I bartended 6 yrs in vegas no school, I had an in. 90-95% of bartending is opening bottle, pouring tap beer, shots and simple drinks (rum and coke). The other 5% you can keep a book behind the bar. The main part is being likeable (boobs don't hurt either), and getting to know your customers. I loved it I made decent money for hanging out with friends and drinking. Average take home was $100 to $120 a night plus $7.50/hr. Get to know the regulars, what they drink so they don't have to ask, who the good tippers are, go out of your way for them and who the pain in the asses are, so you can get rid of them and cultivate a solid clientell (spelling) for yourself. Remember when behind the bar, it's your bar, you run it as you see fit. you're there to make money and if you're makeing good money so is the owner. The certs are often nesicary but over rated pour a shot is a three count.