Top 11 Barback Certifications

Certifications are important for barbacks in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and skills that employers look for when hiring. Certifications provide proof of a barback's competency in areas such as alcohol safety, customer service, and legal compliance. Employers want to know that their employees are knowledgeable and capable of handling tasks related to the bar industry. With certifications, barbacks can prove their abilities and show potential employers that they have the qualifications to do the job right.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Barbacks and explain how they can help advance a barback's career.

What are Barback Certifications?

Barback certification is a type of training program designed to give aspiring bartenders the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a bar. The program focuses on teaching students about the basics of bartending, such as pouring drinks, stocking shelves, and making sure that customers have everything they need. It also covers important topics like sanitation, customer service, and alcohol safety. With barback certification, aspiring bartenders can demonstrate to employers that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in a bar setting. This can help them stand out from other applicants and make it easier for them to find employment. Additionally, many bars require their employees to have some form of certification before they can begin working, so having this type of certification can open up more job opportunities for those who are looking for work in the industry.

Always double-check the requirements for barback certification in your state. Different states have different regulations and certifications required, so make sure you are up to date on the specific regulations and certifications that are needed to be a successful barback.

Related: What does a Barback do?

Top 11 Barback Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Barbacks today.

1. Certified Professional Barback (CPB)

Certified Professional Barback (CPB) is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of professional barbacks. It is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates mastery of the barback profession. The CPB program is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CPB certification requires applicants to pass a written exam covering topics such as bar setup, customer service, stocking and restocking bars, and cleaning and sanitation. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. To be eligible for the CPB certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience in a bar-related position.

To get certified, applicants must register with the NRAEF online or by mail and pay a fee of $125 USD. The fee covers registration, exam materials, study guides, and other resources needed to prepare for the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CPB certificate as well as access to exclusive job postings from employers looking for certified barbacks.

Overall, becoming a Certified Professional Barback can help you stand out from other job seekers in the field and give you an edge when applying for jobs in the hospitality industry.

2. Certified Mixologist (CM)

A Certified Mixologist (CM) is a professional designation given to individuals who have completed a comprehensive program in mixology. This program includes instruction in the history of cocktails, the fundamentals of bartending, and the principles of customer service. The course also covers topics such as spirits, liqueurs, beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.

It typically takes about eight weeks to complete the Certified Mixologist program. During this time, students learn the basics of bartending including proper pouring techniques and recipes for classic cocktails. They also learn how to assess customer needs and preferences when creating drinks and how to properly store and serve alcohol.

To become a Certified Mixologist, you must first take an online or classroom-based course from an accredited institution. Once you have successfully completed the coursework, you will need to pass a written exam that tests your knowledge on all aspects of mixology. After passing this exam, you will be issued a CM certificate from the institution that administered it.

The cost of becoming a Certified Mixologist varies depending on which institution you choose to take your course through; however, most programs range from $500-$1,000 USD.

3. Certified Craft Bartender (CCB)

Certified Craft Bartender (CCB) is a certification program that provides bartenders with the knowledge and skills to become an expert in craft cocktails. The program was created by the United States Bartenders Guild (USBG), a professional organization for bartenders and mixologists.

The CCB certification takes approximately 8-12 weeks to complete, depending on how quickly you progress through the course materials. The program consists of online courses, hands-on training, and an exam. You must have at least two years of experience as a bartender or mixologist to qualify for the program.

To get certified, you must first register for the CCB program on USBG’s website. Once registered, you will be given access to the online course materials and can begin your studies. After completing all of the coursework, you will need to pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the CCB certification is $250 USD for USBG members and $500 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to all of the course materials as well as one attempt at passing the exam.

4. Advanced Barback Certification (ABC)

Advanced Barback Certification (ABC) is a certification program offered by the National Bartender Association (NBA). It is designed to recognize barbacks with advanced knowledge and skills in the bar industry.

The ABC program consists of six core courses, which cover topics such as customer service, beverage preparation, inventory management, and safety. The courses can be taken online or in a classroom setting. The program takes approximately six weeks to complete, depending on the student’s availability and commitment.

