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

TIPS Certification in Utah: Key Takeaways

Cost of TIPS certification in Utah ranges from $16.95 to $21 for online courses.
TIPS certification is legally required statewide for anyone serving or selling alcohol.
Training is available online, in person, and often through group sessions.

Utah requires TIPS certification for alcohol servers and sellers statewide, including bartenders, clerks, and managers. This article covers how to obtain your certification, the cost, training formats, and renewal process.

Learn where to apply, what to expect in the exam, and your responsibilities under Utah’s alcohol laws once TIPS certified.

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Steps To Acquire a TIPS Certification in Utah

Utah offers multiple ways to get TIPS certified, including online, in person, and group training options through approved providers.

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Option 1: Online TIPS Certification

Visit the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) training page to find approved online courses.
Choose the course type depending on your role: TIPS On-Premise for bartenders and servers or TIPS Off-Premise for retail clerks.
Register and pay the fee, which ranges from $16.95 to $21 online.
Complete the self-paced 3-hour training that covers Utah-specific alcohol laws and responsible service practices.
Pass the final exam with a minimum score of 70% to earn certification.
Receive your certificate electronically for use with employers.

Option 2: In-Person TIPS Certification

Register for an in-person class through approved DABS training providers; availability may vary by location.
Attend the live training session covering the same topics as the online course.
Employers in Utah often offer group training sessions which can be a convenient option for employees.
Complete the in-person exam and receive a physical or digital certificate once you pass.

Cost of TIPS Certification in Utah

The cost to obtain TIPS certification online ranges from $16.95 to $21, making it affordable for most individuals. In-person cost details are not publicly available but may be higher depending on the provider.

Employers may cover training costs, especially when arranging group sessions.

Once certified, your TIPS certification in Utah is valid for 3 years.

What To Expect in the Utah TIPS Training and Exam

The TIPS training program teaches:

ID checking and spotting fake IDs to prevent underage sales.
Utah alcohol laws including sale hours and dram shop liability.
Recognizing signs of intoxication and how to handle customers responsibly.
Preventing alcohol-related incidents through responsible service.
Rights and methods to refuse service safely.

The final exam consists of multiple-choice questions that you must pass with a minimum score of 70%. If you fail, you are allowed to retake the exam, although policies may differ by provider.

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Renewal and Maintaining TIPS Certification

TIPS certification in Utah lasts for three years. To maintain your certification, you must complete an approved alcohol server training course every three years.

This renewal usually involves retaking the course and passing the exam again to stay compliant.

Who Needs a TIPS Certification in Utah?

Utah law requires TIPS certification for all employees involved in alcohol service or sales. This includes:

Bartenders and servers in bars and restaurants
Liquor store clerks and retail sellers
Convenience and grocery store clerks selling alcohol
Managers of bars and restaurants handling alcohol transactions

If your role includes selling or serving alcohol in Utah, you must be TIPS certified to comply with state regulations.

Benefits of Getting TIPS Certified in Utah

Getting TIPS certified provides multiple advantages:

Legal compliance: Utah state law requires it, helping you avoid fines and penalties.
Employment opportunities: Most employers require or prefer certified employees.
Enhanced skills: Learn to responsibly serve alcohol while protecting your business from liability.
Reduced risk: Understanding dram shop laws and refusal rights lowers the risk of legal issues from overserving.

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When certified in Utah, you must understand these critical laws:

Legal drinking age: 21 years old.
Alcohol sales hours: On-premise sales allowed between 10:00 AM and 1:00 AM; off-premise sales permitted from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
ID checking: Required for anyone who appears under the age of 35.
Dram shop liability: Businesses can be held responsible for damages related to serving intoxicated individuals.
Right to refuse service: Employees and establishments can legally refuse service to intoxicated or underage customers.

TIPS certification ensures you understand and comply with these laws while responsibly serving alcohol in Utah.

01. Is TIPS certification required in Utah?

Yes, all individuals who serve or sell alcohol in Utah are required to complete an approved alcohol server training program.

02. How long does TIPS certification take?

The online course typically takes about 3 hours to complete.

03. What happens if I fail the Utah TIPS exam?

You can retake the exam if you fail, but specific retake policies may vary by provider.

04. Can I use my Utah TIPS certification in other states?

TIPS certification is recognized in many states, but you should verify with the specific state's requirements.

05. Where can I find a TIPS course near me?

You can find approved training providers through the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services website.