While many people believe that becoming a bartender is fairly easy to get into and continue to learn the trade directly on the job, it must be acknowledged that it actually requires many skills. More and more establishments therefore prefer to work with people who hold qualifications in the field. Here, we present everything you need to know about the different training courses required to become a bartender.

CAP-level bartender training courses (Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle) 

The CAP is a national diploma earned two years after the end of middle school (equivalent to Year 10), although preparation can also take one or three years depending on the learner’s needs. It provides the skills and technical knowledge specific to certain trades and enables either entry into the workforce or further study towards a vocational baccalaureate. There are essentially two CAP-level training courses for anyone wishing to become a bartender.

The CAP in Sales and Service in Hotels, Cafés and Restaurants 

Recognised by the French State, the CAP in Sales and Service in Hotels, Cafés and Restaurants was created by merging three diplomas that have not existed since 2017: the CAPs in Hotel Services, Brasserie-Café Services, and Restaurant Services. Training for this diploma is available through a work-study programme and is open to people aged 15 to 30.

It can be taken at public or private schools and is split into two parts: the first consists of 16 hours of general education classes, and the second of 16 hours of vocational education. Fourteen weeks of work placements are also mandatory during the course — six in the first year and eight in the second.

By the end of the course, graduates are able to serve customers, prepare classic drinks, flambé cocktails, and more. The diploma allows graduates to move straight into working life as a bartender, or to continue towards an MC (complementary certification) or a vocational baccalaureate.

The CAP in Food Production and Service (PSR)

Since the start of the 2020 school year, the CAP in Food Production and Service has replaced the CAP for Multi-Skilled Catering Assistants. This diploma trains students to present simple dishes and drinks while strictly complying with safety and hygiene standards. Available through a work-study programme, this course requires no prior diploma. Lasting two years, it includes vocational and general education as well as work placements.

The CAP PSR for aspiring bartenders can be completed at a hospitality school, a vocational high school, an apprenticeship training centre (CFA), and so on. By the end of the training, graduates are able to handle customer welcome, drink preparation and service, as well as restocking supplies when needed.

Baccalaureate-level training courses to become a bartender 

Two baccalaureate-level courses allow you to work as a bartender.

The Vocational Baccalaureate in Sales and Restaurant Service 

The Vocational Baccalaureate in Sales and Restaurant Service is taught at vocational high schools or apprenticeship centres. The course lasts 2 years for CAP holders (16 weeks in a company) and 3 years for those who left school after middle school (22 weeks in a company). It teaches the ins and outs of the bartending trade, covering cocktail and drink service, dining room set-up, activity planning, stock and delivery management, and more.

The Technological Baccalaureate in Hospitality and Catering Sciences and Technologies (STHR) 

The STHR Baccalaureate is a State diploma that takes three years for students coming straight from middle school, and two years for those who have completed a general and technological 10th grade. The course cannot be taken as a work-study programme and includes technological and general education as well as periods of work placement. Students who choose this baccalaureate often go on to study for an MC. However, it is also possible to apply directly for a bartending position once the course is complete.

The Complementary Certification (MC) for Bartending Staff 

The MC for bartending staff is a State diploma earned in one year, open to anyone holding at least a CAP in hospitality or catering. The training aims to prepare learners in the various methods of customer welcome and sales, as well as bar management.

This MC is taken as a work-study programme, with three days in a company and two days at the training centre. By the end of the course, graduates are able to advise customers. They are also able to handle bar maintenance and cleaning, drink preparation and service, as well as sales management, restocking, and supplier relations.

The Professional Certificate (BP) for Bartenders 

The BP for Bartenders is a diploma studied for two years after a CAP. It can only be earned at a handful of French institutions, such as the Raymond Mondon hospitality high school in Metz, the one in La Rochelle, or the CFA for trade and services in Blagnac.

The course focuses on selecting, preparing and selling drinks and cocktails, stock management, hosting the dining room, cleaning the premises and maintaining equipment, and more. It teaches future bartenders how to welcome, advise, and listen to customers. Particular emphasis is also placed on understanding and applying the laws governing establishments that sell alcoholic beverages.

Depending on the size of the establishment they work for, a holder of this diploma can become head bartender. They may also choose to become self-employed. Furthermore, for those wishing to work in the most luxurious hotels, this course can be a major asset, as it is one of the most comprehensive on the market.

The Professional Qualification Certificate (CQP) — Nightlife Bartender 

The Nightlife Bartender CQP is a diploma offering tailor-made training whose length can be adapted to each learner’s profile and needs. Students are trained in customer welcome, receiving and storing stock, creating, preparing and selling drinks, maintaining and hosting the venue, security, and more. The course allows learners to acquire excellent skills and join a dynamic industry.

Public and private training courses 

The most popular courses for becoming a bartender are recognised by the State. However, it is also possible to opt for private training. In that case, a choice must be made between private institutions with no State contract and those under an association agreement with the State.

In the first case, these are schools whose training programme meets the requirements of the Ministry of National Education. They can receive subsidies from the State. As for private institutions with no State contract, they are neither recognised nor funded by the State, which gives them complete freedom in how they organise their courses. However, they are still able to prepare their students for State diplomas.

Types of grants for funding training 

Bartender training courses can be funded through grants.

The Personal Training Account (CPF)  

The CPF is a public scheme through which jobseekers and employees can fund their training via a system of accumulated hours. Accrual is 24 hours per year for a full-time job. For temporary workers and those on fixed-term contracts, hours accrue based on the working hours logged during the year. Depending on the CPF hours available, it is therefore possible to choose the bartender course best suited to the learner. When training must take place during working hours, the employer’s authorisation is required. Throughout the training, the employee also continues to receive their salary.

Skills Operators (OPCO) 

With the reforms carried out in vocational training, the 20 Approved Joint Collection Bodies (OPCA) were replaced by 11 OPCOs. These make it easier to access bartender training and can cover its funding. However, to benefit from this grant, it is important to contact the OPCO your company depends on.

Pôle Emploi

Pôle Emploi (the French employment agency) offers several types of support. For bartender training lasting 400 hours or less, for example, jobseekers can benefit from a Pre-Recruitment Training Action (AFPR). Individual Training Assistance (AIF) is also available to jobseekers. Once the training project is approved by Pôle Emploi and enrolment is completed with an accredited provider, the grant is then paid to those concerned.

In short, funding options for becoming a bartender are far from lacking, and under certain conditions, it is even possible to benefit from grants for training.