Butler
training

Frequently asked questions

What makes this training unique?
The Butler Service Mastery System is the most innovative butler training in the world. It combines a comprehensive self-paced learning phase with an intensive 4-week immersion in Belgium. Students master theory at home and dedicate live time entirely to practice, refinement, and real-world simulations.

This system offers clear advantages: it requires less time away from home, allows you to learn at your own pace, and is significantly more budget friendly, while still delivering the highest standards of butler education.

How long does the program take?
The full journey equals 12 weeks of development. You begin with distant learning, continue with 4 weeks of intensive live training in Belgium, and complete with a structured follow-up program that ensures long-term mastery.

What is included in the self-paced learning?
Our online modules are interactive and practical. They feature video lessons, quizzes, assignments, case studies, and downloadable resources. We also provide curated addresses of shops, suppliers, and destinations relevant to private service—giving you real-world tools from day one.

What happens during the live training in Belgium?
The live immersion is all about application. You will train in realistic environments, refine service skills, and take part in unforgettable field trips to Champagne and London. In addition, you’ll learn directly from world-class guest experts and speakers who bring their own specializations to the program.

Will I become a certified butler?
Yes. Graduates of the Butler Service Mastery System receive certification and exclusive access to our global network of employers, recruiters, partners, and alumni, offering unmatched opportunities in private service.

What job support is included after graduation?
We provide ongoing career support long after you leave the training. You become part of our exclusive alumni community, with continuous guidance and opportunities.

Do you help with introductions to recruiters and agencies?
Absolutely. Through our exclusive partnerships with leading cruise lines, luxury hotels, and top-tier recruitment agencies worldwide, we introduce graduates directly to the right people.

What kind of positions and salaries can I realistically expect as a graduate?
Our graduates have gone on to serve in prestigious private households, luxury resorts, superyachts, and diplomatic residences. Salaries vary depending on placement, but positions often begin at attractive entry-level rates and can grow rapidly with experience, responsibility, and the prestige of the employer.

I have seen videos where students are treated like in the military. Is that correct?
Definitely not. At our school, students are treated with dignity and respect at all times. We have a strict equal policy and our instructors guide and mentor rather than command. Discipline and excellence are part of butlering, but they are achieved through professionalism, encouragement, and mutual respect, not through military-style treatment.

What is the investment?
The program is 37% more affordable than comparable trainings, while offering even greater value through added modules, field trips, and long-term support.

What if I already purchased an online course from you?
We reward loyalty. Previous online students receive preferential access to the new program with only a small additional investment.

Enroll now

The most sophisticated self-paced learning program for butlers in the world
4 weeks of live butler training at the highest level by experts in different fields
Personal introduction to the finest recruitment agencies in the world (NY, London, Luxembourg, ...)
New location! A 125.000 square meter high net worth domain
A 3 piece butler uniform at your disposal
Real live events and guests to serve
Work with sterling silver, Baccarat crystal and Limoges porcelain
Visually stunning CV with professional photos
Prestigious School for Butlers and Hospitality pin
Butler certificate
NEW!! Cybersecurity, surveillance and safety training.
Ongoing training and support after the live training
Included in the live training
Your own private room with stunning view on the garden (shared rooms are available)
Letter of reference to kick start your butler career
Private visit to Champagne Bollinger and Epernay
Wine training based on WSET certification
First aid CPR training with Red Cross certification
All meals, coffeebreaks and beverages included
All office supplies, wifi and Netflix access
Exclusive in our school
Support program after the training*
Over 10 visits & guestspeakers in Belgium and France
Luxury tastings
Cooking classes by 3 star Michelin experienced chef
A full photo overview of your training, a great memory forever!
And much much more...
Optional training
2 day trip to London including an exclusive tea time experience at the Lanesborough Hotel in London

Please fill out your email address to get access to the brochure.

Wardrobe
Table
Etiquette
Butler skills

Curriculum
Wardrobe

It’s essential to look impeccable. After all, there is only one opportunity to make a good first impression and we are what we wear. That means there’s more to it than you might think. It goes from how to get a sharp crease in a pair of trousers to the right handkerchief to fit with your suit. This is why you will learn all about how to present yourself, as well as receiving tips that you can pass on to your client, suiting all kinds of occasions and situations.

Packing a suitcase

Clothing should be clean and free of creases after a journey, allowing it to be worn straight away. This can only be achieved when you master the fine art of packing a suitcase. There’s no better place to learn this than at the SBH. For example, a butler never packs a suitcase without first placing a sheet of tissue paper at the bottom. There are also special techniques for packing trousers and jackets, which you will only master with plenty of practice.

The gentleman’s shirt

“Shirts” are to a butler’s training what “sources” are to a history lesson. Indeed, a good shirt is at the very foundation of being a gentleman. During the training you will therefore learn the seven components by which you can recognise a good shirt. Such as learning to distinguish pearl buttons, creases on the forearm and the way that “collar stiffeners” can be placed in the collar of a shirt that fails to meet the quality criteria in full.

Quality, how to find it

Whether at home or abroad, a client always expects to depend on his or her butler to purchase just what is required at that moment in time or indeed to buy whatever the client fancies. This is why we will also teach you the secrets of shopping during your training, so that no time is lost and that you know exactly where to find the quality that your client requires. Just as you learn to recognise a good shirt, you will also know exactly what to look for in good quality trousers, jackets, cardigans, socks and ties. In this way each shopping trip will become a pleasant experience.

