Research available programs, which may have different fees or areas of instruction. Many brick-and-mortar bartending schools offer online classes, with average 2009 fees ranging from $30 to $75. Bartending College Online and Professional Bartending School, for example, provide video resources and resume help. Universal Class and EBartending School are also popular online programs.
Purchase common bar tools so that you can practice at home. You should be able to find an inexpensive bar kit that includes a jigger, shaker, plastic alcohol pourer, wine key, ice scoop and pint glass.
Enroll in a class of your choice and complete all of the assignments and exams. While the assignments may seem rudimentary, they're designed to help you memorize common bar orders and best practices. For example, the classes may teach you how to make sample martinis or Manhattans, or about blood alcohol levels and bar safety.
Practice making drinks at home using your bar kit. You can dye water using food coloring to represent different kinds of alcohol, or throw a cocktail party for your friends and practice with the real stuff.
Apply for your first bartending job at a venue that won't be overwhelming for someone new to the business. Catering agencies, for example, may need seasonal bartending help and they tend to offer limited drink menus, which can be easier to manage as a new bartender. You may also wish to approach local bars for barback positions, where you assist the main bartender in easy tasks like cleaning dishware and opening beer or wine bottles.