Become a Certified Bartender
You’re at the right place! We’re here to help you become certified as a bartender. Here’s what you need to know.
First, start by enrolling in an accredited bartending school. Make sure they have a solid reputation and have been in business for at least three years.
Next, find out what kind of certification you’ll need from your state. Some states require that you pass an exam before you can get certified; others simply require that you complete your coursework and submit a certificate of completion with copies of your transcripts or diploma from the school where you took your coursework.
Once you’ve done all that, it’s time to apply for your bartender certification!
The best way to do this is through an online application service like [company name]. There are many different ways to apply—you can apply online or over the phone, depending on how quickly you want your certification processed (or if there are other factors at play). When applying online or over the phone, make sure that all of your information is correct: this includes spelling and capitalization!
How To Become Certified Bartender
When considering bartending as a career path, it’s important to think about what certification you will need. In some cases a bartender certification is required, but not in others. Depending on your state’s requirements, you can pursue a state license to serve, or you can complete a mixology training course to focus more on the creative principles of bartending. In this article, we discuss what a bartender certification is, how it differs from a bartender license and how you can take steps to obtain your bartender certification.
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What is a bartender certification?
A bartender certification is a type of certificate obtained through bartender coursework known as mixology training. Bartenders who hold this type of certification may be referred to as mixologists and are required to have a deep understanding of the aspects of bartending, drink recipes, garnishes, appropriate glassware and customer service. Adherence to regulations for safety and responsibly serving alcohol is also an aspect of bartending certification.
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Bartender license vs. bartender certification
Bartending licenses differ from bartending certification in several ways, including the amount of coursework required for each. A bartending license may only allow bartenders to serve beer and wine products, depending on which state you seek licensure in. Here are details on the ways they differ:
Bartender license
A bartender license refers to the state licensure that qualifies bartenders to serve alcoholic beverages. Employees who seek a state bartending license may typically attend a short licensing program approved by a state or federal liquor regulation board. These programs might include training on state and federal liquor laws and the ethics and principles of serving alcohol responsibly.
Bartenders can generally obtain their licenses to serve alcohol at 18 years old, though this minimum age requirement can vary from state to state. Obtaining a bartending license differs from a bartender certification because it may not require the education standard that a bartending certification does. Similarly, state licenses differ in the type of alcoholic beverages a bartender may be allowed to legally serve.
Bartender certification
While a bartending license may only take several weeks to obtain, a bartending certification requires additional training along with required coursework on liquor laws and responsible serving. Typically, bartending certification classes might include training on mixology principles like mixing different drink recipes, applying creative garnishes, and background information on different liquor products that restaurants and bars use.
Mixology coursework may also focus on customer service skills and product inventory to better prepare students for work in a professional serving atmosphere. Bartending certification can also provide the additional credentials that some states require to serve hard alcohol products outside of beer and wine.
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How to get a bartender certification
Depending on your state’s requirements, you can typically follow several key steps to obtain your bartender certification. Aside from completing mixology coursework, you might have to complete an hourly requirement to pass your classes and apply to take your certification exam. Follow these steps to complete your training and obtain your bartender certification:
- Research your state’s bartending requirements.
- Research bartending schools or programs.
- Complete training and gain experience.
- Apply to take your certification exam.
- Complete the written and practical exams.
- Apply for your state certification.
- Obtain your state bartender certification.
1. Research your state’s bartending requirements
Research exactly what your state requires regarding serving and consuming alcoholic beverages. Some states differ in their regulations, and often different states require a minimum legal age to serve alcohol. When researching your state’s requirements, look for the best bartending certification programs that adhere to these regulations.
2. Research bartending schools or programs
After finding out exactly what your state requires, look for bartender certification programs that meet these standards. Consider schools that offer hands-on training behind a mock bar so that you learn how to handle the glassware and product bottles commonly used in bars and restaurants. Your coursework might include maintaining hourly work requirements as outlined by your state. Once you have chosen your ideal bartender certification program, apply to attend.
3. Complete training and gain experience
Attending a professional mixology course can help prepare you for bartending in the real world. Attend classes that require taking notes and quizzes to test your knowledge and understanding of liquor laws, responsible serving, customer service and recipes and products used in mixing alcoholic drinks. How long a certification program lasts may vary between schools, so evaluate how much time you’re willing to commit to your training.
4. Apply to take your certification exam
Once you have completed your required training, apply to take your certification exam. While it may not be a state requirement to file an application for permission to take the exam, you may still have to schedule your exam time with your bartender certification school.
5. Complete the written and practical exams
Some mixology programs require a two-part exam consisting of a written portion and a practical portion. Some programs may only require a written exam, and this also depends on what your state requires for bartender certification. Typically, though, you can expect to apply your knowledge of state and federal liquor laws, safety procedures, responsible serving principles and other topical coursework. The practical portion of your exam may have you mixing drinks by applying your knowledge of recipes and proper product usage, as well as testing your customer service skills. Once you have taken and passed your exam, you can apply for your bartender certification.
6. Apply for your state certification
Apply for your bartender certification by filing the appropriate paperwork and paying any required fees. Depending on your state of certification, your program instructor may also need to submit a reference on your behalf. It can take several days to several weeks to process and receive your state bartender certification.
7. Obtain your state bartender certification
After your application has been processed, you should receive your bartender certification. This allows you to apply for and take positions in bars, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality venues where alcohol is served. Consider starting in part-time bartending jobs to help you build your professional experience.
These steps serve as a general guideline, and there may be additional or varying requirements outlined by your state. However, expect to complete extensive training in mixology to apply for and receive your bartender certification.
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How to prepare for a bartender certification exam
It may seem intimidating to prepare for an exam, but you can improve your success by preparing yourself and studying in advance. Start preparing early to deepen your understanding and knowledge of the concepts in your coursework. Review your materials regularly as concepts are presented. You can also use the following tips to help you prepare for your bartender certification exam:
Use school resources
The program you attend may have a mock bar for student use. Use this school resource to get additional practice mixing drinks and deepening your familiarity with working behind the bar. Practice mixing drink recipes, preparing garnishes and following proper sanitation standards to clean and organize the glassware. Practice with a group of your classmates to mimic customer orders and interactions to develop your customer service skills.
Use your notes to study
Study your notes and quiz yourself using what you gathered during your mixology coursework. The written exam may ask questions about what to do in various customer situations, how to tend the bar or what standards to apply when working in a bar or restaurant. Be sure to review any concepts that you might be unclear on.
Consult with your instructor
Ask your instructor questions as you work through studying and preparing for the exam. If you are unclear about any topics covered during your classes, ask your instructor to clarify. Your instructor may also be a professional mixologist, so taking advantage of their experience and suggestions can benefit you greatly.
