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Bar Attendant (NSW/ACT)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

You can work as a bar attendant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a bar attendant through a traineeship in Hospitality. Entry requirements may vary but employers usually require Year 10. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.

Additional Information:

To sell, serve or supply liquor in a licensed venue in NSW, you must have a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate. RSA short courses are widely offered by TAFE NSW and Registered Training Organisations. Contact the NSW Office of Liquor, Racing and Gaming for further information.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Tourism, Hospitality and Events Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Bar Service (Training Program)
  2. Bar Skills - Advanced (Training Program)
  3. Bar Skills for Work (Training Program)
  4. Barista Coffee Maker (Training Program)
  5. Clean and Tidy Bar Areas (SIT Unit)
  6. Coffee - Preparing and Serving (Training Program)
  7. Cookery, Bakery and Bar - Introduction (Training Program)
  8. Espresso Coffee in a Day
  9. Food and Beverage Operations
  10. Food and Beverage/Drinks Attendant (Training Program)
  11. Food Safety Supervisor (Training Program)
  12. Operate a Bar (SIT Unit) *
  13. Operate and Monitor Cellar Systems (SIT Unit)
  14. Prepare and Serve Cocktails (SIT Unit) *
  15. Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee *
  16. Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee (SIT Unit) *
  17. Prepare and Serve Non Alcoholic Beverages (SIT Unit)
  18. Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol (SIT Unit) *
  19. Provide Table Service of Alcoholic Beverages (SIT Unit)
  20. Responsible Service of Alcohol *
  21. Wine Studies
  22. Certificate II in Hospitality *
  23. Certificate III in Hospitality *
  24. Certificate III in Venues and Events - Customer Service *
  25. Certificate IV in Hospitality *
  26. Certificate IV in Venues and Events - Customer Service *

Employment Opportunities:

Bar attendants work in hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes, clubs, recreation and convention centres and other licensed entertainment venues. As turnover is relatively high, there is generally a constant demand to replace those leaving the job.

Bar attendants who have undertaken training or are experienced are highly regarded by employers. In larger establishments, bar attendants with experience and additional training may progress to supervisory or management positions.

For Further Information:

Australian Hotels Association (National Office)

(02) 6273 4007

NSW Office of Liquor

(02) 9995 0300

Tourism Training Australia

(02) 9286 3944

Information for other states and territories: