USBG Master Accreditation Program Overview

The USBG Master’s Accreditation Program (MA Program) is a comprehensive series of written and practical tests – designed to educate, evaluate and further accredit beverage, spirit, and service industry professionals.  This title is granted by the USBG and recognized by the International Bartender’s Association. 

The information gathered to create the program and its testing format, is comprised of knowledge obtained from global industry leaders ranging in the fields of spirits, beer, sake wine and cigars. In order to fully and properly challenge our industry professionals, the comprehensive curriculum known as the Master Accreditation Program was conceptualized.

The USBG is offering beverage professionals from around the country an opportunity to study for and pass the three-level MA course program. While the information is thorough and comprehensive, each individual is allowed to study for the courses at his or her own pace.

The board of the MA Program has recommended approved resources in order to successfully prepare for the exam. An Education Resource Center is available with a listing of recommended educational tools. The board has assembled a study guide designed to ensure the success of each student. In addition, an outline of the topics covered is available to assist in the learning process.

Please visit our Education Resource Center for the recommended educational tools. Information will be updated on a regular basis.

The Master Accreditation Program offers three levels of testing:

 

 

Level 1: USBG Spirits Professional - Written or On-line Exam

The Spirits Professional exam is comprised of an extensive one-hundred question written exam. Students are required to successfully complete and pass the exam with a score of no lower than 75%. Successfully completing the USBG Spirits Professional written test ensures that the student has vast knowledge of all spirit categories, including, beer, sake and wine. Upon successful completion of the exam, the student will then be recognized as a Spirits Professional - granting the use of “SP” as an industry title. The title of “SP” will further signify that the student has earned the honor of USBG Spirit Professional.

Exam Fees:

USBG Member's:

$150 1^st Attempt, $95 Subsequent Spirits Professional Testing Non-USBG Member: $300

 

Level 2: USBG Advanced Bartender Written or On-line Exam & Live Practical Evaluation

Prerequisite: In order to take the Advanced Bartender exam, one must have successfully passed the USBG Spirits Professional written exam.

The Advanced Bartender exam is comprised of two parts - a practical exam, and a written exam. Students must complete an extensive and thorough practical evaluation - testing of bar professionalism, as well as a working knowledge of classic and modern cocktails. Students must successfully complete and pass both of the advanced tests – the written and the practical.

Upon successful completion of both exams, the Advanced Bartender will have proven that they possess a working knowledge of the craft of bartending, have an advanced level of product knowledge on all spirit categories – including, beer, sake, wine, and cigars.

In addition, the Advanced Bartender level signifies a solid understanding of the beverage industry overall and demonstrates thorough understanding of the important aspects pertaining to managing and running a successful bar program. The student will be recognized as an Advanced Bartender - granting the use of “AB” as an industry title. The title of AB indicates that student has earned the honor of USBG Advanced Bartender.

Exam Fees:

For USBG members - $300 in total ($150 for the practical exam & $150 for the written exam)

Non-USBG Members - $600 in total ($300 for the practical exam & $300 for the written exam)

 

Level 3: USBG Master Mixologist Thesis

Prerequisite: In order to participate in the third level MM Thesis Course, one must have successfully passed the USBG Spirits Professional and the USBG Advanced Bartender courses.

In the final course of the MA Program, USBG Advanced Bartenders will submit a thesis to the MA Board on a relevant beverage industry related topic.

Students will present their thesis and practical demo to a panel of the MA Board.

Criteria: Students may choose a topic of his or her choice as long as it pertains to a relevant beverage industry related topic. The topic for thesis must be pre-approved by the board. Once topics are submitted they cannot be changed. Students have a 90-day timeframe to complete the thesis.

The thesis will be researched, reviewed and all references will be thoroughly checked.

Upon approval and successful completion, the thesis will be added to the USBG Master Mixologist Journal for reference and record. The MM will have proven that they have reached the pinnacle level in the field of professional bar service. The MM will have shown that they are at the top of their craft in terms of knowledge and skill in the bar service industry.

Successfully completing the MM Thesis course will allow the student to use the acronym “MM” as an industry title. The title of MM indicates that the student has earned the honor of USBG Master Mixologist.

USBG Member thesis fee: $150

Non-USBG Member thesis fee: $450

To inquire more please email us at MA@usbg.org

Of note: An active USBG member, having involvement in a chapters educational program, spirit tasting and seminars is an invaluable tool in preparing oneself for the MA Program testing process.