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Real Training.
Real Jobs.

Real Bartenders.

Since 1968, Professional Bartending School has helped more new bartenders in the DC region get their start than any other program. 40 hours of hands-on training taught by real, working bartenders. Your career starts here.

Established 1968
Arlington, VA
Full-Time Placement Assistance
Our Legacy

58 Years of Raising the Standard

Since 1968, PBS has been the benchmark for bartending education in the DC region.

1968Founded
0Years in Business
0sHired Bartender Graduates
0Program Hours

Will I get a job?

PBS has a full-time placement director who connects graduates with employers like MGM National Harbor, Old Ebbitt Grill, and the Kennedy Center. Our graduates consistently find work because of quality training and the school's reputation.

See placement results

Is it worth it?

Free refresher classes for life, TAM certification included in tuition, and full-time placement assistance that works with you until you're hired. Most graduates tell us the investment paid for itself within the first few months.

Book a tour and decide

How long does it take?

40-hour program - complete in as little as one week. 6 schedule options, 17 class times weekly. New classes start every Monday and Saturday.

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Why Choose PBS

What Makes PBS Different

Rigorous training. Industry connections. Your next bartending job.

PBS graduate working at a professional bar

Job Placement Assistance, Not Just a Certificate

PBS has a full-time Placement Director who connects graduates with top employers like MGM National Harbor, Old Ebbitt Grill, and the Kennedy Center. Employers come to us because they trust PBS training.

Colorful craft cocktails lined up on the bar

Craft-Forward Curriculum

Master 150+ drink recipes, flavor profiles, spirit categories, and the art of the guest experience - all through hands-on practice, not lectures.

Working professional bartender pouring drinks

Working Professionals as Instructors

Every instructor brings real industry experience. You learn current techniques and customer psychology from people who have done the job for decades.

PBS graduate shaking cocktails behind a real bar

Real Bar, Real Pressure

Train on a 36-foot professional bar with 10 bartending stations and 4 complete bars. Real tools, real-world service scenarios under time pressure.

TAM certification logo

Certification Included

Graduate with your TAM Certification - nationally recognized and valid for 3 years - plus your PBS School Certificate, regulated by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

PBS student doing a double pour during class

Flexible Schedule, Fast Results

40-hour program completable in as little as one week. 6 schedule options with 17 class times weekly. New classes start every Monday and Saturday.

PBS graduate working at a professional bar

Job Placement Assistance, Not Just a Certificate

PBS has a full-time Placement Director who connects graduates with top employers like MGM National Harbor, Old Ebbitt Grill, and the Kennedy Center. Employers come to us because they trust PBS training.

Colorful craft cocktails lined up on the bar

Craft-Forward Curriculum

Master 150+ drink recipes, flavor profiles, spirit categories, and the art of the guest experience - all through hands-on practice, not lectures.

Working professional bartender pouring drinks

Working Professionals as Instructors

Every instructor brings real industry experience. You learn current techniques and customer psychology from people who have done the job for decades.

PBS graduate shaking cocktails behind a real bar

Real Bar, Real Pressure

Train on a 36-foot professional bar with 10 bartending stations and 4 complete bars. Real tools, real-world service scenarios under time pressure.

TAM certification logo

Certification Included

Graduate with your TAM Certification - nationally recognized and valid for 3 years - plus your PBS School Certificate, regulated by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

PBS student doing a double pour during class

Flexible Schedule, Fast Results

40-hour program completable in as little as one week. 6 schedule options with 17 class times weekly. New classes start every Monday and Saturday.

Graduate Stories

Hear From Our Graduates

Real people, real bartending careers — launched at PBS.

