Common Mistakes People Make When Obtaining Their TABC Certification

TABC Certification is a certificate for safe alcohol selling and service in Texas. While it’s not a legal requirement in Texas, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission strongly encourages having it, and many employers require it. 

Studying for TABC Certification is straightforward, yet that doesn’t mean you can’t make mistakes when obtaining it. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make as they work toward receiving their TABC Certification.

Choosing a Non-Accredited Provider

There are dozens of approved course providers in Texas, but there are also plenty that aren’t approved. If you enroll in a course that isn’t approved by the TABC, your certification won’t be valid. This means that you’ll need to complete the course again through an approved provider. 

If you are unsure whether the provider you intend to obtain your certificate from is valid, check the list provided by TABC. You can then make your choice with confidence. 

Assuming Your Certificate Is Valid Forever

It’s easy to assume that once you have your TABC Certificate, it’s valid for however long you decide to sell and serve alcohol. However, since knowledge can fade over time, these certificates have an expiry date.

After completing the course, your TABC Certificate is valid for two years from the date it was issued. Mark your calendar with the expiry date so you remember to complete the course again to obtain a new certificate! 

Rushing Through the Course

The online TABC certification course is the fastest allowed by law, and most people complete it in around two hours. However, the online program is entirely self-paced, and you’re encouraged not to rush it. Take your time to have a complete understanding of the course content so you can incorporate it into your job and provide safe alcohol service. 

Rushing the course can have serious repercussions. You can have the certificate to make yourself desirable to employers but lack the knowledge to prevent illegal alcohol sales.

Not Printing or Saving the Certificate

Not printing or saving your TABC Certificate doesn’t mean you won’t have any way to prove you’ve completed the course, but it certainly makes it more challenging. Once your certificate is emailed to you after completing the course, save it in a secure location and print a copy for your records and your employer.

If you’ve misplaced your certificate or forgot to save it, complete a certificate inquiry with the TABC. Once you enter your Social Security number and date of birth, you can confirm that you have your TABC Certificate and determine when it needs to be renewed. 

Not Providing the Correct Information

You will be prompted to provide all relevant information to obtain your TABC Certificate, including your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you don’t have an SSN, you can use a Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa or an Individual Tax ID number. 

If any of this information is incorrect, your mismatched records may render your certificate invalid. Always double-check your details before completing your TABC Certification course. 

Ignoring Your Employer’s Policies

When you complete the TABC Certification course, you learn about all the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission’s requirements you must follow to be compliant with Texas laws. While it’s crucial to follow these, your employer might also have additional policies for handling alcohol in addition to TABC regulations. Failure to follow these rules, as well as the TABC regulations, might lead to disciplinary action. 

Learn More About TABC Certification with TABC Pronto

If you sell and serve alcohol or intend to get a job doing that, learn more about obtaining your TABC Certification with TABC Pronto. Our 100% online course is straightforward and self-paced. Enroll in TABC Certification today for $9.99 or purchase a bundle deal with the Texas Food Handlers Card for $16.98.