The Program
40 hours of hands-on professional training. 150+ recipes. 10 bartending stations. Classes start every Monday and Saturday.
Duration
40 Hours (10 Classes)
Schedule
6 Options, 17 Times/Week
Class Size
10 Stations
Certification
PBS + TAM
What You'll Learn
- 150+ popular drink recipes mastered hands-on
- Classic favorites and current popular drinks covered in depth
- Drinks for all settings - nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, catering events
- Wine and beer service fundamentals
- Proper techniques for speed and accuracy behind the bar
- Front bar and back bar organization and layout
- Soda gun operation and maintenance
- Speed rack setup and efficient pour techniques
- Customer psychology - reading guests and adapting your approach
- Personal presentation and professional bartender etiquette
- Upselling techniques that increase tabs naturally
- Maximizing gratuities through exceptional service
- Building rapport and creating repeat customers
- Liquor types, history, and proper uses in cocktails
- Health and safety standards for bar environments
- Alcohol awareness and responsible service practices
- Understanding the business side of bars and restaurants
- TAM certification prep - Techniques of Alcohol Management (valid 3 years)
- Interviewing techniques specific to the hospitality industry
- Job placement assistance through our full-time Placement Director
- Resume building assistance tailored to bartending and hospitality positions
See What You'll Be Able to Do
Watch Emma take her timed speed test at PBS. By graduation, every student can make 150+ drinks from memory, handle a full bar setup, and serve under real pressure. This is what 40 hours of professional training looks like.
- Timed speed test on all drink recipes
- Real bar setup with POS and full well
- Observed by your instructor, scored on accuracy and speed
- Pass the test, earn your PBS certification
Learn From Working Professionals
Every PBS instructor is actively working behind a bar. You learn from people who do this for a living - not from a textbook.
JD Klipper
Job Placement Assistance Director
Full-time Placement Assistance Director who maintains constant contact with employers across DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Baltimore. Personally connects graduates with bartending opportunities matched to their goals and availability.
Tyeshia
Instructor
PBS graduate (Class of 2002), placed within 1 week of graduating. Bar Manager at U Street Lounge. International experience - helped establish The Vault nightclub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Gabrielle
Instructor
DC native and PBS graduate (Class of 2004). Founded DC Block Girl LLC beverage catering company in 2015. Worked at Avenue Night Club, Posh Supper Club, and Lace Restaurant.
Jessica
Instructor
Experienced bartender and educator who brings energy and patience to every class. Known for breaking down complex techniques into simple, repeatable steps.
Tommy
Admissions
Your first point of contact at PBS. Helps prospective students find the right schedule, answers questions about the program, and walks you through enrollment.
Train in a Real Bar Environment
Our facility features a 36-foot main bar, 4 complete bars, 10 bartending stations, commercial ice production (800+ lbs daily), POS equipment, and a surround sound system.
Graduate With Credentials Employers Recognize
PBS School Certificate
Regulated by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Our comprehensive bartending credential demonstrates mastery of 150+ recipes, bar operations, and professional service standards.
TAM Certification
Techniques of Alcohol Management - nationally recognized, valid 3 years. The #1 alcohol management program in Maryland. Required in DC and multiple MD counties.
A Schedule That Works for You
6 flexible schedule options - choose the one that fits your life.
One Week Intensive (Day)
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
One Week Intensive (Evening)
Monday – Friday
1:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Five Saturdays
Saturdays
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Two Weeks (Morning)
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Two Weeks (Afternoon)
Monday – Friday
1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Two Weeks (Evening)
Monday – Friday
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
New classes start every Monday and Saturday. No charge for schedule changes. Free makeup classes.
Find a Schedule That Works - Speak with AdmissionsTry a free trial class and see the facility for yourself. Classes start every week.
Common Questions
Do I need any prior experience to enroll?
No experience is needed at all. Our program is designed for complete beginners as well as those with some bar experience looking to build professional skills and earn certification.
How long is the program?
The program is 40 hours total, completed over 10 classes. With 6 schedule options, you can finish in as little as one week or spread it over five Saturdays.
What certification do I receive?
You graduate with both a PBS School Certificate (regulated by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia) and TAM Certification (Techniques of Alcohol Management), which is nationally recognized and valid for 3 years.
When can I start?
We have rolling enrollment - new classes start every Monday and Saturday. No need to wait for a semester or cohort to begin.
What happens if I miss a class?
No problem at all. There is no charge for schedule changes, and free makeup classes are available. You can switch between any of our 6 schedule options as needed.
Try a free trial class. Classes start every week.
New classes begin every Monday and Saturday. No experience needed. No commitment to try.