The foundation of bar work: from bar-department structure to mixing and service technique.
In short
A 60-hour programme over 5 weeks with 50 hours of hands-on practice. Learners understand how a bar department is organised, distinguish bar types and drink categories, then practise mixing and serving to the required technique, timing, hygiene and safety standards.
Last updated: 28/07/2026
Bartender
Bartender
The foundation of bar work: from bar-department structure to mixing and service technique.
60hours
5weeks
8hTheory
50hPractice
2hTest
A 60-hour programme over 5 weeks with 50 hours of hands-on practice. Learners understand how a bar department is organised, distinguish bar types and drink categories, then practise mixing and serving to the required technique, timing, hygiene and safety standards.
Note: Practical sessions involve alcoholic beverages. Learners under 18 practise the non-alcoholic content under instructor guidance.
Training objectives
Explain how the bar-service profession formed and developed, and the function and role of the bar department.
Analyse the duties of each bar position and the requirements attached to them.
List and correctly describe the use of common bar equipment and tools.
Distinguish between bar types and drink categories.
Learning outcomes
Mix and serve common drinks to the required technique, timing, hygiene and safety standards.
Handle incidents and service errors that arise during mixing and service.
Draw the organisational chart of a bar-service department.
Demonstrate responsibility, honesty and discipline, and comply with profession-specific regulations.
Roles after the course
Bar staff at restaurants and hotels
Self-employment or a start-up in beverage mixing and retail
Programme content
Lesson 1
Introduction to the bar
04 hours
Theory 02hPractice 02h
Objectives
Explain the concept and history of bar service.
Describe service equipment and how a bar counter is laid out.
Classify the equipment and tools used in bar service.
Maintain hygiene and safety throughout practice.
Content
Formation and development of the bar-service profession
Organisational structure of a bar operation
Bar equipment and service tools
Bar counter layout
Lesson 2
Knowledge of drink categories
20 hours
Theory 03hPractice 16hTest 01h
Objectives
Describe non-alcoholic and alcoholic drink categories.
Describe the characteristics, properties and effects of each drink type.
Classify non-alcoholic drinks.
Perform the mixing skills for each drink category.
Maintain hygiene and safety throughout practice.
Content
Non-alcoholic drinks
Alcoholic drinks
Lesson 3
Mixing technique and drink-service organisation
36 hours
Theory 03hPractice 32hTest 01h
Objectives
Explain the drink-mixing techniques.
Mix both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Maintain hygiene and safety throughout practice.
Content
Techniques for mixing and serving each drink category
Basic steps for completing a mixing exercise
Admission requirements
Learners aged 15 and above, literate (able to read and write), and in good health.
Certificate issued by
Nhan Dao Vocational School — Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training
Assessment & certification
Continuous assessment (regular + periodic tests) combined with a final examination on a 10-point scale. A score of 5.0 or above qualifies the learner for course completion and an elementary vocational certificate.
Tuition effective from 18 August 2026 per Notice TB-170 dated 18 August 2026 issued by Nhan Dao Vocational School.
General training objectives
Train practitioners for the restaurant and hotel service trade with occupational competence matching the training level.
Develop ethics, health and professional responsibility.
Enable learners to find work, create their own work, or progress to a higher qualification after completion.
Key areas of emphasis
Core techniques
Hygiene and safety
Completion requirements
All required assessment scores completed; a final examination score of 5.0 or above; and not subject to criminal prosecution at the time of the final examination.
Reference materials
Smith, J., Bartending basics: A comprehensive guide to cocktail creation, Beverage Press, 2020.
Phạm, K., Kỹ thuật pha chế cocktail cơ bản, 2023.
Hiệp hội Bartenders Việt Nam, Hướng dẫn pha chế chuyên nghiệp, 2020.
Brown, T., Innovative cocktail recipes for the modern bartender, Mixology Hub, 2021.
Ahead of regulation
Why a vocational certificate matters
01
Rules are tightening
The 2025 Employment Law (in force 1 Jan 2026) requires a national vocational skills certificate for safety-sensitive occupations for the first time — the list may widen over time.
02
Star-rated hotels
Under TCVN 4391:2015, a food-and-beverage or bar supervisor needs an elementary, intermediate or college vocational qualification; holders of other certificates must complete a conversion course.
03
Hiring advantage
Holding a certificate early makes applications and promotion easier — especially for people already working who need to formalise their skills.
Beyond the certificate
A structured route to employment
Digital skills profile — skills profile plus practice and performance video.
Hiring network — bars, cafés, restaurants and hotels across Bartender.com.vn.
A real competition stage — referral to Saigon Bartender Connect; top learners get hiring priority.
Post-graduation tracking — we record the employment rate to measure the programme.
Sample elementary certificate · Vietnamese – English
Frequently asked questions
How much does Bartender cost and when does the price apply?
6.000.000₫ per learner. Tuition effective from 18 August 2026 per Notice TB-170 dated 18 August 2026 issued by Nhan Dao Vocational School.
How long is the programme?
60 hours over 5 weeks — 8h theory, 50h practice and 2h assessment, across 3 lessons.
Who can enrol?
Learners aged 15 and above, literate (able to read and write), and in good health.
What do I receive on completion?
An elementary vocational certificate issued by Nhan Dao Vocational School (Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training). Continuous assessment (regular + periodic tests) combined with a final examination on a 10-point scale. A score of 5.0 or above qualifies the learner for course completion and an elementary vocational certificate.
Can under-18s take this programme?
Practical sessions involve alcoholic beverages. Learners under 18 practise the non-alcoholic content under instructor guidance.
In one line: Bartender is a 60-hour programme over 5 weeks (8h theory, 50h practice, 2h assessment), tuition 6.000.000₫ / learner, awarding an elementary vocational certificate from Nhan Dao Vocational School; tuition applies from 18 August 2026.
