• How old must I be to bartend?
  In California, you must be 21 years of age to work as a bartender. Because this requirement varies from state to state, you only need to be 18 years old to attend the Pacific Bartending School.
• Is Pacific Bartending School licensed by the CA State Education Department?
  Yes. If you have any questions regarding the Pacific Bartending School or any other school, please call the Bureau for Private Post Secondary and Vocational Education in Sacramento at 916-445-3427.
• Why Attend a Licensed School?
  There are several reasons. If operating in California, vocational schools MUST be licensed by the Bureau for Private Post Secondary and Vocational Education. Employers recognize licensed schools as quality institutions. The Bureau's complaint process gives students access to a regulatory agency and a state-controlled Tuition Reimbursement Account to protect each student's tuition.
• What is a Bartender's License?
  A "Bartender's License" or a "Bartending Certification" is authorized by the State Education Department, and is issued to graduates who have successfully passed the bartender/mixology course.
• What about online bartending courses?
  At the Pacific Bartending School, we believe that the only true way to learn the skills and speed needed to work in a live bar environment is to train with hands-on experience behind a fully functional bar. Online courses, books and videos cannot offer the type of practical experience that is essential for a successful career in bartending. Furthermore, on-line bartending courses are not regulated or governed by any state agency.
• Do you offer job placement assistance?
  Yes. The primary goal of our on-site placement counselor is to assist you in finding a job as soon as possible. We are in constant contact with key personnel from our extensive database of bars, lounges, restaurants, clubs and hotels to learn of job openings as soon as they are available - often before they reach the newspapers or Internet.
• Won't it be difficult to learn everything I need to know in 35 hours?
  Most of our students start out with little or no knowledge of the beverage service industry. And almost all of our students graduate the first time through. It all boils down to a comprehensive curriculum, modern teaching methods, veteran instructors, and the use of our VideoCocktailer audio-visual training program.
  
  After just two weeks of hands-on-training, our grads look and perform like they have been working behind a real bar for 10-12 months!
  
  If you still need or want additional training after your 35 hours are completed, you may retake any part of the course as many times as you want, free of charge, be it the following week or 10 years down the road.
• What if I miss a day?
  Not a problem! You can simply make it up. There are multiple class time options available for each lesson. And it will never cost you another dime!
• How long is the entire course?
  The total course is 35 hours. Weekday classes run 3.5 hours per day for 2 consecutive weeks, Monday through Friday, with multiple class time options available each day.
  
  There is also an accelerated option that allows you to complete the course in a single week by scheduling two daily class times. Saturday classes run 11:00am to 5:00pm, for 5 consecutive Saturdays.
• When can I start a Pacific Bartending School course?
  Weekday classes start Monday-Friday. Classes are held from 1:30pm-5:00pm, and 6:00pm-9:30pm.
  
  Saturday classes are held over 5 consecutive weekends. Attendance is required from 11:00am - 5:00pm. Please contact us for registration.
• How much does it cost?
  Total enrollment is $395. This price includes the registration fee, training in a state-of-the-art facility with experienced instructors, all materials, a nationally recognized certificate of completion, ongoing job placement assistance, and FREE refresher courses.
  
  
• Why are some schools so secretive about their pricing and policies?
  Some bartending schools charge as much as they can, depending on what they think you can afford. You may end up paying hundreds more than the student next to you.
  
  The Pacific Bartending School charges a single, well-publicized fee for our training. We will always tell you the entire cost whether you inquire in person or over the phone.
• I've heard a lot about PBS' VideoCocktailer. Will I be learning from a video screen?
  We augment hands-on and instructor training through the use of an audio-visual program that is unique to and developed specifically for the Pacific Bartending School. VideoCocktailer reinforces what an instructor has already taught. Our full-time instructors give all lessons and lectures live, in person, to small groups of 10 or fewer.
  
  VideoCocktailer provides greater consistency and structure to your training. In fact, this equipment is so effective that our graduates generally perform at a level of efficiency that is twice that of students graduating from bartending schools using traditional methods.
• What is the demand for bartending jobs today?
  The beverage service and hospitality industries are booming. The restaurant industry alone will see another million jobs open in the next seven years - an industry that already employs almost 12 million people, making it the nation's largest employer outside of government. Another way to look at it is this: as long as people enjoy going out to eat, traveling, and staying at resorts, beverage service and hospitality professionals will be in demand. (Statistical source: National Restaurant Association, 2002/2003 Industry at a Glance and Restaurant Industry Forecast.)
• What is the average age of a bartending student? Could I be too young or too old?
  Age is not a factor in bartending success. Pacific Bartending School classes include students of all ages to meet the needs of many types of bars. The restaurant and nightclub scene is younger-oriented, while the pub, hotel, and golf club scenes offer more mature environments. The minimum age to work as a bartender in California is 21. Other areas (states/countries) vary from 18 to 21.
• Where is Pacific Bartending School located?
  We are located in the heart of Los Angeles' South Bay at 18010 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. View Map & Driving Directions
  
  NOTE: We are not located in the Crenshaw District in South L.A. We are located in the South Bay City of Torrance.
• How do I register for classes at Pacific Bartending School?
  If you are interested in taking our course, please Register & Pay Online or Call 310-515-9002. You may also visit the school Monday through Friday from 11:00am to 6:00pm.
  
  A registration fee of $200 is required in order to secure your class time. A payment plan can be created on arrival for the balance due. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover,Debit Card and Cash. If your question was not addressed or adequately answered on this page call the Pacific Bartending School at 310-515-9002.
• Still not convinced?
  See what our grads have to say in on our Testimonials page and then sign up to take one of our FREE Introductory Classes.

back to top