USBG MA Program Overview
Competition among bartenders is fierce and self proclaimed bar related titles no longer set individuals apart for their talent and product knowledge, likely because most of these titles are untested and unregulated.
Throughout 2007 & 2008 the USBG has been gathering information from experts all over the world and from all realms of the industry forming a team of renowned experts that have come together to create the Master Accreditation Program to set the standard for the profession of Bartending. These experts range in all spirit categories, wine, sake, beer, cigars, the list goes on and have created tests that will change the industry as we know it.
Throughout 2007 & 2008 the USBG has been gathering information from experts all over the world and from all realms of the industry forming a team of renowned experts that have come together to create the Master Accreditation Program to set the standard for the profession of Bartending. These experts range in all spirit categories, wine, sake, beer, cigars, the list goes on and have created tests that will change the industry as we know it.
The USBG will challenge its members and beverage professionals all over the country to prove their merit by studying for and passing the three levels of the MA Program.
The plan of study is up to each test taker encouraging a deep passion for learning and promoting each individual to learn at their own pace. The USBG is recommending resources approved by our board as ways of preparing for these exams as well as providing an outline of topics the tests are comprised of. Please visit our Education Resource Center for our recommended educational tools. This information will be updated regularly. Being a USBG member and getting involved with your chapters education programs, tastings and seminars is a great tool to prepare for these tests.
There are three levels of testing. Please read about our three levels of testing below.
The plan of study is up to each test taker encouraging a deep passion for learning and promoting each individual to learn at their own pace. The USBG is recommending resources approved by our board as ways of preparing for these exams as well as providing an outline of topics the tests are comprised of. Please visit our Education Resource Center for our recommended educational tools. This information will be updated regularly. Being a USBG member and getting involved with your chapters education programs, tastings and seminars is a great tool to prepare for these tests.
There are three levels of testing. Please read about our three levels of testing below.
1. USBG Spirits Professional (Written or On-line test)
Successfully passing this test will qualify the candidate as a USBG Spirits Professional. Ensuring employers and colleagues that they are knowledgeable and well versed in all spirit categories from every corner of the world as well as sake, beer, wine, service, history of cocktails, mixology and much more.
Test Fee: The first time level 1 is taken it is FREE for USBG members, any subsequent tests are $50 for USBG Members & $175 for Non-Members
UPCOMING TEST SCHEDULE
2. USBG Advanced Bartender (Written or On-line Exam & Live Practical Evaluation)
Successfully passing BOTH of the advanced tests, written and practical. This will ensure that the candidate has a working knowledge of the craft of bartending, an advanced level of product knowledge on all spirit categories as well as sake, beer, wine & cigars, and that they have a strong understanding of the beverage industry overall. They have a clear understanding of important aspects of management and running a successful bar program. Candidates must pass a rigorous practical evaluation testing their professionalism behind the bar and proving their working knowledge of cocktails and mixology. The candidate may add the acronym AB after their name signifying that they are a USBG Advanced Bartender and they will be pinned as such.
Test Fee: $100 for USBG Members & $300 for Non-Members
UPCOMING TEST SCHEDULE
3. USBG Master Mixologist (Thesis)
Candidates will submit a thesis to the MA Board on a relevant beverage industry related topic of their choice for review and approval. They must also successfully pass a panel interview regarding their thesis after the Board has researched, reviewed and checked all references on the thesis. Once approved their thesis will then be added to the USBG Master Mixologist Journal for reference and record. The candidate may add the acronym MM after their name to signify that they are a USBG Master Mixologist and will be pinned as such.
Test Fee: $150 for USBG Members & $450 for Non-USBG Members
THESIS LEVEL WILL BE AVAILABLE JANUARY 2010
Successfully passing this test will qualify the candidate as a USBG Spirits Professional. Ensuring employers and colleagues that they are knowledgeable and well versed in all spirit categories from every corner of the world as well as sake, beer, wine, service, history of cocktails, mixology and much more.
Test Fee: The first time level 1 is taken it is FREE for USBG members, any subsequent tests are $50 for USBG Members & $175 for Non-Members
UPCOMING TEST SCHEDULE
2. USBG Advanced Bartender (Written or On-line Exam & Live Practical Evaluation)
Successfully passing BOTH of the advanced tests, written and practical. This will ensure that the candidate has a working knowledge of the craft of bartending, an advanced level of product knowledge on all spirit categories as well as sake, beer, wine & cigars, and that they have a strong understanding of the beverage industry overall. They have a clear understanding of important aspects of management and running a successful bar program. Candidates must pass a rigorous practical evaluation testing their professionalism behind the bar and proving their working knowledge of cocktails and mixology. The candidate may add the acronym AB after their name signifying that they are a USBG Advanced Bartender and they will be pinned as such.
Test Fee: $100 for USBG Members & $300 for Non-Members
UPCOMING TEST SCHEDULE
3. USBG Master Mixologist (Thesis)
Candidates will submit a thesis to the MA Board on a relevant beverage industry related topic of their choice for review and approval. They must also successfully pass a panel interview regarding their thesis after the Board has researched, reviewed and checked all references on the thesis. Once approved their thesis will then be added to the USBG Master Mixologist Journal for reference and record. The candidate may add the acronym MM after their name to signify that they are a USBG Master Mixologist and will be pinned as such.
Test Fee: $150 for USBG Members & $450 for Non-USBG Members
THESIS LEVEL WILL BE AVAILABLE JANUARY 2010