Bartending
Get the competitive edge with the perfect mix of theory and hands-on experience.
- Earn your Smart Serve certificate, Draft Beer Quality certificate, and Workplace Violence and Harassment certificate upon program completion
- Gain practical dexterity and professional development skills with instruction from industry professionals
- Expand your palette through sampling and tasting liquors, liqueurs, beers and wines in our newly renovated Mixology lab
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2025
No
Winter 2026
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
In this 14-week Bartending Ontario College Certificate program, you acquire the skills and knowledge required to launch or advance your career as a professional bartender.
Gain practical knowledge and experience in our multi-station mixology lab through applied bar set-ups and cocktail preparation, where you create and produce well-balanced and visually appealing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Apply your bartending and customer service skills in Algonquin College's on-campus restaurant, working alongside other hospitality students in-training, gaining authentic learning experiences. Explore the characteristics and production methods of wine, beer and spirits, enabling you to inform clients and support beverage development....(read more)
Overview
Get the competitive edge with the perfect mix of theory and hands-on experience.
In this 14-week Bartending Ontario College Certificate program, you acquire the skills and knowledge required to launch or advance your career as a professional bartender.
Gain practical knowledge and experience in our multi-station mixology lab through applied bar set-ups and cocktail preparation, where you create and produce well-balanced and visually appealing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Apply your bartending and customer service skills in Algonquin College's on-campus restaurant, working alongside other hospitality students in-training, gaining authentic learning experiences. Explore the characteristics and production methods of wine, beer and spirits, enabling you to inform clients and support beverage development.
You also gain an understanding of the laws, regulations and industry standards required to operate a licensed establishment.
Develop your industry preparedness and professional connections through a practical field placement in a licensed establishment and through other experiential learning activities within the industry and community.
There is a demand for qualified bartenders in today's hospitality industry. You may find employment as a bartender in:
- restaurants
- convention centres
- resorts
- bars
- hotels
- cruise ships
- nightclubs
Please note: Students must be 19 years of age by the start of their program.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813H
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FIN2300
Course Name:
Introduction to Personal Finance
Course Description:
Establishing and maintaining healthy personal financial affairs are important steps towards autonomy and agency. Students discover how finan... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FLD0040
Course Name:
Field Placement - Bartending
Course Description:
Field placements offer students with valuable opportunities to explore their field of study and apply their skills in a real-world setting. ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
HOS0041
Course Name:
Bartending Career and Field Placement Preparation
Course Description:
The bartending and hospitality industry requires the ability to network, be personable and resourceful. Many jobs will not be posted and may... + Read More
Hours:
14.0
Code:
HOS0042
Course Name:
Customer Relations and Service
Course Description:
Quality service contributes towards an elevated customer experience, positive reputation, increased revenues and repeat patronage. Therefore... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
HOS0043
Course Name:
Fundamentals of Wine, Beer and Spirits
Course Description:
Having a fundamental knowledge of wine, beer and spirits allows bartenders to make informed decisions for the selection and serving of alcoh... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HOS0044
Course Name:
Mixology Fundamentals
Course Description:
Professional bartenders must have a fundamental understanding of classic recipes and execution skills to produce quality cocktails. Furtherm... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
HOS0045
Course Name:
Applied Contemporary Mixology
Course Description:
The bartending industry in continuously evolving with emerging and cyclical trends. Therefore, it is essential for professional bartenders t... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HOS2061
Course Name:
Bar Cost Control and Regulations
Course Description:
Professional bartenders are expected to operate a cost-efficient bar and adhere to provincial regulations and municipal by-laws to ensure sa... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as bartenders in a variety of licensed establishments including bars, restaurants, hotels, night clubs, resorts, cruise ships and convention centres. With further training, graduates may advance to positions as bar or food and beverage managers.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Interact with clients and involved parties in a professional manner to support sales and the operation of a licensed venue.
- Perform transactions, beverage cost and inventory calculations to support the administrative operation of a licensed establishment.
- Promote and showcase beverages and products to encourage business for licensed events and establishments.
- Prepare and serve beverages in accordance with legal requirements and industry standards to support the safe consumption of products.
- Develop, customize and produce balanced mixed alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for consumption in a licensed context.
- Recommend alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to support informed decision making for clients and involved parties in a licensed establishment.
- Set-up and operate a bar station to support the serving of beverages in various contexts in accordance with applicable permits and regulations.
- Select and use appropriate glassware, tools and garnishes to support the professional and aesthetical presentation of beverages.
- Develop strategies for continuous personal and professional growth to ensure currency with, and responsiveness to, emerging bartending techniques, trends, regulations and employment opportunities in the food and beverage industry.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2025/2026 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar's Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Books, supplies and incidentals cost approximately $100.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Applicants must be 19 years of age or older prior to start of classes to be eligible to enter this program.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
BARTENDING
Program Code 0298X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.my.site.com/myac360/s/self-registration-page.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Note: Field placement hours may be scheduled during evenings and/or weekends.
Students must be 19 years of age upon starting the program as this program involves the handling, serving and sampling of alcoholic beverages.
Contact
Marie-France Champagne
Program Coordinator

