TIPS
TIPS® Certification
The most widely recognized alcohol-server certification in the US. Satisfies requirements in nearly every state. Valid 3 years.
- Recognized in nearly all 50 states
- Valid for 3 years
- Minimum age 18
Certifications
Walk out with credentials that get you hired
A Pour House certificate proves you can work a bar. Add the national alcohol-server certification employers ask for, and you're ready to be put on the schedule.
What you'll earn
Three credentials, one program
Earn our certificate in class, then get prepped for the alcohol-server certifications recognized across the country.
ServSafe
ServSafe Alcohol®
The other national standard for responsible alcohol service, accepted by employers and regulators alike.
- Accepted nationwide
- Employer-trusted
- Pairs with our Core course
PHA
Pour House Graduation Certificate
Our own certificate of completion, plus a branded resume, job-placement assistance, and lifetime free refresher classes.
- Resume + interview prep
- Referrals to SD venues
- Lifetime refreshers
The national standard
TIPS® and ServSafe Alcohol®, explained
TIPS® and ServSafe Alcohol® are the two national standards for responsible alcohol service. They're the certifications employers and regulators look for — recognized in nearly every state, valid for three years, and open to anyone 18 or older.
California generally expects bar and restaurant staff to complete alcohol-server training. We build that prep into our of-age courses so you finish ready to sit the exam and start working — no scrambling after graduation.
- Recognized in nearly all 50 states
- Valid for 3 years before renewal
- Minimum age 18 to certify
- Prep built into every of-age course
Know the difference
Graduation certificate vs. alcohol-server certification
Pour House graduation certificate
Our certificate proves you completed the program and can actually work a bar — building drinks, running a station, handling guests. It's what you show alongside your resume to prove your hands-on skill.
Alcohol-server certification
TIPS® / ServSafe Alcohol® is the legally recognized credential for responsible service. Employers and regulators require it — and we prep you to earn it. Together with your graduation certificate, you're fully hire-ready.
Age requirements
Who can certify, and when
18+
Required to attend any class that handles alcohol and to earn TIPS® or ServSafe Alcohol® certification.
21+
Most California venues require you to be 21 to serve alcohol on the job. We help you get hire-ready before then.
Ages 8–15
Our Kids' Mocktail class is fully alcohol-free — no age-server rules apply, just fun behind a juice bar.
Job-placement assistance
A credential is only worth as much as the job it lands. Every grad gets resume and interview prep plus referrals to San Diego venues actively hiring — we want you behind a real bar, fast.
Lifetime free refreshers
Skills fade if you don't use them. Come back and re-take any class you've completed, free, for life — to sharpen up before a new gig or just to learn the latest techniques.
Get certified. Get hired.
Pick a start date, or talk to us about which certification path fits your goals.