Top 11 Liquor Store Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important factor for a liquor store manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the applicant has the knowledge and skills necessary to run a successful business. Certifications also provide employers with assurance that the candidate is qualified for the position, as well as show potential customers that the store is being managed responsibly. Additionally, certifications can help increase a manager's credibility and demonstrate their commitment to their profession. With certifications, managers can set themselves apart from other applicants and show employers that they are serious about their career.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Liquor Store Managers and explains how they can contribute to a liquor store manager's career by providing them with additional knowledge, skills, and credibility.

What are Liquor Store Manager Certifications?

Liquor store manager certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a liquor store. It is designed for individuals who are currently working in, or looking to enter, the alcohol retail industry. The certification program covers topics such as responsible alcohol service, state and federal laws related to selling alcoholic beverages, customer service techniques, inventory management, financial record-keeping and more.

Having liquor store manager certification can help an individual stand out from other job candidates and be better prepared to take on the responsibilities of managing a liquor store. The certification also provides employers with assurance that their employees have been trained in the best practices for selling alcohol responsibly and that they understand all relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, having a certified manager on staff may help reduce liability risks associated with selling alcohol. Finally, having this certification can provide opportunities for career advancement within the retail industry due to its recognition as a valuable credential.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific liquor store manager certification requirements in your state or jurisdiction before beginning the process. It is important to understand what qualifications you need to meet and what type of training is necessary in order to obtain a valid certification.

Related: What does a Liquor Store Manager do?

Top 11 Liquor Store Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Liquor Store Managers today.

1. Certified Alcohol Server Training

Certified Alcohol Server Training (CAS) is a program designed to educate alcohol servers about the laws and regulations governing the sale and service of alcoholic beverages. The training provides information on how to identify intoxicated patrons, how to refuse service to them, and how to prevent over-service of alcohol. It also covers topics such as responsible alcohol advertising, liability issues, and state-specific laws.

The length of time it takes to complete CAS varies depending on the type of course you take. Online courses typically take 4-6 hours, while in-person classes typically last 8-10 hours.

To get certified, you must find an approved provider that offers the training in your area. You can search for providers online or contact your local Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) office for more information. Once you have found a provider, you can register for a class and pay any associated fees.

The cost of CAS varies depending on the type of course and provider you choose. Online courses usually range from $25-$50, while in-person classes may cost up to $100 or more.

2. Certified Retail Manager Certification

Certified Retail Manager (CRM) certification is a professional credential offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to recognize retail professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field. The CRM certification is based on a comprehensive set of competencies and standards that are essential for successful retail management.

The CRM certification program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and an exam. The self-study course covers topics such as customer service, store operations, merchandising, human resources, financial management, and marketing. This course typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete. After completing the course, candidates must pass an exam to become certified.

The cost of the CRM certification program varies depending on the package you purchase. Typically, packages range from $299 - $599 USD.

To get started with the CRM certification program, you must first register with NRF and pay the associated fee. Once registered, you will be sent access codes to begin your self-study course and take the exam when ready. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, you will receive your official CRM certificate in 4-6 weeks after passing the exam.

3. Liquor Store Management Certificate Program

The Liquor Store Management Certificate Program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a liquor store. The program focuses on topics such as customer service, inventory control, sales strategies, marketing, and business operations. It also covers legal requirements related to selling alcohol in the United States.

The program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete. It can be taken either online or in a traditional classroom setting. To enroll in the program, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass an entrance exam.

The cost of the program varies depending on the institution offering it and whether it is taken online or in person. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $500-$2,000 for the entire course of study.

4. Certified Professional in Alcoholic Beverage Management (CP-ABM)

Certified Professional in Alcoholic Beverage Management (CP-ABM) is a certification program for those working in the alcohol beverage industry. This certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage alcoholic beverage operations. The CP-ABM program focuses on topics such as liquor law, responsible service of alcohol, risk management, and financial management.

The CP-ABM certification requires successful completion of an online course and a proctored exam. The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and covers topics such as laws and regulations, inventory control, pricing strategies, marketing strategies, customer service, and financial management. The proctored exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that must be completed within two hours.

