How To Acquire a TIPS Certification in New York, New York: Full Guide

TIPS Certification in New York, New York: Key Takeaways

• TIPS certification costs $38–$50 online or $40–$50 in person, with some employers covering the fee.
• Certification is not legally required statewide, but many New York City employers mandate it for alcohol service roles.
• TIPS certification lasts three years and requires passing an exam with at least 70%.

In New York City, obtaining a TIPS certification is often required by employers involved with alcohol service and sales, even though it is not mandated statewide.

This article provides a detailed guide on how to get your TIPS certification in New York, including application steps, costs, training options, exam details, and renewal procedures.

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Steps To Acquire a TIPS Certification in New York, New York

TIPS certification in New York City is available through both online and in-person training options.

1. Online Training – Flexible and self-paced, accessible via the official TIPS website.
2. In-Person Training – Conducted by certified trainers at designated venues.
3. Group Training – Employers often arrange group sessions for staff convenience.

Option 1: Online TIPS Certification

• Visit the official TIPS website.
• Select the appropriate course type for your role: TIPS On-Premise for bartenders and servers, TIPS Off-Premise for liquor store clerks, TIPS Concessions for event staff, or TIPS Gaming for casino employees.
• Register online and pay the course fee, typically between $38 and $50.
• Complete the 2-3 hour self-paced training covering New York-specific alcohol laws and responsible serving.
• Pass the online exam with a minimum score of 70%.
• Receive your TIPS certification digitally by email.

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Option 2: In-Person TIPS Training

• Find a certified TIPS instructor or training location listed on www.gettips.com.
• Choose a class date and site convenient for you.
• Register and pay the in-person fee, typically $40–$50.
• Attend the 2-3 hour live training session focused on New York alcohol laws and service safety.
• Complete and pass the final exam.
• Obtain your certification card either digitally or physically.

For employees, it’s recommended to check with your employer about group training sessions, which can lower costs and simplify certification for teams.

Cost of TIPS Certification in New York, New York

The cost of completing TIPS certification in New York City depends on the format:

• Online courses cost between $38 and $50.
• In-person training fees range from $40 to $50.
• Employer-sponsored training may cover these costs partially or fully.

The certification is valid for three years after completion, after which renewal is required to maintain certification status.

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What To Expect in the New York, New York TIPS Training and Exam

TIPS training focuses on practical alcohol service skills tailored to New York City’s laws, including:

• ID checking procedures and identifying fake IDs.
• Legal aspects of New York State alcohol laws.
• Recognizing signs of intoxication and handling difficult situations.
• Preventing intoxication-related incidents and accidents.
• Proper refusal of service to underage or intoxicated customers.

The exam is multiple-choice with a 60-minute time limit and requires at least 70% to pass. Two attempts are included with the course; further attempts may require re-enrollment.

Renewal and Maintaining TIPS Certification

TIPS certification in New York City is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must renew before expiration.

Renewal Process

• Complete a refresher course or retake the full course, as specified by the training provider.
• Pass the current exam again to demonstrate ongoing knowledge.
• Receive an updated certification card.

Renewing timely ensures compliance with employers’ requirements and ongoing eligibility for alcohol service positions.

Who Needs a TIPS Certification in New York, New York?

Though not mandated by statewide law, many employers in New York City require TIPS certification for employees in roles that involve alcohol service or sales, including:

• Bartenders
• Servers in restaurants and bars
• Liquor store clerks
• Casino staff
• Concession staff at events and venues

If your job includes handling or selling alcohol, your employer likely requires you to be TIPS certified.

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Benefits of Getting TIPS Certified in New York, New York

Obtaining TIPS certification in New York City offers multiple benefits:

• Compliance with employer requirements increases your job prospects.
• Improved knowledge of local laws reduces risk of violations.
• Skills to identify intoxicated customers help prevent incidents and liability.
• Demonstrates professionalism and responsibility to employers and patrons.
• Reduces legal risks for your employer through informed service practices.

Key New York Alcohol Laws Related to TIPS Certification

Understanding local alcohol laws is essential when working with TIPS certification:

• Legal Drinking Age: 21 years old.
• Hours of Alcohol Sales:
  • On-premise (bars and restaurants): 8:00 AM to 4:00 AM.
  • Off-premise (liquor stores): 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
• ID Checking: Required for anyone who appears under 25 years old.
• Dram Shop Liability: Establishments can be liable for damages caused by intoxicated patrons served illegally.
• Right to Refuse Service: Legal to refuse service to intoxicated or underage individuals.

TIPS training prepares you to comply with these laws and serve alcohol responsibly in New York City.