How to Become a Certified Bartender

How to Become a Certified Bartender

Would you like to know how to become a certified bartender and develop a career in the hospitality industry? If yes, then you are reading the right page.

This post covers all you need to know to become a bartender and succeed in it, including the training and skills to develop, and the certification processes you need to complete.

Who is a Bartender?

Otherwise known as a bar person, or bar staff, this is a person who serves drinks in places like pubs, clubs, and wine bars.

Bartenders can also been seen serving drinks in hotels, nightclubs, and other establishments or venues.

The bartender’s role may likely involve shift periods, including opportunities to work on weekends and holidays, and in flexible licensed areas which may likely operate a 24 hour routine daily in a week.

They usually serve mixed drinks, bottled wines and beer, and either prepares them on their own or operate machines that measure and pour ingredients.

Educational Requirements and Certifications to Become a Bartender

This role does not require any formal education or specification, except that employers are looking for the right person with or without experience.

The right disposition to work in a team can provide the leverage to begin a career as a bar person.

You may be able to take college courses to learn some of the skills and knowledge required, which could assist in your hunt for a bar job.

The courses are likely to expose you to areas like:

• Level 1 award in professional food and beverage services skills
• Level 1 award in Introduction to employment in the hospitality industry
• Level 2 certificate in general food and beverage services.

Some experiences in customer service may prove important, but you will have to be at least 18 years to qualify to work in a bar, though you could start an apprenticeship at 16.

The range of the apprenticeship is dependent on the job market operating in your locality and is often with experienced bartenders where you will likely cover lessons on conduct and attire at the bar, local or state regulations on serving of alcohols, and drink recipes.

The training is likely to be on the job from employers when you begin work, but you might likely prefer to combine it with working towards a qualification, such as:

• Level 2 Diploma in food and beverage service
• Level 2 award in professional bartending (Cocktails)
• Level 3 Advanced Diploma in food and beverage service
• Level 3 diploma in food and beverage service supervision.

Colleges are likely to include courses covering areas such as state laws, potential for violence, serving sizes, intoxication prevention, and food service.

Bartender Certifications

The Hospitality Guild operates a platform that brings together training providers, businesses, and individuals who are able to offer useful information and guidance to people seeking a career in the hospitality industry and tourism.

Should the bartender prefer to upgrade their certification, they may choose to enroll in a course that bother on business or the hospitality industry.

Bartender Duties, Responsibilities and Roles

On the job, you are likely to serve a large variety of persons on a daily basis. The duties will mainly include:

• Preparing, pouring and serving a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Washing glasses and mugs
• Storing of drinks, emptying drink containers, and keeping inventory
• Cleaning and clearing of business area on a regular basis
• Collecting payment for drinks ordered for and operating a cash register
• Assisting intoxicated customers by ordering cabs; and finding ways to collect monies from indebted customers
• Creating a friendly environment for customers to sit, enjoy, and relax.

Required Bartender Skills

You will need to have the following skills and qualities to succeed as a bartender:

• An outgoing personality
• Good communication skills, since you will have to interact with clients on a constant basis
• Patience in dealing with customers,
• An aptitude for remembering things
• An enthusiastic personality
• The ability to prepare and serve a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• A smart and tidy appearance
• Tact and diplomacy in dealing with demanding customers
• Strength
• Numeric skills and a flexible approach.

Bartender Career Opportunities

Bartenders are able to work in hotels and wine bars, nightclubs, country clubs, and restaurants.

There are few levels of growth on the job because a small number of bartenders may likely be promoted to head others or to become even restaurant managers or brew house supervisor, while a handful may prefer to own their own establishment.

Some employers may require that the individual be around 25 before taking them into their establishment.

Salary Expectations for Bartenders

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary of bartenders varies and most of their incomes come from tips.

The average annual salary, which may include tips, is approximately about $21,770. The job has a high turnover rate with average job growth estimated to increase by 12% between 2012 and 2022.

Conclusion

Bartenders are important players in the hospitality business. To become one and to excel in the career, you need certain training to acquire the right skills and expertise.