I took this course for fun a few months ago. Although generally a good experience, there are few things I didn't like: (1) The website is a bit misleading in saying "you'll be recognized through The State Council of Higher Education ("SCHEV") as a certified bartender" and "Your certification is recognized nationwide." After further questioning and contacting SCHEV, I learned there is no such thing as a "certified" bartender (in the sense of a state-issued license or certification). SCHEV does not issue a "certification" to students, nor does any other state agency. You just get a paper graduation certificate printed by the school saying you've completed the course, which would be suitable for framing. (You do get a separate "TAM Certification" card from a company in Michigan after watching a 30-minute video about serving intoxicated customers then taking a multiple choice test, but anyone can watch the video and take that test online themselves.) Therefore, you are not really getting two certifications, only the TAM certification. (2) They wanted to scan a copy of my driver's license into their computer when signing up. The rep said this was a SCHEV requirement and for "liability purposes." However, they do not scan the DL for people taking the free trial class, so the liability rationale doesn't make sense, and SCHEV said they do not require this. The application form also requests social security number. Well, in this age of data breaches there's no way I'm providing any of that sensitive information just to take a 40-hour bartending course. In fact, the school is taking a big risk by collecting such sensitive data, because if a data breach occurs, they will be liable to all the students. Even my college and grad school did not require any of this. Plus, from what I saw, they give all employees access to this information in what appeared to be a very basic Microsoft database and instructors will view a student's information even if other students are present and can see the screen. One of the owners, Tommy, said that they didn't really need the DL information and therefore I didn't provide it. I recommend that if you do sign up, you refuse to give over information they don't need. I provided name, address, phone, email, and that's it. (3) After "graduating" I wanted to listen to the 30-minute job search presentation included in the price. Turns out I would've had to sign another contract obligating me to "inform the school immediately" any time I "find any bartending job" or "quit a job or are fired" or have any interviews scheduled, for all time, in perpetuity. I said I didn't want placement assistance or referrals since I already have a full-time job, just wanted to hear the presentation. Well, she's "not going to bend the rules for anyone!" So I just looked up some materials on the internet instead, which I'm sure were more informative anyway. The course content was interesting and the instructor, Brian, was the best thing about this place. Great at explaining and demonstrating, willing to answer questions, and clearly likes teaching. Without him, I think the place would be 2 or 3 stars at best. My class had a Marine, a realtor, and an electrical engineer, but unfortunately there were also the common inconsiderate derelicts for whom bartending is one of their few job prospects. Thug music played during practice times probably doesn't help either. Overall, not a bad experience but also could also use some improvements. read more

PBS changed my life. A year ago I was delivering pizza for a living (if you could even call it that), and had been for quite a while. I decided to try my hand at bartending, and signed up for class at PBS. Patrick and Alex were great instructors, and I graduated after two weeks and met J.D., the job placement director, shortly thereafter. As Janet D. mentioned, J.D. gave me a speech mentioning things to do to try and get a bartending job. But, unlike what Janet said, I think it made perfect sense. You'll have a lot more of a chance finding a job if you go out and do the footwork as well, rather than just waiting for leads from PBS to do it for you. So I did my footwork, and found a guy in arlington who said he'd love to hire me, but unfortunately the company currently was having a hiring freeze. The end of my search? I don't think so. J.D. had been sending me leads on bartending jobs, and I received new ones all the time. I followed up on one of them, and was hired immediately at the interview. I stayed there for a month, but it turned out the employers were extremely corrupt, and I'm still waiting on my wages, and had to go to the employment commission just to get them to pay me. So does that mean J.D.'s leads suck? Hardly. I simply hit a bad one. S*** happens. Soon after leaving this job, I followed up on another lead I got from J.D. Once again, I got hired on the spot. This job was great. I wasn't making a ton of drinks, and the money wasn't so great, but I stuck around for 4 months, building up experience on my resume. At this point, J.D. alerted me (he's been really pro-active in talking to me to understand my job situation so that he can help me) that a certain bar in Adams Morgan needed a bartending sub for the weekend. I went, worked my butt off, and the place wound up hiring me. I'm working there now, and I'm making a ton of cash every weekend. Also, now that I have good bartending experience, there's a Ruby Tuesday's that Oh yeah, and J.D. also hooked me up with a private party at one point, where I made quite a tidy sum of cash per hour for it. So yeah, if you just expect to sit around and have a killer job thrown at you the first time you meet J.D., then maybe it's not for you. However, if you actually go through the process of finding an entry level job (easily attainable both through your own footwork and through J.D.'s leads), and stick with it for a bit to build up some experience, it will definitely enable you to take a step up to the real deal. From delivering pizza to making hella-cash in Adams Morgan, within less than a year. I'd certainly say that attending PBS was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. And I see on the PBS facebook page that other graduates are getting hired all the time, some at entry level places, and some at places as good or better than mine. Their system works, and I recommend it to anyone I come across that's possibly interested in bartending. read more

