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Bartenders

Education and Training Requirements

High School

Because bartenders must be good at calculating tabs, take as many high school math classes as possible. If you would like to own your own bar someday, consider taking business or accounting classes. You might also take family and consumer science classes to gain exposure to food and beverage measurements and preparation. Communication is a key part of this job. The bartender who can chat with customers, making them feel at home and welcomed, and work well as part of a team will have the most success in this profession. To improve your communication abilities, therefore, take English, speech, and any other classes that offer you the opportunity to work on these skills. Psychology classes will be useful because bartenders may encounter awkward social situations and regular customers sometimes talk with their neighborhood bartender about their problems and life challenges. With American bar and restaurant clientele becoming increasingly diverse, it is a good idea to take a foreign language, such as Spanish.

Postsecondary Training

A wide variety of vocational and technical schools offer complete courses in bartending. It is recommended that you complete a formal training program to prepare for this work. Such training will not only teach you about mixology (how to make mixed drinks) but also instruct you in areas such as business and marketing. It is important to note, though, that you must be old enough (usually at least 21) to serve alcohol in order to attend bartending school. Many bartenders also learn their trade on the job. They usually have had previous experience as bartender helpers, waiters' assistants, or waiters or waitresses.

Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation offers a variety of continuing education opportunities for food service workers and managers. For example, its ServSafe Alcohol program awards a certificate to those who complete an online course and pass an examination. Visit https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Alcohol for more information.

Other Education or Training

Colleges and universities, bartending schools, online learning platforms, and state and local bartending associations provide online and in-person classes that will help both aspiring and current bartenders expand their skills.