BASSET Alcohol Online Training Course FAQs
Who is required to take these courses?
Anyone who is required to have an Illinois BASSET certification card will need to complete this course. As of July 2018, Illinois requires all on-premise alcohol servers to have a BASSET card. This requirement also applies to employees who check ID for alcohol service.
Off-premise BASSET certification is not legally required by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, but it may be required at the local or municipal level. Different counties, municipalities and employers throughout Illinois will have different requirements about whether or not you need to complete an off-premise BASSET course.
However, the State of Illinois recommends that all servers and sellers, regardless of location or requirements, get certified in order to provide a safe environment for employees and customers. Servers and sellers with a BASSET card have documentation to show that they are capable of providing alcohol in a professional way. With a BASSET card, it is clear that a seller or server knows the course material, and is therefore a more hirable asset. Successful completion of the course can also reduce liability insurance for the establishment, another reason employers will look for BASSET cards.
Are these courses approved by the state of Illinois?
Yes. Our courses have been approved by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, which oversees the BASSET program. Successfully completing these courses will supply the student with a BASSET card, which will serve to both fulfill any local requirements and to provide certification the student knows the material and is therefore a more hirable asset.
What is the difference between the courses?
The state of Illinois separates sellers and servers into two different groups: those who provide alcohol in locations where the beverages are to be consumed (on-premise), and those who provide alcohol in locations where the beverages are to be taken for consumption at a later time and place (off-premise).
What are some examples of people who need alcohol training in Illinois?
On-premise BASSET certification is suitable for:
- Bartenders
- Barbacks
- Servers
- Alcohol sampling staff
- Managers of establishments such as bars or restaurants
Off-premise is suitable for employees at liquor stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores, including:
- Cashiers
- Managers
- Business owners
How long is the training?
The On-Premise course is the state-required minimum of four hours in length and the Off-Premise course is the state-required minimum of three hours in length.
What material is covered?
The courses will have some differences based on which is chosen, but both courses will cover all of the following topics:
- Alcohol and Its Properties
- Preventing Intoxication and Assuring Customer Safety
- Laws About Minors and Alcohol
- Practicing the Refusing of Sale/Service to a Minor
- DUI Penalties
- When to Ask for an ID
- Dram Shop Laws
Is there a final exam?
Yes. As required by the state, there is a final exam consisting of 20 questions. Students must answer at least 70% (14 questions) correctly in order to pass. However, you will have an unlimited number of attempts to pass, so you can take it stress free.
What happens when I finish the course?
Once you successfully pass the final exam, we will submit your information to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission for approval. A certificate will be available for immediate download, which serves as temporary proof of course completion and is valid for 30 days. Your official BASSET card will be ready to download and print at https://mytax.illinois.gov/?Link=Basset before the temporary certificate expires.
Do I need to do anything else to get my BASSET card?
No, upon graduation, your completion will be processed. You can download your temporary certificate for proof until your official BASSET card is ready to print within 30 days of course completion.
Will my BASSET card expire?
Yes, BASSET cards are valid for three years, after which you will need to renew.
How does the REAL ID ACT affect driver's licenses in Illinois?
The REAL ID act is a federal law that established requirements for state-issued ID, including driver's licenses and identification cards. It's important for sellers and servers in Illinois to be familiar with REAL ID security features to determine whether customers have valid identification.