Overview
Bar staff working at MTA-licensed establishments need the Skills Pass. The published occupation list uses the title "Bar Waiter" — this is the official classification that covers bar and counter service roles in tourism and hospitality settings.
Official occupation name: Bar Waiter
When registering on the official Skills Pass portal (Phase 1), you will select your occupation from a published list. For a bar staff role, select “Bar Waiter”.
Using the wrong occupation classification can cause problems later — particularly if you change roles or employers — so confirm your selection against the official list at the time of registration.
What the assessment covers for this role
All Skills Pass candidates complete two mandatory courses in Phase 1: Basic Customer Care and Basic Maltese Tourism Product. In addition, Phase 1 includes an occupation-specific assessment and Phase 2 (the live interview) covers occupation-specific competency alongside English proficiency.
For the Bar Waiter classification, the occupation-specific content focuses on the practical skills and knowledge expected in that role at an MTA-licensed establishment in Malta.
Employer context
Your employer at an MTA-licensed establishment is responsible for ensuring all workers in covered roles hold a valid Skills Pass before starting work. They will verify your certificate via the QR code on your Blockcerts document.
For employer-specific guidance — including who bears the registration cost and how to handle role changes — see the employer guidance pages.
Frequently asked questions
01Is my job title "bartender" — do I use Bar Waiter?
"Bar Waiter" is the Skills Pass occupation list's term for bar and counter service roles. Whether your specific establishment or contract uses "bartender," "bar operative," or another title, the official occupation classification to select in Phase 1 is "Bar Waiter" if your role is bar/counter service at an MTA-licensed establishment.
02What does the Phase 2 interview cover for bar staff?
For a Bar Waiter selection, Phase 2 will assess occupation-specific competency in bar service contexts — handling drinks orders, responsible service of alcohol, customer interaction across a bar counter, and relevant safety and hygiene standards — alongside the English proficiency assessment.
03If I also serve food tables, should I choose Bar Waiter or Commis de Rang?
If your role splits between bar service and table service, choose the occupation that represents the majority of your duties, and contact Skills Pass support before selecting to confirm the right approach. Selecting the wrong occupation may mean a separate re-assessment if your duties shift — see the occupation-change guidance on the validity page.
04Does the bar staff Skills Pass requirement apply in nightclubs as well as hotel bars?
The requirement applies at MTA-licensed establishments. Whether a specific nightclub or entertainment venue holds an MTA licence — and is therefore covered — depends on that venue's licensing status, not its category. Confirm with your employer whether their licence triggers the Skills Pass requirement for bar staff.