I got a bartending job with no prior restaurant experience and it's really thanks to this school. I had both Jewels and Brian as instructors and I love them to death! They're both amazing and genuinely want you to succeed as a bartender. They tell you what's up and are f****** hilarious! Heather, the Job Placement Director is a doll, and is definitely there to help. You have to be aggressive to get a job. A few things to expect: You won't learn how to pour draft, practice opening wine bottles, cut garnishes and use the POS system. I do wish they taught that since it's so simple, a video would help or pictures of what the POS system looks like so you get a feel for it. I HIGHLY recommend this school if you're breaking into a career path or want to improve your bartending skills. I still go back all the time and call for great advice, EVERYONE that works there is incredible professional and actually wants to help! It still stuns me how the school found these amazing employees. read more

Anyone looking to become a bartender PLEASE check out Professional Bartending School of Arlington, va. It is an amazing atmosphere, and hands on training. I've been there not once but twice. Once for a two week course and another for a week for refreshment courses. In a span of three years! Both times different instructors and both times leaving learning something new! Their employees are all very lively and full of knowledge behind the bar. I can't really find anything bad to say. I've not only got amazing placement but feel I've met some life long friendships. I mean I don't see why you wouldn't. They let you come and go as you please, after You have paid for the course! Even if you haven't and are interested. They let you come in and try your skills behind the bar as a sit in. If you are one of those people that love to learn and looking for another skillset to add to life. Don't hesitate. Thank you again PBS! Peace and love everyone! read more

This class was terrific. I never expected so much for such a short term fast program. Not only was the program fast and thorough but the teacher was great and funny. He made the class a blast. If you can get Moe as an instructor go for it. He is amazing. Their job placement program worked well. I picked up a couple of parties immediately and got a job right off their jobs lead. I made the money back quickly and the work was fun. What was neat was that an old graduate took a refresher class while I was in school and he hadn't bartended in about 5 years after taking the class a long time ago. It made the class more real as he traded bartending experiences with Moe. The killer was I moved back to my home state a while ago and the insights they gave me on how to find a bartending job anywhere worked beautifully and fast. What a great payback...and such a fun extra job. Thanks guys. read more

LOOK NO FURTHER! I personally spent weeks trying to find the perfect and ideal program in which to enlist in, and oh boy did I find it! This school greatly surpassed all my original expectations, and I contribute that factor to our instructor, Joshua Hernandez. Josh is by far one of the most competent and proffesional man whom I've had the pleasure of studying under. IF you're looking for QUALITY lessons and to get the MOST out of the money you put it, then this is definitely they course for you. I feel these past two weeks at Proffesional Bartenders School has 100% prepared me for a future in bartending and I would recommend anyone give this course a shot. The instructors or so good, talented, and patient that I truly feel like anyone would feel comfortable and confident here. Excited for my future as a bartender now, thanks again to everyone involved in this amazing institution! read more

PBS is the best of the best! There elite Instructors (Super kudos to Brain) will pass down their knowledge and nuggets that make learn fun and easy! I had an opportunity to learn under Brian's leadership in August of 2017. I am a fully qualified TAM certified, Call Brand bonafide, High class in a high glass Professional Bartender!!!! Meeting Tommy was a great pleasure! Very personable and approachable. The structure of the school from Start to finish is designed to give you the skills needed for the work world and the assist you with job placement to gain experience, exposure and a great head start in the career of Bartending. Lastly this is a lifetime relationship for all their students turned bartenders I am a proud pupil of PBS. #ThePrettyProfessional I live in Washington DC. Bartending at Touché Supper Club .,,, 1123 H street Washington DC read more

I just graduated from the Professional Bartending School and I absolutely loved going to class every day! I came in one day, watched a speed test and signed up that day after speaking with various students and instructors. I took the evening class from 6-10 pm, which I liked because I was able to work during the day and end my nights by learning a trade that I love! Jewels was my instructor and I just adored having her as my teacher! She is knowledgeable, she tells it like it is and gives you great advice while allowing you to enjoy the learning experience. If you are considering being a bartender, this is the school for you! read more

With an abundance of knowledge, lifetime membership, friendly personalities, great networking opportunities, and an unforgettable experience, this is one trade school you do not want to pass. Learning to handcraft cocktails, discern liquor types, explain distillery process, and to use liqueurs to add flavor to food dishes are but a few things I picked up during my time there. The instructors care and remember you. I am greeted by name anytime I return. I recommend this opportunity to all bartenders or aspiring bartenders I meet. read more

I went to PBS as part of a meet-up group and was immediately interested in taking the class. I always wanted to learn more about bartending and the experience there was totally awesome. All the instructors were super smart and super cool and I enjoyed the training. Totally worth the money. I also like the fact that you can come and take refresher classes and the job placement aspect. If you can go, go. Thank you for the education you all provided. read more

I'm a recent graduate from Professional Bartending School and and I had a great time in all my classes. Every lesson was very organized, and my teacher Ty clearly knew her craft and was very approachable and funny in all instances. My classmates and I grew to be friends and we had fun learning together. I highly recommend this school to anyone interested in Bartending. read more

This is the school to be if you considering becoming a professional bartender. I came here so I may gain the knowledge of becoming a bartender so I may better manage my restaurant. Big Thumbs up to my instructor Jewel!!! and to Brain whom was her replacement for a day. 5 stars any given day read more

Usually not one to write reviews but this school is awesome. Josh is an amazing instructor. He gives real life tips and tricks and by the end of the 8 days in class I felt like a professional bartender! 10/10 would recommend. read more