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Are you an aspiring bartender looking for the skills necessary to succeed in the fast-paced, dynamic world of bartending?

The Professional Bartending Cert/SMART course is a comprehensive training program covering all aspects of the bartending profession from the fundamentals of making drinks to the legal and ethical responsibilities of the trade. You will learn about the art and science of mixology, including how to create a wide variety of cocktails, beers, wines, and other popular beverages as well as customer service skills and the importance of responsible alcohol service, including how to identify and prevent alcohol abuse and over-serving.

Upon completion of this course, you will be well-prepared for entry-level bartending positions in a wide range of settings, including restaurants, bars, hotels, and other hospitality establishments. Additionally, you’ll be eligible to take the Professional Bartending Cert/SMART certification exam, which measures knowledge and skills in a range of areas related to bartending. This certification is widely recognized in the hospitality industry as a mark of excellence in bartending.

In This Course You'll Learn To:

  • recall and describe mixology fundamentals, including alcohol types, properties, basic ingredients, techniques and responsible alcohol service principles
  • explain the science of mixology, detailing how ingredients interact for balanced, flavorful drinks
  • apply mixology and responsible alcohol service knowledge to real-world scenarios, like crafting custom cocktails
  • manage a bar efficiently, considering cost-effectiveness and customer satisfaction
  • evaluate and enhance customer service strategies, while continually improving bartending skills and knowledge

Admission Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • GED or high school diploma

Upcoming Courses

Next Steps

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Find Your Course

Use our course finder to get info about upcoming classes including dates, times, locations, and more. (Select WFD/CE 2024-2025 for summer, fall and winter courses.)

Register

Registering for a course is easy and can be done in-person, online, or by mail.

Learn About Funding Options

Many of our courses have funding options available for qualifying students.

The ServeSafe program is accredited by the National Restaurant Association, 233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 3600, Chicago, IL 60606-6383, 800-765-2122