Careers & credentials · certifications

CERTIFICATIONS

Every major wine, spirits and bar credential in one place — what it is, how hard it is, roughly what it costs and who it suits. Always check the official site for current fees and rules.

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Bar & mixology Diageo Bar Academy Diageo Free online training on bartending, spirits and responsible serving. LevelFoundationCost$$$$WhereOnline Bar & mixology BarSmarts BarSmarts A well-known online bar programme covering mixology, spirits and bar management. LevelIntermediateCost$$$$WhereOnline Bar & mixology USBG Advanced Mixology Certification United States Bartenders’ Guild The American bartenders’ guild certification in advanced mixology. LevelIntermediateCost$$$$WhereUnited States Bar & mixology IBA Bartender Courses International Bartenders Association Courses from the international association behind the IBA cocktail list. LevelIntermediateCost$$$$WhereWorldwide

COMPARE AT A GLANCE

Credential	Focus	Level	Time to complete	How you are assessed	Cost
Diageo Bar AcademyDiageo	Bar & mixology	Foundation	Self-paced	Online modules with certificates of completion	$$$$
BarSmartsBarSmarts	Bar & mixology	Intermediate	Online course over several weeks	Online learning and assessments	$$$$
USBG Advanced Mixology CertificationUnited States Bartenders’ Guild	Bar & mixology	Intermediate	Weeks of coursework	Coursework followed by an exam	$$$$
IBA Bartender CoursesInternational Bartenders Association	Bar & mixology	Intermediate	Roughly a few weeks, including intensive classroom days	Classroom training and a written exam	$$$$

Cost bands are indicative: $ under about US$300 · $$ about $300–1,000 · $$$ about $1,000–5,000 · $$$$ over about $5,000. Fees vary by country and provider.