What Is TAP?
Training for Alcohol Professionals is a program that has been exclusively designed to meet the needs of our local hospitality industry and adheres to the specific requirements set forth by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. The program consists of four main sections:
- Overview of Alcohol Law, Rights and Responsibilities
- Identifying Intoxication and Preventing Drunkenness
- Proper Techniques for Checking Identification
- Dealing with Difficult Situations
TAP Class Information
- Pre-Registration is required for in-person classes in Anchorage and Mat-Su. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled class for check-in.
- You may obtain a TAP® certification by registering to take our online TAP® Webinar. This is the only approved online alcohol server course that meets state requirements for servers and sellers of alcohol.
- Valid identification is required for all classes.
- Class fee is $40 for CHARR members and $55 for non-CHARR members. (Prices may vary outside of Anchorage and tax is NOT included in the prices)
- Renewal certification is available online or in-person (appointment required) at the CHARR office Monday through Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm. Renewal pricing is $60 for non-members and $45 for members.
Outside of Anchorage an additional fee for non-members or local taxes may apply. Class dates are subject to change. Private training and certification is available, certain restrictions apply. Please contact the instructor in your area or the Alaska CHARR office at 274-8133 for more information.
Cancellations received in writing 3 or more days prior to the class will result in a refund of the course registration fee minus a $10 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued less than 3 days prior to the class date.
If you wish to reschedule to a different class date after registering, and you notify us 3 or more days prior to the original class date, your registration fee will be transferred free of charge. Change requests made less than 3 days prior to the original class date will incur a $10 administrative fee.
Registration for TAP Webinars close 24 hours before class or when the class size limit meets max capacity - whichever comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pre-register for the classes?
Yes, registration is required, you can register online here or call the office. Bring valid picture ID and something to write on. Outside of Anchorage you will want to verify with the instructor on their class check-in procedures.
Registration is required for all webinar classes.
Need help registering?
Step by step video tutorial can be found here
How much does class cost?
In Anchorage the TAP class is $55. Employees of CHARR members receive a $15 discount and pay $40. The fee to renew without taking a class is $60 for non-members and $45 for members. Outside of Anchorage you will need to check with the local instructor on the cost. All instructors offer CHARR Member discounts. The Anchorage office accepts cash, check, or debit/credit cards as payment.
How long is class?
Typically class lasts 4 hours but can be as long as 5 hours
I lost my card, do I have to go to class again?
No, you can obtain a duplicate card from the CHARR Office for $20. You can do this with a credit card over the phone, through the mail with check or money order (be sure to include a contact phone number, address and LEGIBLE copy of your ID) or in person at the CHARR office.
Is there a test?
Yes. There is a test at the end of the class and you must receive an 85% to successfully pass the course. (87.5% for renewal testing).
Who is required to take the class?
Anyone involved in the sale of alcohol in any way, including servers, bartenders, security, managers, owners and retail clerks.
Do I have to be 21 years old to take the class?
No. However you must be 21 to receive a TAP® certification. Students should try to make arrangements to attend a class after their 21st birthday.
Is there a grace period on getting my card?
Yes. There is a 30 day grace period FOR NEW HIRES ONLY, unless you are working in Anchorage, in which case there is no grace period. Within the Municipality of Anchorage you must have your TAP card prior to serving or selling alcohol. You may not let it expire and still work
Do I have to wait to receive my certification card?
No. Unlike other alcohol certification classes, which make you wait up to a month after completing class, your TAP® card is issued immediately upon successfully completing the certification exam.
Is there a shorter class for renewals?
The law allows those who have previously attended an alcohol server education course in Alaska to renew their certification by passing an exam to show an understanding of course subjects. The renewal needs to be done within 6 months of your original card expiring. You may renew your certification by registering for our online renewal test here. The Anchorage office allows renewals Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm, please call the office to schedule your appointment .
Is my card from another state valid in Alaska?
No. Alcohol server training is state specific as state laws vary a great deal.
Can I have a TAP Card if I have a DUI?
There is no law prohibiting those with DUI's from having a TAP card.
Statewide TAP Instructors
Anchorage
David Daniel 907.274.8133
Fairbanks
Terry Shepard 907.590.1574
Renewal certification testing is available following scheduled classes (at approx. 8:30 pm).
Juneau
Bonilyn Parker 907-723-3273
Renewal certification is open 1 hour before regularly scheduled classes.
Ketchikan & Craig
Russell Beal 907.220.6101
Please get in touch with the instructor for in-person renewals
Mat-Su
Sam Smith 601-953-2107
Please get in touch with the instructor for in-person renewals
Sitka
Peter Menendez 907.738.3463
Please get in touch with the instructor for class dates and renewals.
