Education · 1 of 4

The path

One legally required certificate, then you earn the bar by working next to it.

1. 1

   Get certified to serve alcohol

   1 day

   Smart Serve in Ontario, Serving It Right in British Columbia, ProServe in Alberta. Online, self-paced, a few hours, then a test.

2. 2

   Get hired anywhere in the building

   Weeks

   Barback, busser, server or host. Bars promote from inside because they need to trust you with cash and liquor.

3. 3

   Barback

   6 to 12 months

   Stocking, ice, glassware, cutting fruit, watching every drink the bartender makes. This is the apprenticeship.

4. 4

   Get a bar shift

   1 to 2 years

   Usually a quiet weeknight first. You learn speed, pour counts, the point of sale system and how to cut someone off politely.

5. 5

   Move up

   3 years and up

   Head bartender, bar manager, cocktail bar work, brand ambassador for a spirits company, or your own bar.