The Malta Skills Pass for bar staff roles: occupation options, the published assessments, and how to confirm your route.
Overview
Yes, bar staff coming to work in Malta's tourism and hospitality sector need the Skills Pass. The occupation to choose is "Bar Waiter" (Bar Staff). If your job title is different, such as bartender, ask Skills Pass before you choose.
Choose your occupation
You choose your occupation after you pass the two courses everyone takes. The options are Luggage Porter, Receptionist, Bar Waiter, Commis Chef, Commis de Rang and “Other”.
If you are not sure which fits your bar staff job, email info@skillspass.org.mt before you choose.
What the assessment covers
Phase 1 is online: Basic Customer Care, Basic Maltese Tourism Product, then your occupation test. Phase 2 is an interview. It checks your English and how you do your job: you are given a work situation and asked how you would handle it.
No detailed syllabus is published for each job. Ask Skills Pass for the current guidance for your occupation. To practise, see the study hub.
For your employer
Your employer must check that you have both certificates (the Pre-Departure Course and the Skills Pass) before applying for your Single Permit. If you already hold a valid Maltese work permit, you are exempt for now; ask Identità how long that lasts.
Employers: see the employer guides for costs and role changes.
Common questions
Is my job title "bartender" — do I use Bar Waiter?
The official list does not say. It only names "Bar Waiter" (Bar Staff), plus "Other". Email info@skillspass.org.mt with your duties and ask before you choose.
What does the Phase 2 interview cover for bar staff?
The interview checks your English and your skills in your occupation. You are given a work situation and asked how you would handle it. The bar questions are not published. Practise explaining situations from your own bar work. This is our study tip, not an official syllabus.
If I also serve food tables, should I choose Bar Waiter or Commis de Rang?
There is no official rule for jobs that mix both. Bar Waiter and Commis de Rang are separate options. Describe both parts of your job to Skills Pass and ask which to choose before you register.
Does the bar staff Skills Pass requirement apply in nightclubs as well as hotel bars?
Nightclubs are not named. The Skills Pass is for work in the hospitality industry or at a business with an MTA licence. Ask Skills Pass about your venue and duties before you assume either way.
Official sources for this page
These are the official pages this guide depends on. Open them directly before acting on a time-sensitive requirement.
- 01Skills Pass (opens in a new tab)
Official Skills Pass frequently asked questions.
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- 02Skills Pass (Tourism & Hospitality) (opens in a new tab)
Sector-specific Skills Pass operational details for tourism and hospitality.
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- 03Skills Pass (Tourism & Hospitality) (opens in a new tab)
Sector-specific Skills Pass frequently asked questions.
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- 04Skills Pass (Tourism & Hospitality) (opens in a new tab)
Sector-specific Skills Pass user guidelines.
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We never collect official login details, documents, or payment data. Use this guide for context, then take action only on the official portal. Full citations are listed at the end of this page.
Visit the official Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass websiteOpens the official website