Marie-France has been teaching in the Algonquin College Sommelier Program since 2014 and became the Program Coordinator in 2018. More recently, she has also taken on the role of Program Coordinator for the Bartending Program.
Marie-France is herself a graduate of the AC Sommelier Program. A life-long learner, Marie-France furthered her studies with the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust Level 3 in Wines and Spirits, WSET Level 1 in Sake and French Wine Scholar program. She is currently completing the WSET Diploma (Level 4).
Marie-France teaches Grape Varieties, New World Wines, WSET Level 2 in Spirits as well as the Franch Wine Scholar Certification.
Marie-France was instrumental in the development and promotion of the Algonquin Restaurant International “Wine Dinner” series, now in its third year. This successful series attracts diners from all over the city who enjoy a multi-course meal with wine pairings, while providing valuable food and beverage training/exposure to student servers.
When discussing wine and beverage alcohol service in the greater Ottawa area, Marie-France will often share her vision to elevate the experience across restaurants and bars in the region. “I’d like to see an Algonquin graduate in every establishment in the city”, she says. “The skills and expertise that our graduates bring to the industry help to demystify what for some can be an intimidating exercise. Our goals are to educate, enjoy and make the entire experience more approachable.”
In addition to her roles at the college, Marie-France owns “Champagne & wines”, a company specializing in consulting, food and wine events, and in-home/corporate wine tastings. She is a frequent guest on CTV’s Morning Live and is Vice-President of the National Capital Sommelier Guild.
Antonios Vitaliotis
Professor
Room H204d

Antonios Vitaliotis has an extensive background in the hospitality industry that spans over 24 years with experience in all aspects of food and beverage, planning, marketing, cost analysis, sales, change management, profit and loss reports, budgeting, expense control, recruiting, course development, training, and quality management. He has worked in restaurants, catering/banquets, café bars, exclusive hotels, nightclubs, resorts, entertainment venues, retirement residences, golf courses, and as a consultant. He has successfully handled events for up to 1,200 people in house and during outside caterings.
Antonios holds a Sommelier Program Ontario College Certificate (Algonquin College), Teaching Adults Life-long Learning Certificate (Algonquin College), a diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management (Algonquin College), a diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management, (1994, School of Business, Toronto), a Bartending Certificate (1993, Kingston, Ontario), and a diploma in Computer Programming (1989, Athens, Greece). Antonios’ strong leadership skills and ability to motivate have served him well over the past 10 years as an educator at Algonquin College. Antonios is the recipient of the 2018 NISOD Award for his outstanding commitment and contribution to students and colleagues.
Greg Nyman
Instructor

Greg has been enjoying wine for many years, but only began his formal studies a few years ago. Until recently he was an executive for a multinational laboratory supply company.
His career took him across Canada and around the world, developing business opportunities and often finding time to experience the people, culture, food and wines of the places he visited. He continues to consult with private industry and government but has jumped head-first into the world of wine.
Greg is a graduate of the Algonquin College Sommelier program, receiving his Ontario Certificate with Honours. He has completed his WSET3 (Advanced) qualification and is now studying to become a French Wine Scholar.
Working for Champagne and wines, Greg enjoys leading tastings, sharing experiences and helping others pursue their passion for wines, beer and whisky. He is also the Territory Manager for the Mellecey Wine Group in Ottawa and the surrounding area and is on the Board of Directors of the National Capital Sommelier Guild.
Follow him on Twitter @TASTEwinefood and look out for special tasting events as well as Sommelier-guided tours of Greater Ottawa and Prince Edward County boutique wineries.
Greg teaches the Wine Tasting – Grape Varieties course in the Sommelier program.
Owain Devlin
Instructor

Having worked in the hospitality industry for many years in various roles, Owain Devlin started professionally brewing for Ashton Brewing Company where he specialized in open fermentation. Over the last five years with Ashton he was also enrolled with the Institute of Brewing and Distilling Diploma program and completed the Prud’homme Beer Tasting Certification.
Owain has since taken over the Brewmaster position at 1000 Islands Brewing Company based out of Brockville, Ontario.
Marc Bossé
Instructor

Marc Bossé currently works as a Bartender at a favourite neighbourhood haunt, The Third. Marc has previously worked in many different bars and restaurants in Ottawa, including the Rideau Club, Canada’s oldest private members club. His experience ranges from high-volume cocktail bars (Bar Laurel, Side Car), to Canada’s top 100 best restaurants (Fauna). He has had the opportunity to participate and compete in several cocktail competitions, notably finishing 5th place in Canada for Made with Love in 2020. More recently, Marc has completed a teaching stint in Ningbo, China. He is also a 2012 graduate of Algonquin College’s Bartending Program.
With fifteen years of work experience, he is excited to be sharing his knowledge and passion for the industry with his students. Outside of work, Marc loves eating and cooking delicious food, spending time with his family, and keeping in shape.