What You Need to Know About BASSET Certification

Written by Staff Writer

Bartender holding glass smiling

What is BASSET certification and its purpose in Illinois? It is a state-mandated education system all beverage workers in Illinois must obtain. It requires eligible workers to complete state-approved training on alcohol-related topics as regulated by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC). BASSET itself is an acronym that stands for Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training.

This is the state's responsible service education program, aimed at preventing alcohol-related incidents, accidents and fatalities. The program teaches alcohol abuse prevention and intervention skills that help protect communities. Skills include everything from recognizing the signs of intoxication to how to spot fake IDs.

Who Needs the Certification?

The state of Illinois requires mandatory server/seller training for workers in on-premise alcohol establishments like bars, restaurants and lounges. This applies primarily to:

  • Servers
  • Bartenders
  • Waitstaff
  • Bouncers
  • Some delivery drivers

For example, if you want to become a licensed bartender in Chicago, you are legally obligated to complete this training by state law. Every worker who serves or sells alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption (like a bar or restaurant), including workers who check IDs, is required to complete a state-approved training program within 120 days of employment.

Certification is not mandatory statewide for off-premises beverage workers like liquor store employees, convenience store clerks and grocery store staff. Even though there is no specific legal requirement for these workers to become BASSET certified, business owners are allowed to require individuals to get trained to protect a licensed establishment from liability.

Check with your employer or local jurisdiction for additional requirements in your area. Some areas and employers require this training for volunteers or off-premises sales, even if the ILCC does not.

Choosing the Right Training Course

It's important to pay attention to the legitimacy of the course you take to ensure it meets the strict requirements set by the ILCC. Not all courses are approved by the commission, and taking an unapproved course will not fulfill the training requirement. A complete list of approved trainers can be found here.

On- and off-premise certifications are similar in cost. The price of completing the program varies by provider but is not cost-prohibitive.

You can take the course online or in a classroom. It takes between three and four hours to earn your BASSET alcohol certification.

Getting Your On-Premise or Off-Premise Certification Online

We offer online, ILCC-approved courses suitable for all alcohol sellers and servers. They ensure you meet any employer or local requirements and gain a deeper understanding of responsible sales and service in your vital role in the hospitality industry.

Before serving alcoholic drinks or checking IDs at on-premises establishments, you must take the On-Premise BASSET course. The online Off-Premise BASSET course is also designed and approved by the ILCC for workers who sell packaged liquor.

Our ILCC-approved course materials include:

  • The properties of alcohol and its effects on the human body
  • Customer safety and intoxication prevention
  • State and federal laws prohibiting the sale or service of controlled beverages to minors under the age of 21
  • DUI penalties
  • Spotting fake IDs
  • Dram shop laws and liability regulations

When you pass the final exam, you'll receive a 30-day temporary certificate of completion you can provide to your employer while we file your information with the ILCC. Before that certificate expires, you will be able to access, download and print your official, permanent card on the MyTax Illinois database.

Your card is valid for three years. Classes can be completed again to renew your credentials. Just make sure to enroll before your card expires to prevent a lapse in certification.

If you lose your card, new copies are available from the ILCC website. You can also use the site to learn more about liquor licensing rules, review business license information or find educational support materials.

Get Your Illinois BASSET Card Now

We make it easy to understand the requirements, costs and legitimacy of Illinois BASSET certification by offering online, ILCC-approved seller-server training courses. Earn your initial certification or license renewal with 100% online training you can complete from any internet-connected device. Study at your pace to do your job well and satisfy state and employer requirements.

Students can choose between our Illinois BASSET Certification courses or bundle them together for a discount. Earning both credentials gives you the ability to work wherever alcohol is served or sold in the state. Sign up and start studying today!