- TIPS Off-Premise – For liquor store clerks and retail alcohol sellers
- TIPS Concessions – For festival, stadium, and event workers
- TIPS Gaming – For casino employees
- Register and pay the course fee ($40–$50)
- Complete the self-paced online training (2–3 hours)
- Pass the final exam (score 70% or higher)
- Receive your TIPS certification card via email
Option 2: In-Person TIPS Training in Boulder
- Find a Boulder-based TIPS instructor at www.gettips.com
- Register for a class at a local training center, restaurant, or event venue
- Attend the live training session (typically 3–5 hours)
- Take and pass the final exam
- Receive your TIPS certification card (digital or physical)
Many Boulder businesses arrange group training sessions for employees, making in-person certification a convenient option.
Cost of TIPS Certification in Boulder
The cost of obtaining TIPS certification in Boulder varies depending on the training method:
- Online TIPS Course: $40–$50 per person
- In-Person TIPS Course: $40–$60 per person (may include materials and classroom fees)
- Employer-Sponsored Training: Some businesses cover the cost for their staff
Once certified, the TIPS certification is valid for three years before requiring renewal.
What to Expect in the TIPS Training and Exam
TIPS training includes interactive lessons, videos, and real-world scenarios to prepare employees for responsible alcohol service. Topics covered include:
- Checking IDs and detecting fake IDs
- Understanding Colorado alcohol laws and local Boulder regulations
- Recognizing signs of intoxication
- Preventing underage drinking
- Handling difficult customers and refusing service safely
Final Exam Details
- Format: Multiple-choice questions
- Passing Score: 70% or higher
- Retakes: One free retake is typically allowed
- Time Limit: Usually one hour to complete
Once you pass the exam, you will receive a TIPS certification card that you can present to employers.
Renewal and Maintaining TIPS Certification
TIPS certification in Boulder is valid for three years. To remain certified, you must renew your certification before it expires.
Renewal Process
- Retake the online or in-person course before expiration
- Complete updated training (covers new liquor laws and best practices)
- Pass the final exam again
- Receive a new TIPS certification card
Many employers will remind employees when it’s time to renew their certification.
Boulder-Specific Alcohol Laws Related to TIPS Certification
When working in Boulder’s hospitality industry, it’s important to understand Colorado’s liquor laws and local regulations:
- Legal Drinking Age: 21 years old
- Hours of Alcohol Sales:
- Bars & Restaurants – 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Liquor Stores & Grocery Stores – 8:00 AM to Midnight
- ID Checking: Required for anyone appearing under 35 years old
- Dram Shop Laws: Businesses can be held liable for serving intoxicated individuals
- Refusing Service: Employees can legally refuse alcohol service to anyone who is visibly intoxicated
TIPS training ensures Boulder hospitality workers comply with these laws and avoid legal penalties.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a TIPS certification in Boulder is a smart career move for anyone working in bars, restaurants, liquor stores, or events. While not mandated statewide, many employers require or strongly recommend TIPS training to ensure safe and responsible alcohol service.
By completing TIPS certification, you can:
- Enhance your resume and increase job opportunities
- Protect your employer from liability
- Gain confidence in handling alcohol-related situations
- Ensure compliance with Colorado’s liquor laws
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About TIPS Certification in Boulder
No, TIPS certification is not legally required statewide in Colorado, but many Boulder businesses mandate it for employees serving or selling alcohol.
Employers in bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and event venues often require it to comply with local regulations and reduce liability risks.
While not a law, having a TIPS certification improves job prospects in the hospitality industry.
The online TIPS certification course takes about 2–3 hours to complete, while in-person classes typically last 3–5 hours, including the exam.
Online courses are self-paced, allowing flexibility, while in-person training provides direct instructor guidance. After passing the final exam (70% or higher), you receive your certification, which is valid for three years.
Yes, TIPS certification is nationally recognized and can be used in other cities and states.
However, some states have additional alcohol training requirements, so it’s best to check local laws before using your certification elsewhere.
Employers outside of Boulder may still require state-specific training in addition to TIPS.
