Master The Art of Bartending with hands-on training

Professional Bartender Training Academy

Learn bartending skills and secure your bartending certification with our exclusive three-week, twelve-hour hands-on training program. Led by professionally experienced instructors with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, you’ll receive expert guidance and personalized instruction every step of the way!

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learn to earn: BECOME A CERTIFIED BARTENDER

Learn Bartending in Only 3 Weeks

At Professional Bartender Training Academy, we believe that real bartending skills are developed through hands-on experience, not online videos or gimmicky certifications. Our classes are taught in your local city, allowing you to practice and perfect your craft in a supportive, real-world environment. With over 30 years of proven success, we’ve graduated more bartenders in New York and Pennsylvania than any other school.

Delicious orange cocktails with cranberries and herbs on a tray, served by waiter at an outdoor event.
WEEK 1

Glassware
Measurements
Speed Pouring
Mixing Techniques
Manhattans
Martinis
Old Fashioned’s
Combination Drinks
Customer Service

WEEK 2

The Art of Shaking
Using the Blender
Fruit Based Drinks & Sours
Collins & Slings
Daiquiris
Margaritas
Long Island Iced Tea
Gimlets
Kamikaze
Cream Drinks
Garnish Cutting

Close-up of a refreshing citrus cocktail garnished with a dried orange slice, served in a clear glass.
WEEK 3

Standard Drinks
Highballs
Pineapple Bomber
Bloody Mary
After Dinner Drinks
Shots and Shooters
Coffee Drinks
Juice Based Drinks
Crowd Control
Handling Cash

Vibrant cocktail pour into an ice-filled wine glass by a bartender, highlighting the drink's color and texture.
Cheerful bartender pouring a cocktail with a smile at a lively bar.
Bartender presenting a cocktail in a modern and elegant bar setting.
job placement assistance

We Provide Professional Job Placement Assistance

We are committed to helping our students find successful job placements after they graduate. Our experienced staff works closely with local bars, restaurants, and event venues to connect our graduates with job opportunities that match their skills and interests.

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Bartender Training Will Teach You:

Colorful cocktails with citrus slices on a bar, perfect for nightlife settings.
  • The proper techniques for using popular bartending tools such as jiggers, shakers, stirring spoons, and more, so you can feel confident and skilled behind the bar.
  • Hundreds of unique recipes to enhance your drink IQ and improve your skills behind the bar.
  • The proper techniques for cutting a variety of fruits with precision and safety, as well as creative ways to garnish drinks to enhance their presentation and flavor.
  • How to increase your bar revenue, tips, and make customers want to become your regulars.
  • How to detect illegal drunkenness and stop risky confrontations with customers before they start.
The #1 Bartending School in NY and PA

Our History

With over 40 years of experience teaching mixology and managing some of the most renowned bars and restaurants across the country, our senior instructor and founder paves the way to build the expertise and confidence you need, with decades of industry knowledge, experience, and a passion for teaching. Take your bartending career to the next step with skills and confidence honed by in-person, hands-on training.

Since its founding in 1995, Professional Bartender Training Academy has become the largest and most trusted bartending school in New York and Pennsylvania. With locations across both states, we’ve built a legacy rooted in excellence, practical training, and a commitment to helping students succeed in one of the most dynamic industries in the world. What sets us apart is our emphasis on hands-on learning, unlike online programs that rely on videos.

We believe bartending is a craft that must be practiced in a real-world setting, and our program is designed to teach you the skills that matter — techniques, timing, and customer service — ensuring you’re ready to handle everything from crafting complex cocktails to thriving during a Friday night rush. Join the thousands of graduates who have launched their bartending careers with us and discover how Professional Bartender Training Academy can help you unlock your potential.

Professional Bartender Training

Don’t just take our word for it. Testimonials from our graduates!

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Hands-On Training in a City Near You

Upcoming Bartending Sessions

Master the art of bartending with our immersive three-week classes. Explore our schedule to see if we’re coming to your city and reserve your spot today to gain the skills and confidence you need to excel.

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Hands-On Training to Launch Your Career

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you have questions, and we’re here to provide clear answers to help you feel confident about starting your bartending journey. From understanding industry requirements to learning what sets our program apart, our FAQ section covers everything you need to know. Discover how our hands-on training, expert instruction, and local connections can give you the skills and confidence to excel in any bar setting.

No, in most states, including New York and Pennsylvania, you do not need a bartending license to work. What you need is hands-on training, the right skills, and confidence behind the bar—all of which our program provides.

Our classes run for three consecutive weeks, with each 4-hour session held on the same day and time each week. This schedule ensures you get ample time to practice, learn, and perfect your skills.

Our program covers everything you need to know to excel as a professional bartender, including mixing techniques, cocktail recipes, speed and efficiency, customer service, and bar management essentials. You’ll also gain practical experience by working with real bar tools and setups.

Yes! We have strong relationships with bars and restaurants in each city we teach in. Many of these establishments give special consideration to our graduates because they know the quality of our training program and the skills our students bring to the table.

Unlike online courses, which rely on videos and theoretical training, our program is entirely hands-on. You’ll learn in-person, practicing techniques in a real-world setting. This practical experience gives you the confidence and skills you need to walk into any bar and excel.

We offer classes in 15 locations across New York and Pennsylvania, including Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, Pittsburgh, Erie, and more. Check our upcoming schedule to find a class near you.

Signing up is easy! Visit our “Upcoming Classes” here to find a session near you and reserve your spot. Don’t wait—our classes fill up fast!

Have more questions? Explore the details below or reach out to us directly—we’re here to help!

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