PBS graduate bartending in Washington DC

PBS graduate bartending in Washington DC

I attended and graduated from this school twice already. I first took the course in 2010 and enjoyed every minute of it. The instructors were knowledgeable, the lessons were easy to understand, and the lectures were fun and engaging. I a...
S

Sanai Michelle

8 years ago

PBS graduate bartending an event

PBS graduate bartending an event

I chose the Professional Bartending School in Arlington, VA based on its great reviews, informative website, and convenient location near Court House Metro. What a great decision! The staff is kind, responsive, observant, knowledgeable, ...
M

Mark Nachtrieb

2 months ago

PBS graduate at work

PBS graduate at work

The Professional Bartending School of Arlington is a great school to learn to be a certified bartender. Even though I had previous experience in bartending from many years ago, I learned so many concepts that will be valuable to me in th...
D

David Szybalski

3 months ago

PBS graduate at work

PBS graduate at work

Passed my speed test! Professional Bartending School provided excellent hands on training and plenty of practice time. The staff and instructors at PBS were amazing and they really care about students honing their skills. While you don't...
H

Hugh Apple

Edited 8 years ago

Danielle - PBS graduate bartending in Virginia

Danielle - PBS graduate bartending in Virginia

If you're looking to get your bartender's license, I can't recommend Profesional Bartending School in Arlington enough. From the moment you enroll to the day you graduate, the whole staff is hands on training in every aspect of bartendin...
M

Mario Lopez

3 years ago

PBS graduate bartending in Washington DC

PBS graduate bartending in Washington DC

I attended and graduated from this school twice already. I first took the course in 2010 and enjoyed every minute of it. The instructors were knowledgeable, the lessons were easy to understand, and the lectures were fun and engaging. I a...
S

Sanai Michelle

8 years ago

PBS graduate bartending an event

PBS graduate bartending an event

I chose the Professional Bartending School in Arlington, VA based on its great reviews, informative website, and convenient location near Court House Metro. What a great decision! The staff is kind, responsive, observant, knowledgeable, ...
M

Mark Nachtrieb

2 months ago

PBS graduate at work

PBS graduate at work

The Professional Bartending School of Arlington is a great school to learn to be a certified bartender. Even though I had previous experience in bartending from many years ago, I learned so many concepts that will be valuable to me in th...
D

David Szybalski

3 months ago

PBS graduate at work

PBS graduate at work

Passed my speed test! Professional Bartending School provided excellent hands on training and plenty of practice time. The staff and instructors at PBS were amazing and they really care about students honing their skills. While you don't...
H

Hugh Apple

Edited 8 years ago

Danielle - PBS graduate bartending in Virginia

Danielle - PBS graduate bartending in Virginia

If you're looking to get your bartender's license, I can't recommend Profesional Bartending School in Arlington enough. From the moment you enroll to the day you graduate, the whole staff is hands on training in every aspect of bartendin...
M

Mario Lopez

3 years ago

PBS student behind the bar with an array of finished cocktails
The Program

What You'll Actually Learn

40 Hours of Hands-On Professional Training

40 Hours of Hands-On Professional Training

Mixology & 150+ Recipes

Master classic and modern cocktails, spirit categories, flavor construction, and original recipe development.

Bar Setup & Organization

Station setup, breakdown, mise en place, and professional bar management on our 36-foot bar with 10 stations.

Speed & Efficiency Drills

Timed exercises that build muscle memory for high-volume shifts. You'll handle rush scenarios before your first real one.

Customer Psychology & Gratuities

Read guests, manage difficult situations, build rapport, and develop the skills that drive tips and repeat visits.

Alcohol Awareness & TAM Certification

Earn your nationally recognized TAM Certification - valid for 3 years. Learn responsible service, liability, and state regulations.

Interview Techniques & Job Prep

Resume building, mock interviews, and trail shift preparation. Our full-time placement director works with you until you're behind a bar.

Success Stories

Hear From Our Graduates

Real reviews from real students

I chose the Professional Bartending School in Arlington, VA based on its great reviews, informative website, and convenient location near Court House Metro. What a great decision! The staff is kind, responsive, observant, knowledgeable, and deeply experienced. The training curriculum is well developed, hands-on, and practical, and is designed to help you get a job and start strong. The school’s owner is passionate about continuously improving the student’s experience. And the facility is absolutely complete and realistic. The learning challenge is real, and success means commitment to studying away from class, practicing, and being willing to stretch your mind. This is one of the best professional development training experiences I have had in my career. Thank you!!!

Mark Nachtrieb

Google Review

Graduated last year from the school of Professional Bartending and it was a feat that I wanted for years! The support and encouragement that is given uplifts even the darkest days. I applied while homeless and through dedication and commitment and again the help of my peers and instructors made what looked impossible very possible! I try to carry and pass that same light back to the current undergrads! We are more helpful and as a family than even society and the workforce knows. They will find out about us at PBS!

