Some businesses may require you to have certifications such as Safe Food Handling or Safe Alcohol Service to be accepted for their shifts.
Safe food handlers are more knowledgeable about safety practices and regulations, which can help prevent contamination and minimize the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks. This benefits customers and protects food service workers from the risks associated with handling contaminated food.
Safe Alcohol Service is beneficial in several ways. It helps prevent customers from becoming intoxicated and harming themselves or others, helps protect bartenders and servers from liability for over-serving, and demonstrates a commitment to preventing drunk driving, intoxication, and underage sales.
Some states — and some individual businesses — require certain certifications.
These are outlined below:
Texas
Safe Food Handling — Texas Department of State Health Services: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishments/licensing-food-handler-training-programs
Safe Alcohol Service — Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission: https://www.tabc.texas.gov/services/tabc-certification/
Nevada (Clark & Washoe Counties)
Safe Alcohol Service — Alcohol Awareness Training Nevada: https://www.tamnevada.com/
Arizona
Safe Alcohol Service — Not required by state law for servers, but many businesses require it. Title 4 Basic Liquor: https://www.360training.com/learn2serve/alcohol/arizona
Florida
Safe Food Handling: https://www.360training.com/course/florida-food-handler-training
Tennessee
Safe Alcohol Service — Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission: https://www.tn.gov/abc/alcohol-awareness.html
Indiana
Safe Alcohol Service — required by state law for anyone holding an Employee Permit to serve or sell alcohol, within 120 days of hire: https://www.in.gov/atc/
Pennsylvania (RAMP-certified businesses only)
Safe Alcohol Service — Pennsylvania's RAMP program is voluntary for businesses, but a RAMP-certified establishment will require its servers to be trained: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/lcb/alcohol-education-training/ramp.html
Some cities and counties have their own certification requirements beyond what's listed here — if you're unsure, check with the business or your local health department.