Earn Your Arizona Title 4 Alcohol Certification Online
Learn how to sell and serve alcohol responsibly in Arizona with our online Arizona BASIC Title 4 Alcohol Training for on-premises alcohol employees. Fully approved by the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (AZ DLLC), this intuitive program equips you with knowledge about state liquor laws. Ensure safe service to customers and protect yourself, your co-workers and your employer from civil liability.
Keep reading to learn more about the requirements for serving alcohol in Arizona.
What Is the Title 4 Program?
This on-premises alcohol safety course is designed for workers and managers at licensed establishments in which patrons consume alcohol on-site, including bars, restaurants and clubs. The sale of alcoholic beverages in Arizona is governed by Title 4 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS).
The state of Arizona offers two levels of alcohol safety training. BASIC training is a comprehensive overview of Title 4 provisions appropriate for all staff at all licensed establishments. This on-premises version of the program is available 100% online and takes approximately three and a half hours to complete.
At the end of the course, you will receive a digital Certificate of Completion which you can download and print as many times as you like. BASIC Title 4 alcohol training is a prerequisite for management training.
Who Needs to Take This Course?
The state requires managers and owners of any establishment that sells or serves alcohol on-premises to complete an approved Title 4 alcohol safety course as part of mandatory management training under ARS 4-112(G)(2).
While servers are not mandated to finish an alcohol certification program under state law, it is highly recommended. Obtaining a BASIC Title 4 certificate may improve the chances of finding employment, as employers may require servers to complete this training or prefer candidates who hold a current training certificate.
This training provides you with crucial knowledge and skills to help prevent alcohol-related incidents such as over-service, sales to minors and more. Anyone involved in the on-site sale or service of alcoholic beverages in Arizona will benefit from taking this course, including:
- Bartenders
- Barbacks
- Waiters
- Servers
- Bouncers
- Cashiers
- Bar and restaurant managers
- Hospitality workers
- Catering professionals
- Alcohol delivery drivers
- Event organizers
Testing Requirements
Our Title 4 Alcohol Certification program is divided into three chapters, with review questions at the end of each. These chapters teach you about state laws regarding your responsibilities as an alcohol seller or server, how to verify customer IDs and best practices for refusing sales to visibly intoxicated persons or minors. You may repeat chapter quizzes an unlimited number of times.
You must pass a final exam after completing the training material. You will have two attempts to pass the final exam with a score of 75% or higher to obtain your alcohol server permit. The final exam consists of 25 questions drawn from all three lessons.
Course Overview
In approximately three and a half hours, you can complete this course using your laptop, tablet or smartphone. Progress is saved automatically every time you log out, so you can break up your study sessions without having to repeat lessons.
Course chapters include:
- Chapter 1: Alcohol Facts
- Chapter 2: Your Risks and Responsibilities
- Chapter 3: Practical Skills and Techniques
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand alcohol's effects on the body
- Understand alcohol service laws
- Learn to identify problem situations
- Know how to slow down and refuse service
- Learn and practice key serving techniques
Upon successful course completion, you can download and print your certificate immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Title 4 training mandatory for alcohol servers in Arizona?
No. Arizona law does not require alcohol sellers or servers to complete this program, though it is strongly recommended. However, your employer or local jurisdiction may impose separate training requirements as a condition of employment.
We recommend you speak with your employer directly to confirm what is required for your position.
What kind of training options are available?
There are numerous training options for obtaining Arizona Title 4 alcohol certification. The most popular choice is online training. In-person lessons are also available in some areas, usually hosted by local training providers or through employer-sponsored workshops.
Both methods cover the required curriculum, but online courses are often preferred because they:
- Allow students to progress at their own pace
- Can be taken anywhere using any internet-connected device
- Provide quick access to their certificates upon completion
What's the difference between BASIC and management training?
In Arizona, there are two main types of alcohol training programs: BASIC and Management.
BASIC training is designed for servers, bartenders and other frontline staff who sell or serve beer, wine or spirits. It covers essential skills such as checking identification, recognizing signs of intoxication and understanding the key responsibilities of alcohol service. BASIC is the most common course taken by employees working in restaurants, bars and retail stores that sell liquor.
The alcohol management program is intended for owners, managers and license holders who oversee alcohol service operations. This training includes all the topics from BASIC, but goes further by addressing recordkeeping, reporting requirements and how to ensure that the establishment is in compliance with Arizona Title 4.
Is this course state approved?
Yes. Our course is approved by the AZ DLLC for alcohol servers, managers, owners and other officers involved in the day-to-day operation of licensed on-premises liquor service establishments.
Do I have to take a final exam to pass this course?
Yes. After completing the course chapters, you will be given a final exam consisting of 25 multiple-choice questions. You must pass the final exam with a minimum score of 75% to earn your certificate.
You will have two attempts to pass the final exam. If you don't achieve a passing score within these two attempts, you must repurchase the course and start anew.
How long does it take to complete the program?
State law mandates at least three hours for on-premises Title 4 Training and two hours for the off-premises version. This alcohol server training typically runs about three and a half hours, though you may spend additional time studying lesson materials and completing assessments if you like.
How long is my Arizona Title 4 Alcohol Certification valid?
Your certificate is valid for three years. If you wish to continue selling or serving alcohol for on-premises consumption in Arizona, you must retake the course before your certificate expires and pass the final exam again.
How will I receive my certificate?
Once you pass the course and final exam, you can immediately download and print your certificate.
What happens if I work with an expired permit?
Working with an expired alcohol server certification can carry serious consequences. Not only does it put you at risk of termination from your job, but it can also cause your employer to face fines or penalties during an inspection.
To remain compliant, you must purchase and retake an approved training program and pass the exam prior to your certificate's expiration date. You should not sell or serve drinks until you complete the course and get a new certificate. Your new permit will be valid for three years from the date it was issued.
What is the difference between on-premises and off-premises alcohol certification training?
On-premises certification is intended for workers, managers and business owners who sell or serve liquor for on-site consumption at their establishments. This includes workers and employers of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and other similar venues.
Off-premises certification is for those who sell alcohol for consumption off-site. This type of training is intended for anyone who works at, manages or owns a liquor store, grocery store, convenience store, gas station or other retail locations.
How old do you have to be to serve alcohol in Arizona?
In Arizona, you can serve alcohol at 18, but restrictions kick in for those under 19 based on the venue and tasks. While an 18-year-old can serve drinks in a restaurant, bartending or direct sales often require being at least 21. Employers must ensure their staff meet these age requirements to comply with state laws.
Does getting certified help with career advancement?
Having a Title 4 certificate shows employers that you are serious about responsible service. It can give you an edge over applicants who haven't completed training, since most businesses prefer to hire staff who already meet the state's requirements.
Is TIPS certification the same as Arizona Title 4 Training?
TIPS is a widely recognized alcohol awareness program available nationwide, but it is not equivalent to Arizona's required certification under Title 4.
TIPS certification may be accepted in some workplaces as part of an alcohol management program, but Arizona law requires training that specifically meets the state's Title 4 standards. When choosing a course, always ensure it is approved for Arizona so that your certification is recognized by regulators and employers.
Additional Links and Resources
Check out these useful resources to learn more about Arizona liquor regulations and responsible alcohol service.