To get the CP-ABM certification, you must first register with the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA). Once registered, you will receive access to the online course materials and instructions for scheduling your proctored exam. After completing the online course and passing the proctored exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your CP-ABM certification.

The cost of obtaining the CP-ABM certification is $395 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with registering with NABCA.

5. Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits

The Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits is a certification program designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the world of wines and spirits. The program is aimed at those who are interested in pursuing a career in the wine and spirits industry, or who simply wish to gain an understanding of the subject.

The course consists of 6 units of study, which include topics such as grape varieties, production methods, tasting techniques and food pairing. It typically takes around 30 hours of study to complete the course, although this can vary depending on individual learning speed.

In order to get the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits, you must first complete all 6 units of study. You will then need to pass an exam consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions in order to receive your certificate. The exam fee is usually included in the cost of the course.

The cost for the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs between £200-£400 ($250-$500).

6. National Association of Beverage Retailers (NABR) Certification

The National Association of Beverage Retailers (NABR) is a professional organization that provides certification to retailers in the beverage industry. This certification is designed to help retailers demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the beverage industry, allowing them to better serve customers and build trust with suppliers.

To get certified, applicants must first complete an online application and submit it along with a fee of $150 for NABR membership. Once the application is accepted, applicants are required to take an online exam that covers topics such as product knowledge, sales techniques, customer service, safety regulations, and more. The exam typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken at any time.

Once the exam has been completed successfully, applicants will receive their NABR certification within two weeks. This certification allows retailers to show customers that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide quality service in the beverage industry. It also helps them stand out from competitors who may not have this certification.

The cost of getting NABR certification is $150 for membership plus the cost of taking the exam ($50).

7. BarSmarts Advanced Certification

BarSmarts Advanced Certification is a comprehensive program that provides bartenders and bar professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the industry. The certification is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of spirits, mixology, service techniques, and management. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the course and includes online lectures, interactive activities, quizzes, and exams.

To get the BarSmarts Advanced Certification, you must first register for the program through their website. Once registered, you will be able to access the online course materials which include videos, slideshows, quizzes and exams. You must complete all of these materials within 10 hours in order to receive your certification.

The cost of BarSmarts Advanced Certification varies depending on where you purchase it from. Generally speaking it costs around $100 USD for the full course material.

8. National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe Alcohol® Responsible Alcohol Service Training

The National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe Alcohol® Responsible Alcohol Service Training is a comprehensive program that provides the training needed to ensure responsible alcohol service in restaurants, bars, and other establishments. The program covers topics such as state and local laws, recognizing signs of intoxication, checking IDs, preventing sales to minors, and intervening when necessary.

The training takes approximately 4 hours to complete. It is available both online and in-person. The online version can be completed at your own pace; however, it must be completed within 90 days of purchase. The in-person option is offered through local ServSafe Alcohol® instructors and classes are typically held over a single day or evening session.

The cost for the online version of the training varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $15-$50. The cost for an in-person class will vary based on location and instructor fees but generally runs between $50-$100 per person.

Overall, the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe Alcohol® Responsible Alcohol Service Training is an important part of ensuring safe alcohol service practices in restaurants and other establishments.

9. International Sommelier Guild (ISG) Advanced Sommelier Certification

The International Sommelier Guild (ISG) Advanced Sommelier Certification is a prestigious certification that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and expertise in the wine industry. It is the highest level of certification offered by the ISG and requires mastery of all aspects of wine service, including tasting, storage, and pairing. The certification process consists of three parts: a written exam, a practical exam, and an oral defense.

The written exam is designed to test knowledge on topics such as viticulture, enology, sensory analysis, wine production regions and styles, food pairing principles, and professional service standards. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any ISG-approved testing center around the world.

The practical exam tests skills in areas such as decanting wine, opening bottles with a corkscrew or saber, setting up tables for wine service, pouring wines without spilling or dripping onto the tablecloth or floor mats, recognizing grape varieties by sight and aroma alone, identifying various types of glasses used for different wines and their correct placement on the table. This portion of the exam takes about two hours to complete.

