Do you dream of a fun, fast job? Maybe you love mixing drinks and meeting new people. A job as a bartender can be fun and pay well. But before you start pouring drinks, there is a key step you might need to take. This leads to a big question for new bartenders: how to get your bartending license? It might sound like a lot of work, but it is often a simple and very key step.
This guide will show you all you need to know. We will walk you through getting your license or card. We will also look at why it is so key for your job. We will also cover the costs and how to find the right class. By the end, you will have a clear plan. You will be ready to start your journey to be a pro bartender who is safe, smart, and wanted for jobs.
How to Get Your Bartending License and Do You Really Need a Bartending License to Work?
The first thing to clear up is what a “bartending license” really is. The term can be a bit confusing. In most states, there is not one license just for bartending. Instead, what you often need is an alcohol server card.
This card proves you have been taught how to serve alcohol the right way. Knowing this change is the first step.
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What is the difference between a bartending license and an alcohol server certification?
A “bartending license” is a general term. People often use it to mean the official card you need to serve alcohol by law. The real name is often an “alcohol server certification.”
- A Bartending School Certificate is from a private school. It shows you have learned how to mix drinks. This is not a rule by law.
- An Alcohol Server Certification is a rule by law in many states. It shows you have been taught the laws and safety rules for serving alcohol.
Why is getting certified a smart career move even if not required?
Even if your state does not need you to have a card, getting one is a very smart idea. It can give you a big edge when you are looking for a job.
When a bar owner sees you are already certified, it shows them a few key things. It shows you are serious about the job. It shows you are a good worker. It also saves them the time and money of having to teach you. This can make you a much better person for the job.
How does a certification make you a better bartender?
The class you take for your card is very helpful. You will learn:
- How to check IDs and spot fakes.
- How to see the signs that a person is drunk.
- How to say no to serving someone who has had too much to drink.
- The laws for your state.
This knowledge will help you keep your customers safe. It will also help protect the place you work for from legal trouble.
How to Find Out Your State’s Bartending Requirements?
The laws for serving alcohol are different in each state. Some states have a state law for all servers to be certified. In other states, the rules are set by the city or county. It is very key that you know the laws for the area where you want to work.
This is a key part of the process of how to get your bartending license. You must follow the local rules.
What is the best way to check your local laws?
The best way to find out the rules is to check with your state’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) agency. This is the government office that is in charge of all the alcohol laws. You can often find their website with a simple online search.
This is the best source of info. They will have a list of the right training programs for your state.
What are some examples of state requirements?
The rules can change a lot.
- States with Required Training: Some states, like Washington, Oregon, and Utah, need every single person who serves alcohol to have a state-approved card.
- States with No Statewide Law: Other states, like Florida and New York, do not have a state law. But many cities and bosses in those states will still need you to get certified.
It is always best to get certified, no matter what the state law is.
How often do you need to renew your certification?
Your alcohol server card does not last for ever. Most states need you to renew it every few years. The renewal time is often between two and five years.
This is to make sure that you are up to date on any changes in the law.
What is the Process for How to Get Your Bartending License?
Once you know the rules for your area, getting your card is quite simple. Most of the time, you can do it online in just a few hours. It is a very easy process.
Let’s break down the simple steps you will need to take.
Step 1: How to find an approved training program?
Your first step is to pick a training program that is approved by your state. Your state’s ABC agency website will have a list of these programs.
There are many good national programs that are approved in most states. Some of the most popular ones are:
- TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS): This is a very well-known and liked program.
- ServSafe Alcohol: This program is from the National Restaurant Association.
You can often pick between an online course and a class in person.
Step 2: What will you learn in an alcohol server course?
The course will teach you all you need to know to be a good server. The topics will include:
- The effects of alcohol on the body.
- How to measure a normal drink.
- How to spot the signs that a person is getting drunk.
- How to handle hard times, like saying no to a sale.
- The laws for your state, such as the legal drinking age and the hours you can serve alcohol.
Step 3: How to pass the certification exam?