To receive the ABC certification, candidates must pass a written exam and demonstrate proficiency in all six core courses. The exam fee is $75, and there are additional costs associated with taking the courses.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive an official certificate from the NBA that recognizes their achievement. This certification can help barbacks stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the industry.

5. Certified Alcohol Server (CAS)

Certified Alcohol Server (CAS) is a certification program that provides alcohol servers with the knowledge and skills necessary to responsibly serve and sell alcoholic beverages. The program is designed to help prevent alcohol-related problems, such as underage drinking and over-serving.

The certification process typically takes one to two hours to complete and involves taking an exam that covers topics such as state laws, identifying intoxicated customers, preventing sales to minors, understanding liability issues, and more. To receive the certification, participants must pass the exam with a score of at least 75%.

To get certified, individuals must attend a training course offered by an approved provider. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider; however, most courses range from $20-$50. Upon successful completion of the course and passing of the exam, individuals will be issued a Certified Alcohol Server card.

6. National Barback Certification Program (NBCP)

The National Barback Certification Program (NBCP) is an online certification program designed to provide barbacks with the knowledge and skills needed to work in a professional bar environment. The program was created by the National Barback Association (NBA) and is endorsed by the International Bartenders Association (IBA).

The NBCP consists of four modules that must be completed in order to receive certification. The modules cover topics such as safety, customer service, product knowledge, and responsible alcohol service. Each module can take anywhere from 1-2 hours to complete, depending on the individual's learning style and pace.

In order to get certified, individuals must first register for the NBCP online at www.barbackcertificationprogram.com. After registering, they will be given access to all four modules which they must complete within 30 days of registration. Upon completion of all four modules, individuals will be required to pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the NBCP is $99 USD per person and includes access to all four modules as well as one attempt at passing the final exam. If an individual fails the exam on their first attempt, they may retake it for an additional fee of $25 USD per retake attempt.

7. Certified Beverage Service Professional (CBSP)

Certified Beverage Service Professional (CBSP) is a certification program developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). The program was designed to provide bartenders, servers, and other hospitality professionals with the necessary skills to become experts in beverage service.

The CBSP program consists of an online course and a hands-on assessment. The online course covers topics such as mixology, wine and beer knowledge, customer service, and responsible alcohol service. Participants must complete the online course before taking the hands-on assessment. The hands-on assessment is conducted at an approved testing site and consists of practical tasks that demonstrate knowledge of beverage service fundamentals.

It typically takes about four weeks to complete the CBSP program. To get started, participants must register for the program on the NRAEF website and pay a fee of $150 USD. After registering, participants will receive access to the online course materials and instructions on how to schedule their hands-on assessment.

Once all requirements are completed, participants will receive their CBSP certificate from NRAEF acknowledging their expertise in beverage service.

8. International Bartenders Association (IBA) Certification

The International Bartenders Association (IBA) is a professional association of bartenders and bar professionals from around the world. It was founded in 1951 to promote the profession and provide education, training, and certification for bartenders. The IBA offers an official Certification Program that is recognized worldwide as a standard of excellence for bartending skills.

To become certified, bartenders must pass an exam that covers topics such as mixology, customer service, beverage knowledge, and safety. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete. To prepare for the exam, applicants can take courses offered by the IBA or study independently using materials provided by the IBA.

In order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least one year of experience working as a bartender or bar manager. They must also submit proof of their work experience (such as references or pay stubs).

The cost of taking the certification exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it usually costs between $100 and $200 USD. Once certified, bartenders receive an official certificate from the IBA which they can use to demonstrate their expertise in mixology and customer service.

9. Professional Bartending Institute's Barback Certificate Program

The Professional Bartending Institute's Barback Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to equip aspiring barbacks with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the hospitality industry. The program consists of three courses: Introduction to Barbacking, Advanced Barbacking, and Professional Barbacking. Each course is approximately 4 hours long and covers topics such as customer service, drink preparation, bar setup and maintenance, inventory management, and more.

