How to Apply to Bartending School

If you're not sure what the difference between a Manhattan and a margarita is, but you want to become a bartender, you'll need to apply to bartending school and receive certification. Becoming certified greatly increases your chances of finding gainful employment in an industry where who you know can be important as what you know.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Find a bar you would like to work in and speak to the bar manager. Some establishments send candidates directly to bartending schools they've been dealing with for years, while others may offer on-the-job training. It's not always necessary to go to bartending school to become a bartender.
2. Contact bartending schools in your area and ask about the length of the programs they offer and what kind of hands-on training you'll receive. Clarify any questions you might have about the application process.
3. Attend a screening interview before you apply, if the school requires it. At this point, you may be expected to provide the school with a copy of your academic credentials (generally a high school diploma) and to meet with the instructors with whom you'll be working.
4. Get a copy of the school's course materials. Generally, this consists of a compendium of the different cocktails a bartender may make. The book should also contain general information on what skills a bartender needs to do his job well. Review them and make sure that bartending is right for you before you apply.
5. Acquire the application materials. Read them over closely to be sure you understand the instructions. Complete the application as directed.
6. Submit your application to the school and await word on whether or not you've been accepted. If you receive more than one offer, get in contact with former students who can tell you about their experiences at the school and whether the training helped them find jobs afterward.
7. Accept the offer of admission to the school that has the best combination of reasonable tuition fees, a record of success in job placement and thorough, hands-on instruction.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply directly for bartending jobs you're interested in. In some cases, if you can demonstrate a thorough knowledge of different cocktails and solid interpersonal skills, you may not need to apply to bartending school at all.

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