Westchester Bartender Schools - Academy of Professional Bartending-Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Exactly what is The Academy of Professional Bartending®?

We are a Westchester based, family owned business for bartenders by bartenders. A professional private school that is licensed by the NY State Education Department. We teach professional bartending as a full or part-time career. We also have other courses such as flair bartending and TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS). Our staff has been training bartenders in the Tri-State area for years.

Do I really need to go to bartending school?

As with any industry, strong job skills, as well as finely honed people skills, combined with in-depth training makes you a valuable asset to any company which unmistakably gives you the winning edge when it comes to your competition. Whenever an establishment employs a particular individual there are some key aspects : a wide range and diverse set of skills as well as the training this person has undergone. Obviously the more the better. Point blank, the more training you have the better chance of landing that position. The curriculum and type of training is what you should be looking for when choosing a school, and NOT because of the so called 'certification.' Certification provides independent endorsement of a particular level of expertise in any given arena you were trained in. The quality of training stands behind that certification. Look at the job listings. More and more establishments are requiring bartender training because they just don't have the time to train and tend customers.

How long will it take me to get through your course?

We offer a 1 week, 2 week or 5 consecutive Saturday program. The total program is 40 hours. And if you have one of those crazy and hectic schedules we will be only more than happy to customize a schedule to fit your life style at no additional charge! If you are unable to enroll in any of our scheduled classes, you may enroll in our mix "n" match program. This custom arrangement will permit you to attend the curriculum based upon YOUR schedule. Basically, attend your first class on one of our regularly scheduled starting days (Mondays & Saturdays). Thereafter , you can choose any sequence of days, evenings or weekend classes until you have successfully graduated.

What is the expertise of your staff?

The New York State Education Department, Office of Higher Educationrequires all instructors to have a minimum of 2 years real life experience. Here at the Academy all of our instructors are required to have a minimum of 5 years real life experience. In addition, all instructors are required to go through the NY State Educations private school teachers training program in order to obtain their license. Bartending cannot be taught online, by video or from books. As with any type of training it should be taught by qualified bartenders who have learned from actual real life experience. In this way, they are able to pass on to you all of the tricks of the trade they have learned, something you could never get from a book or video.

Will I get the hands-on experience I need?

Of course! Our classrooms were designed with that in mind. To have the feel, look and functionality as with any genuine alcohol serving setting. State of the art equipment including: Krowne 6' stainless steel bar sinks w/ 18" drain boards, 10-button Wunder Bar Post Mix soda guns, 6 tube cold plates, Scotsman 500 lb ice maker and more!! The art of bartendingis an occupation that is best learned by hands-on experience with the proper tools and equipment of the trade. Upon your successfulgraduation you will be skillfully suited to function as a bartender in the hospitality arena.

Ok, so I did the 40 hours but I feel I need more training, now what?

If for any reason you feel you are not ready to graduate or if you have problems during the course, our instructors will always be there & ready to help you. If you need extra hours or refresher lessons you may continue and of course there is never an additional charge. When we hand you your certificate you will be completely satisfied & confident that you can successfully take on the role and responsibilities of a bartender.

And what if I should fail a test?

We're are here, for you, the student. Should you not pass the exam please feel free to take a refresher or simply retake the test on a scheduled testing day. We stand behind our school and what it represents. We are here to make a bartender out of you and we will. If it takes a little longer than what you had anticipated, so what? Once you graduate you will feel and know deep down that you are now qualified to take the challenge. Again, we never tack on any additional charges that is our commitment to you. If you come to our school with the genuine attitude and commitment to succeed you will have no problem graduating.

So why consider Bartending & how old do I have to be?

Bartending is an awesome skill to have! What a great feeling to know that should you suddenly find yourself short of cash, unexpectedly become unemployed, or moving , you can always count on bartending for that extra needed cash. Did you know that 70% of American adults drink? It doesn't matter the economics of the country whether prosperous or on a downslide, there will always be a demand for bartenders. Here in New York, it is 18 to serve and 21 to consume.