Frequently Asked Questions

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  • This course provides comprehensive training for individuals aiming to become professional or occasional servers (in catering, cafes, bars or restaurants) It covers essential skills, industry knowledge, and practical techniques necessary for success in the hospitality sector.


  • For those with no experience, this course prepares you to be a more attractive candidate to employers, helping you avoid the overwhelm and training burden on your team. It boosts your confidence for your first day on the job.

  • There are no prerequisites for this course.


  • The course is now 4 days × 4 hours (16 hours total). There is no longer a 5-hour day for the exam.

  • Description text goes hereEach session includes topic selection and discussion, hands-on practice, and role-playing activities, with full participation required from all students.


    See a sample curriculum here.

  • Participants will acquire a broad range of skills, including customer service excellence, hosting and bussing duties, order taking, food and beverage service, and effective communication.


  • Yes, you can view a sample curriculum for the 4-day (4 hours per day) course here. A detailed Student Handbook will also be emailed to all participants before the course begins.

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  • If a student misses a class, they will need to attend that session during a future course. They will also need to complete the final exam in a future course before receiving their certificate.

  • Minimum 2 students, maximum 7 students.

  • Sandrine, a veteran in the industry, will teach the course and will only hire experienced professionals as instructors.

  • Bring a pen and paper for note-taking. We prefer that cell phones are not used for notes to minimize distractions.

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  • Wear comfortable clothing during the course. On exam day, you will be expected to dress as you would for your first day working in a restaurant: clean, professional, and pressed attire appropriate for the hospitality industry.

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  • Our 6-level certification system ensures that you are placed in a job that matches your skills and experience.

    After completing the course, your certification will clearly reflect your level of proficiency, from entry-level to advanced service. This is easily verifiable for prospective employers via our website.

    This means you can confidently apply for positions that align with your abilities, making it easier for you to succeed in your chosen role.

  • Our 6-level certification system allows you to select staff with the precise skill level required for your job openings.

    Whether you're looking for an entry-level server or someone with advanced service skills, our certification provides a clear indication of each graduate's capabilities, helping you make informed hiring decisions and ensuring your team is the perfect fit for your business.

  • You may graduate with distinction, indicating you are ready to start as a server but need more practice. Alternatively, you may graduate with distinction and honor, signifying mastery of all the skills taught.


  • Even if you do not pass the exam, you will still receive a certificate of completion.

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  • Currently, we do not offer job placement assistance. However, as the course grows, we aim to become a recognized prerequisite for employment in the industry in BC, giving our graduates a competitive edge.


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  • The current cost of our 4-day, 4 hours per day curriculum is $850. We encourage applicants to review our Grant Opportunities page to see if there is a grant for which you may be eligible.

  • Students may cancel up to 24 hours before the first class for a full refund. With less than 24 hours’ notice, the registration fee is non-refundable, but it can be applied to a future course date.

  • Our Grant Opportunities page has the latest grant programs we believe may apply to TIPS Academy. Please reach out to us if you have an interest in attending our program but fees are a barrier.

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  • This course is designed to help experienced servers strengthen the skills that lead to greater confidence, stronger performance, and career advancement.

    Topics include:

    • Professional communication with guests, teammates, and management

    • Accountability and teamwork

    • Proper food and beverage service techniques

    • Wine opening and basic decanting techniques

    • Efficient table clearing and service standards

    • Upselling and guest engagement

    • The skills and mindset that help you earn promotions within your restaurant


  • This course is designed for hospitality professionals who already have serving experience.

    To register, you should have either:

    • At least one year of serving experience in a restaurant, café, or bar, or

    • At least two years of experience as a server assistant.

    If you have little or no serving experience, or have worked only as a host, we recommend taking our 16-hour Introduction to Serving Course first.

  • You should have completed either:

    • The 16-hour Introduction to Serving Course, or

    • At least one year of serving experience.

  • The course is 4 hours.

  • Description text goes hereEach session includes topic selection and discussion, hands-on practice, and role-playing activities, with full participation required from all students.


    See a sample curriculum here.

  • Participants will acquire a broad range of skills, including customer service excellence, hosting and bussing duties, order taking, food and beverage service, and effective communication.


  • Yes. A sample curriculum is available on our website. After registering, you will also receive a detailed Student Handbook by email.

  • If a student misses a class, they will need to attend that session during a future course. They will also need to complete the final exam in a future course before receiving their certificate.

  • Classes have a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 12 participants.

  • Sandrine, a veteran in the industry, will teach the course and will only hire experienced professionals as instructors.

  • A notebook and pen are recommended if you wish to take notes. All other course materials are provided.

  • No. There is no dress code for this course.

