TABC Certification: How to Get Your Bartending License in Texas

Thinking about bartending in Texas? Whether you're pouring beers at a local pub or mixing cocktails at a high-end lounge, there's one thing every server needs before they get behind the bar; TABC certification.

If you’re not sure how to get started, don’t worry. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what TABC certification is, why it’s important, and how to get your bartending license online—so you can start your job with confidence and compliance.

What Is the TABC?

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, or TABC, was established in 1935 and regulates the alcoholic beverage industry in Texas. The TABC develops the seller-server training curriculum, and if you successfully complete a training program, you become Texas TABC Certified. 

The objective of being TABC certified is to gain the knowledge and skills that will help you avoid recurring alcohol service violations, such as preventing sales of alcohol to minors or intoxicated people, and it allows your employer to feel better knowing that you're doing your part to keep Texans safe. The TABC certification on its own can also be called a bartending license. 

In Texas, the process is simple: visit a TABC certification website, register for a course, spend a few hours, pass the exam, and become certified to bartend in Texas. However, research local and state laws to determine exactly what is required. 

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) provides a list of recognized providers if you're interested in working as a bartender in Texas and need to take classes to earn your certification. Both in-person academic options and online options are mentioned in the list. We recommend enrolling in this Tips TABC course.

If you have questions on getting TABC certified visit the official TABC website. 

How to Become a Bartender in Texas

If you want to become a bartender in Texas, here are some steps you should follow: 

Step 1: Age requirements 

Texas has strict minimum age requirements for people who wish to sell or serve alcoholic beverages. The minimum age to sell or serve alcohol, according to Texas law, is determined by the kind of license or permit that the establishment has. This means to determine how old you have to be a bartender in Texas, you must consider the nature of the company. 

So, can you be a bartender at 18 in Texas? Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to sell or serve alcohol in places like pubs and restaurants where it is consumed on-premises and you must be at least 18 years old to sell it to customers who will consume it off-premises at a grocery store or other location. This refers to both servers and bartenders. 

Step 2: TABC Certification 

Getting your TABC certification is a career move that you should pursue because it will help you succeed in your role as a bartender. Although TABC certification is not mandated by law, most employers in the state require it. By taking the appropriate TABC bartender certification course, employers will value seeing this on your application and this will help speed up your hiring process. This step will also help you update your skills and gain the knowledge required to make the right decisions and follow the law. 

Some important concepts you’ll learn from a TABC certification course are:

• An in-depth understanding of Texas's alcohol laws and regulations
• How to avoid selling alcohol to underage and intoxicated people
• How to check IDs correctly 
• How to set drinking limitations on people 

Step 3: Work on Your Soft Skills 

Prepare for working as a bartender by fine-tuning your soft skills. Your ability to make your bar customers feel at ease in both their surroundings and with you as their bartender is one of the most important soft skills. To be a great bartender, you must excel in hospitality because it is important in the service sector. 

Step 4: Gain Experience

Make sure to have serving or bartending experience to be considered by a wide range of employers. Considering most restaurants promote bartenders from internally, this will help you advance to getting hired. The ideal first step you can take to become a bartender is to gain experience as a server. In addition to having the chance to monitor your own bar and bartenders and learn from them, you will get hands-on experience that you can apply to your work regularly.

Step 5: Firsthand Training 

Once you've been hired as a server, inform management that you're interested in working as a barback, a bartender’s assistant with responsibilities such as preparation and maintaining product supplies during the shift. You will gain practical knowledge and instruction about how to prepare drinks and how the bar functions. 

If helping as a barback isn't an option at your place of employment, ask whether you may assist with inventory. Many bars and restaurants conduct a monthly inventory of all the alcoholic beverages they sell. It will teach you a lot about the various kinds of alcoholic beverage goods, shopping, and liquor prices. Additionally, it will demonstrate to management how committed you are to supporting others, advancing your career, and earning your place behind the bar.

How Much Do Bartenders Make In Texas?

It’s only natural to wonder what kind of income you can expect as a Bartender in Texas. According to ZipRecruiter, the average bartender in Texas earns around $14.82 per hour, while Salary.com reports a slightly lower figure at $13 per hour, with annual salaries typically ranging from $20,920 to $31,415. These base wages don’t include tips, which can significantly boost your income, especially in high-traffic venues or major cities like Austin and Dallas. When factoring in gratuities, experienced bartenders in busy areas can earn between $30,000 to $50,000 per year or more. With the right training, location, and hustle, bartending in Texas can be a lucrative and flexible career path.

Get TABC Certified with Tips

Ready to start bartending in the Lone Star State? Our online TABC training is fast, convenient, and state-approved, giving you the confidence to serve alcohol responsibly. For those looking to boost their credentials, consider bundling your TABC course with Texas Food Handler training to cover all your compliance needs in one go.

Need training for your entire staff? Our TIPS Pre-Paid Passports make it easy to purchase TABC certification in bulk. Explore your options and start training today!