June 03, 2025
If you work in New York and your job involves selling or serving alcohol, there’s a training program you’ve likely come across — the Alcohol Training Awareness Program, or ATAP. Whether you're new to the industry or managing a team, this course is designed to help reduce alcohol-related risks in the workplace and promote safer service practices.
Here’s what you need to know about ATAP, including how it works, who should take it, and where to complete the training.
ATAP stands for Alcohol Training Awareness Program, a training initiative recognized by the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA). The goal is to educate alcohol servers and sellers on responsible practices — including checking IDs properly, avoiding sales to minors, and identifying intoxication.
Although ATAP certification is not mandatory statewide, the NYSLA strongly encourages it. Many employers, particularly bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and liquor stores, require employees to complete the training as part of their onboarding process.
The ATAP course is intended for anyone who sells or serves alcohol in New York, including:
Bartenders
Waitstaff
Store clerks
Cashiers
Security personnel
Delivery drivers
It applies to both on-premises establishments (like bars and restaurants) and off-premises locations (like convenience stores and supermarkets). Even if your employer doesn’t require it, completing the training can help you stand out when applying for alcohol-related jobs in the state.
The course content varies slightly by provider but typically includes:
The effects of alcohol on the body
How to verify age and recognize fake IDs
Steps to prevent sales to minors
Strategies for dealing with intoxicated or disruptive customers
An overview of New York’s alcohol laws and server responsibilities
Courses are designed to be accessible and straightforward, even for those new to the industry. Most programs break the training into short, self-paced lessons and end with a multiple-choice exam.
ATAP training can be completed entirely online through providers certified by the NYSLA. These courses are usually mobile-friendly and allow learners to work at their own pace.
Here’s what you can generally expect:
Course length: About 2–3 hours
Exam: Typically 40 questions with 1–2 attempts to pass
Passing score: 75% or higher
Certificate: Downloadable upon completion, valid for 3 years
To ensure you’re taking a legitimate course, check the NYSLA’s list of approved ATAP providers at sla.ny.gov. Only providers on this list are authorized to issue valid certification.
Some providers will report training completions to New York’s Record Control system. This often includes the name of the student and their employer (if provided). For businesses, having ATAP-certified employees may help demonstrate due diligence if an alcohol-related violation ever occurs.
If you're an employer, you can also find training platforms that offer management dashboards, allowing you to assign training, track employee progress, and store certificates in one place.
Is ATAP training mandatory in New York?
Not statewide, but many employers make it a condition of employment. NYSLA recommends it as a best practice.
How long is the certification valid?
Most certificates are valid for 36 months (3 years).
What happens if I fail the final exam?
Most providers offer a second attempt. If you don’t pass, you may be required to retake the training.
Can I take the course on my phone?
Yes — most approved providers offer mobile-friendly platforms.
How do I know if a provider is legitimate?
Visit sla.ny.gov and review the list of certified ATAP schools before enrolling.
If you're ready to take the next step, you can register for ATAP training through LIQUORexam.com, one of the state-approved providers listed by the NYSLA.
LIQUORexam.com offers:
A 100% online, mobile-friendly ATAP course
Self-paced lessons that take about 3 hours to complete
Immediate certificate access upon passing
Automatic reporting to the New York Record Control system
Corporate tools for assigning training and tracking employee progress
In addition to being approved by the state, LIQUORexam.com has more ratings — and higher ratings — than any other ATAP provider in New York.
For more information or to register, visit: https://www.liquorexam.com/new_york_atap_alcohol_training_awareness_program
