How to Choose a Bartending School

Bartenders prepare alcoholic drinks at restaurants, bars and clubs.

Traditionally, most bartenders have learned their trade through on-the-job training, but some bartenders today receive their education from a professional bartending school. Students learn mixology through hands-on teaching and with the latest equipment. If you want to attend a bartending school, do your research and to visit each school you are considering. This is your professional education, so choose the best school available.

Instructions

1. Find bartending schools in your area. Visit websites like BartendingSchools.com and BestBartendingSchool.com to locate schools near your home (see Resources). Create a list of these schools with their contact information.

2. Make an appointment to visit each school. Sit in on a class to see how the instructors interact with the students. Also, check out the school's facilities. Classrooms should look like an authentic bar and should come equipped with ice makers, bar sinks, blenders and professional glassware.

3. Take a look at the school's training manuals. Ask one of the school's instructors to show you the training manual he uses. Look over the manual's quality and construction. The manual should be bound and printed professionally.

4. Speak with other students. Current students and recent graduates can offer you insightful advice on their experiences at bartending school. Ask what they liked and didn't like about their school. Ask if they would recommend it.

5. Compare and contrast each school. Once you have done your research, compare the schools you visited. It may help to write a list of pros and cons of each school. Keep in mind the price of each school and how long classes last.

6. Sign up for a bartending school. After you have decided which bartending school you want to attend, call the school to ask for registration information. Pay the necessary fees and tuition.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not sign up for an online or learn-at-home bartending program. According to BestBartendingSchool.com, you should acquire your training through professional instruction and supervision.

References

• Bartending Career Information
• How to Choose a Bartending School
• Choosing a Quality Bartending School

Resources

• Bartending Schools Directory