  • Our 6-level certification system allows you to select staff with the precise skill level required for your job openings.

    Whether you're looking for an entry-level server or someone with advanced service skills, our certification provides a clear indication of each graduate's capabilities, helping you make informed hiring decisions and ensuring your team is the perfect fit for your business.

  • Our 6-level certification system ensures that you are placed in a job that matches your skills and experience.

    After completing the course, your certification will clearly reflect your level of proficiency, from entry-level to advanced service. This is easily verifiable for prospective employers via our website.

    This means you can confidently apply for positions that align with your abilities, making it easier for you to succeed in your chosen role.

  • You may graduate with distinction, indicating you are ready to start as a server but need more practice. Alternatively, you may graduate with distinction and honor, signifying mastery of all the skills taught.


  • Maybe not. This course is designed to strengthen core serving skills rather than teach advanced fine-dining service.

    We focus on proper service techniques, communication, wine opening, basic decanting, accountability, teamwork, and upselling. If you already have significant fine-dining experience, much of the material may already be familiar to you.

  • Even if you do not pass the exam, you will still receive a certificate of completion.

  • Currently, we do not offer job placement assistance. However, as the course grows, we aim to become a recognized prerequisite for employment in the industry in BC, giving our graduates a competitive edge.


  • The tuition is $200 per participant.

  • You may cancel up to 24 hours before the course for a full refund.

    Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice are non-refundable, but your payment may be applied toward a future course date.

  • Our Grant Opportunities page has the latest grant programs we believe may apply to TIPS Academy. Please reach out to us if you have an interest in attending our program but fees are a barrier.

  • This course is designed for new managers and experienced hospitality professionals who are preparing to move into a leadership role.

    Topics include:

    • Inspiring and motivating your team

    • Building a positive workplace culture

    • Clear and effective communication

    • Handling guest concerns professionally

    • Setting clear, measurable expectations

    • Coaching staff and eliminating limiting beliefs

    • Holding team members accountable

    • Addressing mistakes constructively

    • Leadership strategies and real-life role plays

  • This course is ideal for:

    • New or recently promoted managers

    • Supervisors and team leaders

    • Experienced hospitality professionals preparing for a leadership position

    • Anyone who wants to strengthen their leadership and communication skills

  • We recommend that participants have at least two years of hospitality experience. Previous experience supervisig or leading a team is helpful but not required.

  • The course is 4 hours.

  • Description text goes hereEach session includes topic selection and discussion, hands-on practice, and role-playing activities, with full participation required from all students.


    See a sample curriculum here.

  • Participants will acquire a broad range of skills, including customer service excellence, hosting and bussing duties, order taking, food and beverage service, and effective communication.


  • Yes. A sample curriculum is available on our website. After registering, you will also receive a detailed Student Handbook by email.

  • If a student misses a class, they will need to attend that session during a future course. They will also need to complete the final exam in a future course before receiving their certificate.

  • Classes have a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 18 participants.

  • Sandrine, a veteran in the industry, will teach the course and will only hire experienced professionals as instructors.

  • A notebook and pen are recommended if you wish to take notes. All other course materials are provided.

  • No. There is no dress code for this course.

  • Our 6-level certification system ensures that you are placed in a job that matches your skills and experience.

    After completing the course, your certification will clearly reflect your level of proficiency, from entry-level to advanced service. This is easily verifiable for prospective employers via our website.

    This means you can confidently apply for positions that align with your abilities, making it easier for you to succeed in your chosen role.

  • Our 6-level certification system allows you to select staff with the precise skill level required for your job openings.

    Whether you're looking for an entry-level server or someone with advanced service skills, our certification provides a clear indication of each graduate's capabilities, helping you make informed hiring decisions and ensuring your team is the perfect fit for your business.

  • You may graduate with distinction, indicating you are ready to start as a server but need more practice. Alternatively, you may graduate with distinction and honor, signifying mastery of all the skills taught.


  • Maybe not. This course is designed to strengthen core serving skills rather than teach advanced fine-dining service.

    We focus on proper service techniques, communication, wine opening, basic decanting, accountability, teamwork, and upselling. If you already have significant fine-dining experience, much of the material may already be familiar to you.

  • Even if you do not pass the exam, you will still receive a certificate of completion.

  • Currently, we do not offer job placement assistance. However, as the course grows, we aim to become a recognized prerequisite for employment in the industry in BC, giving our graduates a competitive edge.


  • The tuition is $200 per participant.

  • You may cancel up to 24 hours before the course for a full refund.

    Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice are non-refundable, but your payment may be applied toward a future course date.

  • Our Grant Opportunities page has the latest grant programs we believe may apply to TIPS Academy. Please reach out to us if you have an interest in attending our program but fees are a barrier.