Information for Seller Training Schools

Training Together Newsletter

Training Together is the newsletter for all seller/server training schools/programs. It contains information about the TABC Seller Training Section, changes in the laws, and general topics of interest to the schools/programs.

Standard Penalty Chart

Trainers and schools should become familiar with the standard penalty chart so that they will not be in violation of the TABC Seller/Server Training rules.

Amendments to the standard penalty chart were approved by the TABC commissioners in October, 2002 to include the seller training violations. The penalty list in Rule 37.60 have been used informally for several years to ensure that violations were enforced fairly and consistently to all schools throughout the state. This penalty chart rule did not change any of the penalties assessed, but formally notifies all parties about the violations and their penalties.

New Trainers

If you are interested in becoming a trainer, please contact our Seller Training Section at (512) 206-3420 or seller.training@tabc.state.tx.us. You must be affiliated with a school/program to become a trainer, and complete 36 hours of training.

The 36 hours must include:

• 12 hours of studying the approved curriculum,
• 12 hours of watching a certified trainer teach the curriculum, and
• 12 hours of practice teaching the curriculum with a certified trainer present.

Exception: If you have experience as a trainer/teacher, only the 12 hours of studying the approved curriculum will be required, along with documentation of training/teaching experience.

New trainers are required to successfully complete an examination administered by the TABC with a minimum correct score of 80% (Administrative Rule §50.6 Application for Trainer Certification). Requirements for testing include:

1. Completed Trainer application ST-402
2. Check for $50.00 application fee.
3. Proper Identification

Contact your local TABC office to make an appointment to sit for an exam.

A criminal history background check on all trainers will be performed prior to approval.

New Schools

To open a TABC Seller Server Training school, you must apply for a new school/program and also apply to be a trainer. A curriculum that meets minimum requirements must be submitted and approved. The curriculum may be written or purchased from an approved school. The application fee for a new school/program is $1,000 and the trainer’s fee is $50. A criminal history background check on owners/administrators and trainers will be performed prior to approval.

TABC-licensed retailers who wish to open an in-house seller training school must train at least 150-200 employees a year in order to qualify.

For more information, please access the information packet online. The packet contains all forms and information required to apply and run an approved school/program.

Monitoring of Schools

Training programs are monitored by the Commission to determine if the schools are presenting the programs as approved by the TABC. To monitor the schools, compliance officers located in the field attend a seller training session unannounced. The compliance officers observe the instructional activities of the various seller training schools to ensure that the overall quality of the instruction remains high and the information imparted to trainees through the courses is accurate and consistent with the Commission's minimum course requirements.

When the monitoring assignment is complete, a report is issued to the school outlining any deficiencies noted. Generally, deficiencies noted include violations such as: omitting required topics from the presentation, inappropriately administering the certification test, and offering the class at a site that is not appropriate for training.

Related Rules

§50.3. Application for Program Approval.
§50.4. Program Administration.
§50.5. Denial, Revocation or Suspension of Program Approval.
§50.6. Application for Trainer Certification.
§50.7. Denial, Revocation or Suspension of Trainer Approval.
§50.8. Trainee Certification.
§50.9. Revocation or Suspension of Trainee Certification.

Questions? Comments?
seller.training@tabc.state.tx.us