Bartending schools in Nevada are popular due to the state’s thriving nightlife, entertainment, and hospitality industry. Las Vegas, in particular, is known for its world-class bars, nightclubs, and casinos, making it an ideal place to learn the art of bartending or even establish a bartending career.
Whether you are looking to start a career or simply want to improve your skills, attending a bartending school in Nevada can be a great way to achieve your goals. With a variety of programs and classes to choose from, students can find a school that best suits their needs and interests.
The 7 Best Bartending Schools in Nevada
ACE Bartending Academy
A state-licensed vocational school designed to prepare students for a career in bartending. ACE has been in operation since 2007
Available in the following cities:
Las Vegas
National Bartenders
National Bartenders has refined bartending classes nationwide for nearly 40 years
Available in the following cities:
Las Vegas
Reno
Crescent School of Gaming and Bartending
Originally founded in 1983 in New Orleans, Crescent expanded into Nevada in 2001, specializing in casino dealer and bartending courses
Available in the following cities:
Las Vegas (2 locations)
ABC Bartending
Around since 1977, ABC is one of the largest bartender training establishments in the nation with locations across the United States
Available in the following cities:
Las Vegas
Reno Bartending School
Reno Bartending School has been providing bartenders with training to join local bars and casinos since 2011
Available in the following cities:
Reno
Local 165
Local bartenders union with over 4,000 members that offers a training program to educate bartenders and beverage managers
Available in the following cities:
Las Vegas
Mixology Classes Las Vegas
In-person, interactive, and fun mixology classes hosted by skilled instructors are available at multiple venues across the Strip
Available in the following cities:
Las Vegas
Bartender Licensing in Nevada
In Nevada, anyone who wishes to sell or serve alcoholic beverages must complete a state-approved Alcohol Beverage Awareness Program within 30 days of hire. The program has two components: an online course and an in-person proctored exam.
Important Note: Licensing training providers differ from ordinary bartending schools. While bartending schools may offer training in mixology and other aspects of bartending, they do not provide the certification required to serve or sell alcohol in Nevada. Some bartending schools may be approved by Nevada’s Commission on Postsecondary Education to provide the appropriate training. For instance, ACE Bartending Academy is a state-approved course provider.
The online portion of the program is at least 2 hours long, and the proctored exam can typically be completed in 5 minutes or less. Once you have completed the program and passed the exam, you will receive a bartending license that is valid for 4 years. Unfortunately, once your certification has expired, you cannot renew it, and you must retake the training and exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum age requirement to become a bartender in Nevada is 21 years old.
Depending on the length of the program, bartending classes can range anywhere between $250-$2,500 per person. The more expensive schools tend to provide services beyond classroom training, including job placement programs, field trips, guest lectures, and more.
According to the Nevada Alcoholic Beverage Control, the cost of the course may not exceed $40. Therefore, if you see a provider selling a course for more than $40, they are likely trying to sell you add-on services such as schooling or job placement. Although these can be useful services, at the end of the day, your only required amount is $40.