The program can be completed in as little as one week or up to six weeks depending on the student's availability. To get started, students must register online for the program and complete payment of the tuition fee which is $249 USD. Upon successful completion of all three courses, students will receive their official Barback Certificate from the Professional Bartending Institute.

10. National Restaurant Association's Foodservice and Alcoholic Beverage Management Certificate Program

The National Restaurant Association’s Foodservice and Alcoholic Beverage Management Certificate Program is designed to provide foodservice and beverage professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage a foodservice or alcoholic beverage operation. The program consists of three courses that can be completed in six months or less, depending on the individual’s schedule.

The first course, Introduction to Foodservice and Alcoholic Beverage Management, provides an overview of the industry and covers topics such as menu planning, cost control, customer service, sanitation, safety, and labor management. The second course focuses on purchasing and inventory management. It covers topics such as product selection, pricing strategies, ordering systems, receiving procedures, storage techniques, and inventory control. The third course deals with financial management for foodservice and alcoholic beverage operations. It covers topics such as budgeting, forecasting sales volumes, calculating costs of goods sold (COGS), analyzing operating statements (P&Ls), developing pricing strategies, setting goals for profitability improvement initiatives and more.

To receive the certificate from the National Restaurant Association upon completion of all three courses in this program students must pass a comprehensive exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for this program is $1125 plus applicable taxes. This includes access to all three online courses for six months plus one attempt at the comprehensive exam.

11. American Bartenders School's Advanced Barback Course

The American Bartenders School’s Advanced Barback Course is a comprehensive course designed to teach students the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful barback. The course covers topics such as bar setup, stocking and restocking, sanitation, customer service, and inventory management. It also includes hands-on training in mixing drinks and pouring beer.

The Advanced Barback Course takes approximately 8 hours to complete. To get the course, students must first enroll in an American Bartenders School location or online. The cost of the course varies depending on the school location but typically ranges from $200-$300.

The course provides students with a certificate of completion upon successful completion of the program. This certificate can be used as proof of experience when applying for barback positions at bars and restaurants.

Do You Really Need a Barback Certificate?

The answer to whether or not someone needs a barback certificate depends on the job they are applying for. Barbacks are responsible for helping bartenders serve customers, and in some cases, they may be required to have a certificate in order to work as a barback. However, this is not always the case. Many employers do not require barbacks to have any formal training or certification before they can begin working.

In some states, employers may require that barbacks meet certain minimum qualifications before they can be hired, such as having a valid driver's license and being of legal drinking age. Additionally, many states also require that barbacks complete an alcohol awareness course before they can work in a bar setting. While these courses may not lead to a formal certification, they will help ensure that the barback understands the laws and regulations regarding serving alcohol responsibly.

For those who are looking to get certified as a barback, there are several options available. The National Association of Bar Professionals (NABP) offers an online certification program for bartenders and barbacks alike. This program covers topics such as customer service skills, alcohol safety, mixology techniques and more. Upon completing the coursework and passing the final exam, students will receive their NABP Certificate in Bar Service & Management.

At the end of the day, whether or not you need a barback certificate largely depends on where you plan on working and what qualifications your employer requires from its employees. If you're considering becoming a professional bartender or barback, it's worth looking into getting certified so you can stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to providing great customer service in an alcohol-serving environment.

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FAQs About Barback Certifications

1. What is a barback certification?

Answer: A barback certification is a qualification that proves an individual has the knowledge and skills to work as a barback in a professional setting. It typically covers topics such as beverage selection, drink preparation techniques, customer service, and liquor laws.

2. How do I obtain a barback certification?

Answer: Barback certifications can be obtained through online courses or in-person classes offered by accredited institutions.

3. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a barback certification?

Answer: Generally, there are no prerequisites for obtaining a barback certification; however, some courses may require prior experience or knowledge of the industry.

4. How long does it take to complete a barback certification course?

Answer: The length of time needed to complete a barback certification course will vary depending on the institution offering the course and how quickly you learn the material. Most courses can be completed within 6-12 weeks if studied diligently.

5. Is there an exam required to earn my barback certification?

Answer: Yes, most institutions offering barback certifications will require an exam at the end of the course in order to receive your certificate of completion.