The final portion of the certification process is an oral defense before a panel of certified master sommeliers. During this part of the examination process candidates must demonstrate their knowledge on topics such as grape varieties from around the world; regional wines; vintage comparisons; food pairings; proper storage techniques; customer service protocols; and other related topics. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to communicate these concepts clearly in order to pass this section of the examination.

In total it can take up to six months to complete all three parts of the ISG Advanced Sommelier Certification process depending on when exams are available in your area. The cost for taking all three parts is approximately $1,000 USD which includes registration fees for each part as well as study materials such as books or online courses if needed.

10. Professional Bartending School Course

Professional Bartending School Course is a comprehensive program designed to teach students the fundamentals of bartending. It typically covers topics such as bar setup, customer service, drink mixing, and responsible alcohol service. The course usually lasts between two and four weeks depending on the school, and can be taken either in-person or online.

To get the Professional Bartending School Course, students must first find a reputable school that offers the program. Most schools require applicants to have a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years old. Once accepted into the program, students will receive instruction from experienced bartenders who will teach them all aspects of bartending from setting up the bar to creating drinks.

The cost of Professional Bartending School Courses varies depending on the school and location. Generally speaking, courses range from $500-$1,500 for in-person classes and $200-$500 for online classes. Some schools also offer financial aid or payment plans to help cover tuition costs.

Overall, Professional Bartending School Courses provide an excellent way for aspiring bartenders to gain valuable knowledge and experience in order to become successful in their field.

11. Certified Beer Server Training

Certified Beer Server Training is a certification program offered by the Cicerone Certification Program. It is designed to provide beer professionals with an understanding of basic beer service and sales techniques. The training covers topics such as beer styles, storage and handling, draft systems, glassware, food pairings, and customer service. The program also includes a tasting component that allows participants to practice their skills in recognizing flavors and aromas in different beers.

The Certified Beer Server Training takes about 4-6 hours to complete and can be taken online or in-person at one of the Cicerone's approved locations. The cost for the training varies depending on the location and delivery method chosen but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD.

Once you have completed the Certified Beer Server Training, you will receive a certificate of completion that can be used to demonstrate your knowledge of beer service and sales techniques. You may also be eligible for discounts on other Cicerone certifications such as Certified Cicerone or Advanced Cicerone.

Do You Really Need a Liquor Store Manager Certificate?

No, you do not need a liquor store manager certificate to successfully manage a liquor store. While it is important for managers of any business to have the necessary qualifications and training to be successful, a certificate is not a requirement. It may be helpful in certain situations, such as when applying for a job or when working in an unfamiliar field, but it is not absolutely necessary.

The most important factor for managing a liquor store successfully is having the knowledge and experience that comes with being familiar with the laws and regulations involved in selling alcohol and running the business. Many states require that employees who work in liquor stores have some type of certification or training in order to sell alcohol legally. However, this does not necessarily mean that you need a specific certificate or degree related to managing a liquor store.

Having strong leadership skills and customer service experience can also go a long way in helping you run your business effectively. Understanding customer needs and wants, managing staff appropriately, handling financials properly, keeping track of inventory levels, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed are all essential components of successful management.

Overall, while having some kind of certification might make it easier to obtain employment or demonstrate your expertise in the field, it is not required to manage a liquor store successfully. Having the right knowledge base and experience will help you succeed regardless of whether or not you hold an official certificate.

Related: Liquor Store Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Liquor Store Manager Certifications

1. What is a Liquor Store Manager Certification?

Answer: A Liquor Store Manager Certification is a credential that demonstrates the holder has met the requirements to manage a liquor store. This certification typically requires completing an approved course and passing an exam.

2. Who is eligible for a Liquor Store Manager Certification?

Answer: In order to receive a Liquor Store Manager Certification, individuals must be at least 21 years of age and have completed an approved course on managing liquor stores.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The exact time frame for obtaining certification varies depending on the individual's learning style and availability, but generally it can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks to complete the required course and pass the exam.

4. What are the benefits of being certified?

Answer: Being certified as a liquor store manager shows potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their business successfully. It also gives you credibility in the industry, as well as access to networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

5. Is recertification required?

Answer: Yes, most states require recertification every two years in order to maintain your certification status.