At the end of the course, you will have to take a test. The test is often a multiple-choice test. It will cover all the topics that were in the course.
If you pay attention in the class, you should have no problem passing the test. Most programs will let you retake the test if you do not pass on the first try.
Step 4: How to get your official license or permit?
After you pass the test, you will get your official certificate or card. This is your proof that you are certified.
You should always keep a copy of this with you when you are working. Some states will mail you a real card. Other programs will let you print it out right away.
What is the Average Cost of a Bartending Certification?
Getting your alcohol server card is a cheap way to help your career. The cost is often very low. This is very true when you think about the good things it brings.
Let’s look at the normal costs.
How much does an online course usually cost?
An online course is often the cheapest and easiest choice. The cost for an online alcohol server course is often between $10 and $40.
This is a very small price to pay for a card that can help you get a great job.
Are in-person classes more expensive?
Yes, in-person classes are often a little more costly. They might range from $40 to $100.
But some people like a class in person. It gives you the chance to ask questions and talk with a teacher.
Can your employer pay for your certification?
Yes, in many cases, your boss will pay for your card. Many bars and restaurants will pay you back for the cost of the course. This is often after you have been working for them for a certain time.
If you already have a job, be sure to ask your manager about their rule.
Is Bartending School Different from Getting a License?
Yes, bartending school is very different from getting your alcohol server card. It is key to know this change. One is a rule by law. The other is a form of job training.
Let’s clear up the confusion.
What skills do you learn at a bartending school?
A bartending school teaches you the real skills of being a bartender. This includes:
- How to mix hundreds of different drinks.
- How to use all the bar tools.
- How to pour beer and wine the right way.
- Customer service skills.
These are all great skills to have. But bartending school is not needed to get a job.
Is bartending school worth the cost?
This is a big question in the field. Bartending schools can be very costly. They can cost a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars.
- The Pros: A good school can give you a lot of real practice. Some also offer help to find a job.
- The Cons: Many people feel that you can learn all the same skills on the job. Many of the best bartenders in the world never went to bartending school.
What is the Final Verdict on How to Get Your Bartending License?
So, how to get your bartending license? The final answer is to find a state-approved alcohol server program. It is a simple, cheap, and very key step for any new bartender.
It is the key to being a safe, good, and winning pro.
What is the Most Important Thing to Remember?
The most key thing to remember is to check your local laws. The rules are different all over. Make sure you are getting the right card for your area. For more on this, you can look at school resources, like this guide on responsible alcohol service from the University of Minnesota Extension.
What is the Best First Step to Take?
The best first step is to go to your state’s ABC agency website. This will give you all the info you need to get started.
How Can You Feel Good About Your New Career?
You can feel good by knowing you are a true pro. The question of how to get your bartending license is the first step on a journey to a fun and good career. By getting certified, you are showing that you are serious about your work.
FAQ – How to Get Your Bartending License
What are the typical costs for obtaining a bartending or alcohol server certification?
Online courses usually cost between $10 and $40, while in-person classes may range from $40 to $100. Many employers may also reimburse these costs after a period of employment.
How can I find out my state’s specific requirements for serving alcohol?
The best way is to check with your state’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) agency, which oversees alcohol laws. You can find their website through a simple online search for your state.
Why should I get certified even if it is not legally required in my state?
Getting certified shows potential employers that you are serious and knowledgeable about responsible alcohol service, giving you a competitive edge and demonstrating your professionalism and commitment to safety.
What is the difference between a bartending license and an alcohol server certification?
A ‘bartending license’ is a general term often used interchangeably with an alcohol server certification, which is a legal requirement in many states proving you have been trained to serve alcohol responsibly. A bartending school certificate, on the other hand, is a training completion document from a private school and not a legal requirement.
Do I really need a bartending license to work as a bartender?
In most states, you do not need a specific license called a ‘bartending license,’ but you are typically required to obtain an alcohol server certification or card that demonstrates you understand responsible alcohol service and local laws.