Clothes shops, the essentials

Discretion is a butler’s top priority, so he knows that it is not always those who shout the loudest who offer the best quality. Just as the best restaurants and the best wines can often be hidden away, the same applies to other items, including clothes and shoes. As a butler you will learn to recognise the hidden gems and become the master of true craftsmanship.

Curriculum
Table

The profession of butler is and always will be a very hands on job. We focus very intensively on practical service and how to deliver it on the highest level possible and with an ongoing consistency.

The 6 p’s of planning
How to develop an unmatched eye for detail
Different styles of service: from silver service to the newest trends
Silver care

Why it takes hours to dress a table

At the beginning of training it can take up a bit of time to perfectly lay a table. The essence of the exercise has a hidden reason. When our students dress the table all our techniques come into play: anticipation, eye for detail, planning and much more.

Silver care

Sterling silver is made in a very specific way and requires a specific care. First we show you what real silver is. Then we continue on how to stock, clean and handle silverware.

Butter temperature

Often butter on the table is too soft or too hard. The real art of anticipation is getting it right. Oh, and if you think that is all we have to say about butter, you're mistaken. There is a lot more... ;)

Table emergencies

Your principal's way of welcoming guests reflects the standard of the household. Since nobody is perfect, things can go wrong. We show you how to turn a negative experience into a positive one.

Curriculum
Etiquette

On more than any occasion, people will turn to you in order to have the right attire for the right invitation. Or they might just not be daily concerned about etiquette. That’s where the professional butlers comes in, with the right training…

The history of etiquette
The right use of 2 handkerchiefs
How to escort a lady
Opening doors
Seating arrangements for different style of meals

Body language, the real etiquette

Opening a door for a lady, correct etiquette. Yes? Well, the gesture doesn't mean anything if you don't add the right body language. All our exercises are filmed and we analyze your every move, to get it just right.

Etiquette to get the butler job

We will show you how to be unique thru the use of a bit of etiquette. Your personal presentation, the way you come into a room and the right moment to take a seat. It comes all into play when going on a job interview. We take weeks to train you the right way.

Etiquette quiz

At the end of the meal, just before you leave to go home, where do you put your napkin? Left, right or in front of you? Or maybe on the seat of the chair? If you want to know the correct answer, you definitely should join our training...

This training is not only about your private life

The etiquette we will teach you is something you will be able to use your entire life. More importantly, it will not only serve you as a professional but also in your private life. It's all about feeling comfortable in any situation. Whether you are talking to a lady in a bar, a gentleman in a restaurant or a client in your company.

Curriculum
Butler skills

As a butler you are on stage, 24/7. Presentation, body language and service need to be in balance at all times. Therefor we present you following parts in the curriculum:

The guest matrix: handling different types of guests
The one thing a butler never says (and it’s not “no”…)
How to talk you out of any situation, without embarrassing anyone
The 3 golden rules of behaving with your principal
Verbal and non-verbal communication
NLP techniques for butlers
Household management system

Domestic management system

A system that was many years in the making. You will learn to organise any size household to highest level. Learn also how to integrate technology to make your job easier and increase communication with your team

"I want to thank you for all that you have shared with us. It has been an amazing journey and you have made me see, this is only the beginning of an wonderful world of hospitality. Thank you for your trust, patience, passion & energy."

E. Loyens - 8 week butler training student, May. 2023

COURSE DATES

4 week training

14 November – 12 December 2025 (1 place available – private room)
13 February – 13 March 2026 (7 places left)

Your investment in excellence

Our Butler Service Mastery System is a top-tier training experience, blending elite self-paced learning with an intensive 4-week live training in Belgium to provide unmatched value and career-ready skills.

Investment distant learning program: € 1195
Investment 4 week live training: € 4695

Accommodation & meals (4 weeks):

Private Room: €2,750
or
Shared Room: €1,750

Training fees are excluding 21% VAT – room rates and meals are excluding 6% VAT
We are KMO Portefeuille certified
VAT taxes are not applied when invoiced to foreign companies
Confirmation of your application for the live training upon reception of 50% of the live course fee.
All live butler trainings are conducted in English.
The self-paced training starts in Spring 2025.
2 day trip to London: € 795

How does it work?

STEP 1: Master the fundamentals with self-paced learning

Your journey begins with a comprehensive self-paced learning program, where you’ll build a strong foundation through interactive lessons, quizzes, and assignments. Need guidance? Book live coaching sessions with our expert instructors for personalized feedback and support, ensuring a connected and engaging learning experience.

STEP 2: 4-Week immersive training in Belgium

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you’ll join us for an intensive 4-week live training at our prestigious high-net-worth estate in Belgium. This is where theory meets real-world application—an immersive experience we’re known for.

STEP 3: Get certified and stay supported

Earn your globally recognized certification and gain exclusive access to our elite network of employers, partners, and alumni for career opportunities worldwide. But we don’t stop there—after training, you’ll receive ongoing mentorship and learning support, a unique advantage that no other butler school offers.

Not ready to start with the live training? You can start with the distant learning module and enroll later in the 4 week live training. Contact us for separate pricing.

Become a next
generation butler

A world-class curriculum

Butler
training