Question 1

Do I need any bartending experience to enroll?

Accepted Answer

None at all. Most of our students start with zero bar experience. The program is designed to take you from complete beginner to job-ready in just 40 hours of hands-on training.

Question 2

How long is the program?

Accepted Answer

The program is 40 hours across 10 classes. Complete it in as little as one week or spread it across five Saturdays - we offer 6 schedule options with 17 class times weekly. New classes start every Monday and Saturday.

Question 3

What certifications will I earn?

Accepted Answer

You'll graduate with a PBS School Certificate (regulated by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia) and a TAM Certification - the #1 alcohol management program in Maryland, nationally recognized and valid for 3 years. Both are included in tuition.

Question 4

How do I enroll?

Accepted Answer

Start by booking a campus tour. You'll meet an instructor, see the bar lab, and get all the details about tuition, schedule options, and financial assistance. There's no pressure - it's just a conversation.

Question 5

Is there a minimum age to enroll?

Accepted Answer

You must be at least 18 years old to enroll in the program. In DC and Maryland, you can bartend at 18. Virginia law requires bartenders to be 21 to serve alcohol, but you can complete the training and certification before your 21st birthday.

Question 6

How much does the program cost?

Accepted Answer

Tuition details are discussed during your campus tour or phone consultation with admissions. We offer flexible payment plans and can walk you through your options in person.

Question 7

Are payment plans available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer flexible payment plans that let you spread tuition over several payments. Talk to our admissions team for specific options that work with your budget.

Question 8

Is financial assistance available?

Accepted Answer

We work with students individually to find payment solutions. Contact admissions to discuss what options may be available for your situation.

Question 9

Will you help me find a job?

Accepted Answer

Yes - job placement assistance is a core part of what we offer. Our Placement Assistance Director works with graduates to help them prepare for interviews, build confidence behind the bar, and develop strategies for finding work. Bars and restaurants contact us on a regular basis looking for our graduates, and our instructors - who work in the industry - share real-world insight on what gets people hired. That said, we do not guarantee job placement. Your success will depend on your effort, professionalism, and availability.

Question 10

What kind of venues hire PBS graduates?

Accepted Answer

Our graduates have been hired by craft cocktail bars, high-end restaurants, hotels, casinos, event venues, and catering companies across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Venues that have previously hired PBS graduates include MGM National Harbor, Old Ebbitt Grill, McCormick & Schmick's, the Kennedy Center, and Ridgewells Catering, among many others.

Question 11

How soon after graduation can I start working?

Accepted Answer

Graduates who follow our guidance and put in the effort have found work within a short time of completing the course. How quickly you start depends on your availability, flexibility, and how actively you apply what we teach you about the job search process.

Question 12

Can I work in a different city after graduating?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our graduates have gone on to bartend all over the country. The skills and training you receive at PBS are fully transferable and recognized wherever you go. That said, the majority of our graduates bartend in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, and that's where our placement assistance is strongest.

Question 13

Do you need bartending school to become a bartender?

Accepted Answer

You can technically get behind a bar without formal training, but without it you only learn bar-specific practices and hand-me-down lessons from whoever happens to train you. A structured program like ours teaches you the full range of skills, techniques, and knowledge that employers expect - so you start ahead instead of playing catch-up on the job.

Question 14

What about online bartending schools?

Accepted Answer

Bar owners will not hire online bartending school graduates. Bartending requires speed, muscle memory, and the ability to handle a crowd - none of which can be learned through a screen. Our hands-on training is the reason employers trust PBS graduates to perform from day one.

Question 15

What alcohol is used in class?

Accepted Answer

We use food coloring and water - no real alcohol is used during training. This allows students of all ages to train and ensures a safe, focused learning environment while still teaching proper pouring techniques and drink building.

Question 16

Is there a test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a final test, but nobody fails our classes if they try. We want every student to succeed, and our instructors work with you throughout the program to make sure you are ready. If you need to retake the test, there is no additional charge.

Question 17

What should I wear to class?

Accepted Answer

Avoid open-toed shoes, white clothing, and expensive outfits. You will be working with liquids and moving around behind the bar, so wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothes you do not mind getting a splash on.

Question 18

What if I miss a class?

Accepted Answer

There is no penalty for missing a class. We offer free makeup classes so you can catch up at no additional cost. Just let us know and we will get you into the next available session.

Question 19

Can I visit before enrolling?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We offer free sample classes so you can experience our training firsthand before making any commitment. It is the best way to see our facility, meet an instructor, and decide if PBS is right for you.

Question 20

What are the schedule options?

Accepted Answer

We offer 6 flexible schedule options to fit your life. One Week Intensive Day (Mon-Fri, 9AM-5:30PM), One Week Intensive Evening (Mon-Fri, 1:30PM-10PM), Two Weeks Morning (Mon-Fri, 9AM-1PM), Two Weeks Afternoon (Mon-Fri, 1:30PM-5:30PM), Two Weeks Evening (Mon-Fri, 6PM-10PM), and Five Saturdays (9AM-5PM). All schedules cover the same curriculum. New classes start every Monday and Saturday.

Question 21

Where is the school located?

Accepted Answer

We're at 2440 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA, right next to the Court House Metro stop on the Orange and Silver lines. The campus is easily accessible by car and Metro, with parking available nearby.

Question 22

When does the next class start?

Accepted Answer

New classes start every Monday and Saturday. We offer 17 class times per week across 6 different schedules - from one-week intensives to five Saturdays. No charge for schedule changes, and free makeup classes if you miss a session. Call to find the schedule that works for you.

Question 23

What should I bring on my first day?

Accepted Answer

Just yourself and a willingness to learn. We provide all bar tools, ingredients, and materials. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing you don't mind getting a splash on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Program & Enrollment

Tuition & Financial

Job Placement Assistance

Training & Classroom

Schedule & Logistics

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