In Nevada, anyone who wishes to sell or serve alcoholic beverages must be training-certified.
Unfortunately, searching for further information through various government/ state websites can be a headache. But, this is where we come in.
Here, you’ll find all the important information needed to become a bartender or server in the state of Nevada.
This post was updated on September 1, 2023.
Nevada Alcohol Training & Certification
As stated above, anyone who wants to serve or sell alcohol in Nevada must be certified by a state-approved trainer. Employees must be certified within 30 days of hire.
Note: Security guards working at establishments that sell alcohol in the state of Nevada must also be certified.
In order to be certified, you must receive training from a provider who has been approved to offer the Alcohol Beverage Awareness Program as approved by the Commission on Postsecondary Education. A list of approved providers can be found here.
Alcohol training and certification in Nevada consists of two different components:
- An online course
- An in-person proctored exam
Important: Although you can choose any certified provider to receive training, we highly suggesting checking out the exam location that is closest to you as you will have to drive to the location to take the exam. Again, those providers can be found here.
How long does it take to receive a bartending license in Nevada?
According to the Nevada Alcoholic Beverage Control, online training must be at a minimum 2 hours long.
Once you are done with the online training though, you must then take a proctored exam in person. In our experience, the proctored exams can be completed in 5 minutes or less.
How long is a Nevada bartending license valid for?
A bartending license from an approved provider is valid for 4 years in Nevada. Unfortunately, once your certification is expired you cannot “renew” it, as you must just retake the training and exam.
How much does it cost?
According to the Nevada Alcoholic Beverage Control, a course may cost no more than $40. Therefore, if you see a provider selling a course for more than $40, please understand that they are trying to sell you add-on services such as schooling, job placement, or more. Although these can be useful services, at the end of the day your only required amount is $40.
Minimum Age To Serve Alcoholic Beverages In Nevada:
- 21 (**in most counties)
** Please note: Nevada statutes allow local governments to dictate their own laws concerning the age to sell or serve alcoholic beverages. Some local jurisdictions may have more or less restrictions.
Please double-check with your local City Clerk’s office. Just click here to find the list of Counties & Cities in Nevada.
For more information, please contact your local City Clerk’s Office.
Cheers!