How Do I Become a Licensed Bartender?

Bartenders have to know how to make a large variety of drinks.

There is no specific license bartenders can obtain to work. Instead, bartending certificates demonstrate a bartender's knowledge and skills in mixing alcoholic-based drinks.

Requirements

The minimum age requirement to pour alcohol varies by state. In some states, you can pour alcohol at the age of 18, while other states have a minimum age of 21. Employers usually hire bartenders ages 21 and over. Some employers don't hire people younger than 25 years of age.

School

To attend bartending school, a high-school diploma and minimum age of 18 is preferred. You will have to complete 40 hours of classroom training. The final exam exists of a written exam and a drink-mixing speed test.

Curriculum

When attending bartending school some of the things you will learn include bartending laws, how to mix drinks, about the different glassware used in bartending, customer service tips, basic bar set-up and how to handle bar equipment.

Certifications

Bartending certificates are accepted nationwide since they are not regulated by any municipality or government agency.

References

• Bartending World: Frequently Asked Questions
• Bartending World:Bartending - What You Will Learn
• State University: Bartending Job Description
• Michigan: Careers - Bartender