Justin Oliver

Google Review

The Professional Bartending School of Arlington is a great school to learn to be a certified bartender. Even though I had previous experience in bartending from many years ago, I learned so many concepts that will be valuable to me in the industry. Not only did I learn over 100 drink recipes, I learned about the processes of how to make liquor and liqueurs, different regions of origin, customer service, and the techniques of alcohol management. Joe and Tay are thoughtful, engaging, and supportive teachers. My entire experience throughout the program was very positive and I feel like I have been thoroughly prepared to start looking for a bartending position.

David Szybalski

Google Review

Best training course ever!! Ty Was the best instructor!! She’s so fun and makes the class so entertaining and engaging! I love playing with water too!! lol it’s for learning but it really is so effective.

Alyssa Brodie

Google Review

The class was phenomenal!!!! You get behind the bar immediately learning where things are and how to pour effectively. The Teachers and Staff are extremely friendly and and eager to help. The curriculum is a lot to take in but with the techniques given to remember recipes, the unlimited patience and re-assurance of the instructors, I was in the best possible place to learn the art of Mixology. Thanks for the life long skill, as well as, the added cool points PBS!!!!

Budda

Google Review

Passed my speed test! Professional Bartending School provided excellent hands on training and plenty of practice time. The staff and instructors at PBS were amazing and they really care about students honing their skills. While you don't often see many 40 or 50 year-olds (I'm 48) working at the "hottest nightclubs" downtown, you also don't see many 20 to 30 year-old people working in the super nice, fancy upscale hotel bars and lounges either, so it is really perfect for people looking for a second career or just a way to make more money. Highly recommended and great experience!

Hugh Apple

Google Review

This was such a great experience. Ty and Gabrielle are great instructors, both very helpful and encouraging. I took the (2) weeks class and graduated on a Friday. I learned a lot of information that will benefit me with my bartending career. The school also assist with job placement. 10/10

Yeezy

Google Review

I had an amazing experience at this bartending school! The atmosphere is friendly and professional, making it the perfect place to learn. The instructor, is truly fantastic—she is patient, knowledgeable, and explains everything so clearly. Even though my English is not very strong, she made sure I understood everything and felt comfortable during the lessons. I highly recommend this school to anyone, even if English is not their first language. It’s a great place to gain confidence and skills in bartending!

Alireza Ghazinasab

Google Review

I attended and graduated from this school twice already. I first took the course in 2010 and enjoyed every minute of it. The instructors were knowledgeable, the lessons were easy to understand, and the lectures were fun and engaging. I am more of a hands-on person, so I had a great time practicing drink recipes behind a real bar set up. My second time around I took the refresher course, and had just as good of an experience as the first time. I even acquired more skills than before. I love the way that students are trained in this program. Although customer service can be tough and demanding, the instructors make learning fun, friendly, and rewarding. I walked away knowing how to pour drinks accurately and efficiently while maintaining an energetic vibe. I would definitely recommend this location to anyone looking to bartend.

Sanai Michelle

Google Review

If you're looking to get your bartender's license, I can't recommend Profesional Bartending School in Arlington enough. From the moment you enroll to the day you graduate, the whole staff is hands on training in every aspect of bartending. The atmosphere really feels like you're working in a real bar with real bar related situations discussed and played out. I'd never been behind the bar before taking this class, but now that I've graduated, I can see myself behind the bar in a restaurant or bar thanks to PBS. Mario

Mario Lopez

Google Review

I chose the Professional Bartending School in Arlington, VA based on its great reviews, informative website, and convenient location near Court House Metro. What a great decision! The staff is kind, responsive, observant, knowledgeable, and deeply experienced. The training curriculum is well developed, hands-on, and practical, and is designed to help you get a job and start strong. The school’s owner is passionate about continuously improving the student’s experience. And the facility is absolutely complete and realistic. The learning challenge is real, and success means commitment to studying away from class, practicing, and being willing to stretch your mind. This is one of the best professional development training experiences I have had in my career. Thank you!!!

