To work as a bartender, you typically need to:

• be at least 21 years old; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some bartenders receive a bartending certificate from a professional-technical school. Courses include information about state and local laws, mixing drinks, and stocking a bar. A bartending certificate is optional.

On-the-job training

Most bartenders learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. Training includes:

• mixing drinks;
• providing customer service;
• using equipment needed for the job; and
• handling food properly.

In general, training lasts up to a month. After training, an experienced worker supervises your work. As you gain experience, you receive less supervision.