Bartending Class FAQs

How much do most bartenders make? 

The average bartender in the city of Los Angeles makes an average of $145  –  $365  per shift when factoring in tips.   The California minimum wage as of January 2017 is $10.50 per hour, however event and craft bars generally pay $15  – $20 per hour.    Tips range anywhere from $50  – $250  per shift.

Is there lifetime job placement? 

Yes!  Every day we receive calls from bars, restaurants, and clubs asking us to send our top graduates.  These are posted regularly and available for graduates of The Los Angeles Bartending School.

We not only guarantee work for all our graduates,  we also guarantee LIFETIME JOB PLACEMENT assistance!

What happens if I am placed at a job but want a second bartending job?  Or if I leave my first job?

We are happy to find you another job, or even help you get two bartending jobs (morning and evening, or weekday and weekend) .  However the Los Angeles Bartending School has the right to end job placement assistance for any of the following reasons:

You were terminated  by your previous employer

You did not give adequate notice that you were leaving (generally 2 weeks minimum notice)

You left your previous job in poor standing

Is my certificate still good if I move to a different state?

Your bartending certification is valid nationwide and good for life!

How old do I have to be to bartend?

Bartenders must be over 21.  Barbacks must be over 18.   A barback is someone that helps and assists the bartender behind the bar.

How old do I have to be to get my certificate?

The bartender certification requires that you must be 18 or over.

Will a criminal record hurt my chances of getting a bartending job?  What about a DUI?  

Fortunately,  we have placed hundreds of graduates with mixed backgrounds.  While DUIs and felony convictions certainly don’t help your chances at getting a job,  Los Angeles Bartending School has been successful helping those with extensive background reports at finding both full and part time work in the bar industry.

How many classes do I take before getting my certificate?

You must complete 8 classes along with a  written and a final exam to receive your bartenders certificate. The final exam is a speed test where you will make 12 drinks in 7 minutes

Can I take the course if my educational background is limited?

Yes, if you are personable, driven, and have good common sense you should have no difficulty at all. If you have any problems during the course, our instructors will always be there and ready to help you out. If you need additional hours, there will be no additional charge. You can stay until you are completely satisfied

Do you offer TIPS?   Flair?   Wine courses?   Beer courses?  Craft classes?

Yes. All of these courses are part of the Masters program.

I lost my certificate, can I get another one?

Yes. Contact the campus you graduated from and they will make another one for you immediately.

I’ve finished the first week of class, but I have to go out of town for a month. Can I finish the second half when I get back?

Yes.   While most people take 2 – 4 weeks to finish their certifications,  you have one full calendar year to complete your 8 classes and two tests.

If I move out of town or state can I still use the bartending job placement program?

Yes. Once you’ve received your bartenders certificate you will have access to our job placement program nationwide. We are a part of a 33 school national network!

Can you tell me about your teaching staff?

Our teaching staff is comprised of bartenders with many years of experience in the field. This course cannot be taught only from books. It must be taught by bartenders who have learned from actual bar experience. They are able to pass on to you all of the tricks of the trade, to help you feel like an experienced bartender. They are all approved by the California Department of Post Secondary Education.

Is 50 years old too old to become a bartender?

Absolutely not! Bartenders start at any age. The only thing that’s required is a desire to want to bartend. There is no age barrier in the bartending field. There is room for everyone from young people of eighteen years old to people in their “golden years”. Your ability, personality and attitude count far more than anything else.