Mark Nachtrieb

Google Review

Graduated last year from the school of Professional Bartending and it was a feat that I wanted for years! The support and encouragement that is given uplifts even the darkest days. I applied while homeless and through dedication and commitment and again the help of my peers and instructors made what looked impossible very possible! I try to carry and pass that same light back to the current undergrads! We are more helpful and as a family than even society and the workforce knows. They will find out about us at PBS!

Justin Oliver

Google Review

The Professional Bartending School of Arlington is a great school to learn to be a certified bartender. Even though I had previous experience in bartending from many years ago, I learned so many concepts that will be valuable to me in the industry. Not only did I learn over 100 drink recipes, I learned about the processes of how to make liquor and liqueurs, different regions of origin, customer service, and the techniques of alcohol management. Joe and Tay are thoughtful, engaging, and supportive teachers. My entire experience throughout the program was very positive and I feel like I have been thoroughly prepared to start looking for a bartending position.

David Szybalski

Google Review

Best training course ever!! Ty Was the best instructor!! She’s so fun and makes the class so entertaining and engaging! I love playing with water too!! lol it’s for learning but it really is so effective.

Alyssa Brodie

Google Review

The class was phenomenal!!!! You get behind the bar immediately learning where things are and how to pour effectively. The Teachers and Staff are extremely friendly and and eager to help. The curriculum is a lot to take in but with the techniques given to remember recipes, the unlimited patience and re-assurance of the instructors, I was in the best possible place to learn the art of Mixology. Thanks for the life long skill, as well as, the added cool points PBS!!!!

Budda

Google Review

Passed my speed test! Professional Bartending School provided excellent hands on training and plenty of practice time. The staff and instructors at PBS were amazing and they really care about students honing their skills. While you don't often see many 40 or 50 year-olds (I'm 48) working at the "hottest nightclubs" downtown, you also don't see many 20 to 30 year-old people working in the super nice, fancy upscale hotel bars and lounges either, so it is really perfect for people looking for a second career or just a way to make more money. Highly recommended and great experience!

Hugh Apple

Google Review

This was such a great experience. Ty and Gabrielle are great instructors, both very helpful and encouraging. I took the (2) weeks class and graduated on a Friday. I learned a lot of information that will benefit me with my bartending career. The school also assist with job placement. 10/10

Yeezy

Google Review

I had an amazing experience at this bartending school! The atmosphere is friendly and professional, making it the perfect place to learn. The instructor, is truly fantastic—she is patient, knowledgeable, and explains everything so clearly. Even though my English is not very strong, she made sure I understood everything and felt comfortable during the lessons. I highly recommend this school to anyone, even if English is not their first language. It’s a great place to gain confidence and skills in bartending!

Alireza Ghazinasab

Google Review

I attended and graduated from this school twice already. I first took the course in 2010 and enjoyed every minute of it. The instructors were knowledgeable, the lessons were easy to understand, and the lectures were fun and engaging. I am more of a hands-on person, so I had a great time practicing drink recipes behind a real bar set up. My second time around I took the refresher course, and had just as good of an experience as the first time. I even acquired more skills than before. I love the way that students are trained in this program. Although customer service can be tough and demanding, the instructors make learning fun, friendly, and rewarding. I walked away knowing how to pour drinks accurately and efficiently while maintaining an energetic vibe. I would definitely recommend this location to anyone looking to bartend.

Sanai Michelle

Google Review

If you're looking to get your bartender's license, I can't recommend Profesional Bartending School in Arlington enough. From the moment you enroll to the day you graduate, the whole staff is hands on training in every aspect of bartending. The atmosphere really feels like you're working in a real bar with real bar related situations discussed and played out. I'd never been behind the bar before taking this class, but now that I've graduated, I can see myself behind the bar in a restaurant or bar thanks to PBS. Mario

Mario Lopez

Google Review

New classes start every Monday and Saturday.

Call (703) 841-9700 to reserve your spot.

Book a Free Trial Class
Vibrant cocktail bar atmosphere with warm ambient lighting

Get Your First (or Next) Bartending Job

Whether you want a flexible side gig, part-time hours, or full-time work behind the bar - it starts here. Attend a free trial class, see the bar lab, and meet the instructors. Classes start every Monday and Saturday.