Who Needs On-Premise Illinois BASSET Certification?
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) mandates BASSET certification training for anyone working at a venue where alcoholic beverages are served for on-site consumption.
Occupations that need an on-prem certificate to sell or serve alcohol in Illinois include:
- Bartenders
- Barbacks
- Servers
- Waiters
- Managers
- Hospitality Workers
This isn’t an exhaustive list. Check with your employer if you’re unsure whether this applies to your job.
Who Needs Off-Premise BASSET Certification?
You are not legally required to have an off-premise BASSET card if you are employed at a retail establishment where alcohol is sold for off-prem consumption. This includes liquor store, grocery store and gas station staff.
Employers or local jurisdictions might require certification for off-prem alcohol employees. Ask your employer about the specific training requirements related to your role.
What Are the Benefits of Having a BASSET Card?
Both on-premise and off-premise BASSET courses teach alcoholic beverage providers essential skills and knowledge to serve safely. The training covers key topics like:
- State laws regarding alcohol sales and service
- Worker responsibilities
- How to check IDs properly
- Recognizing signs of intoxication
- Intervening when necessary to prevent over-serving
The courses also provide real-world scenarios that will help you prepare for and successfully handle challenging situations. By the end of the course, you'll be better equipped to protect yourself, your customers and your workplace.
Who Is Required to Complete Illinois Food Handler Training?
If you prepare, store or package goods, handle utensils that touch ingredients or interact with ready-to-eat products, you must complete an ANAB-accredited food safety certification course and obtain a valid food handler card.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Restaurant workers
- Kitchen employees
- Cooks and prep cooks
- Chefs and sous chefs
- Hosts and hostesses who handle unpackaged goods or utensils
- Grocery store employees
- Deli and bakery workers
- Mobile stand and truck employees
- Concession stand staff
- Temporary event vendors
- And others
This mandate helps ensure that individuals understand how to work with consumables safely in compliance with state and local health laws.
Why Food Safety Education Matters
Food safety training prevents foodborne illnesses, which can result from poor hygiene, improper handling and cross-contamination. Even one unsafe action — like using the same cutting board for raw meats and vegetables — can result in serious health consequences for customers.
Sellers and servers can contribute to safer practices and protect the well-being of their customers by learning the risks and how to avoid them.
Our course is designed to teach you how to handle and serve meals in accordance with the food safety standards established by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Among the topics you’ll learn about are:
- Local and federal food safety guidelines
- Proper handwashing and hygiene
- Cross-contamination prevention
- Appropriate food preparation techniques
- Time and temperature controls
- Storage best practices
- Cleaning and sanitizing procedures
- Allergen awareness
- Pest control
- Personal health and illness reporting
Whether you’re new to the food service industry or looking to expand your skillset, completing this program is a smart step toward building a successful career in hospitality.
Do You Need Both Licenses?
If you work in an establishment that offers alcohol and meals, chances are you’ll need to acquire both credentials. Each serves a different but equally important purpose.
How Much Time Do Sellers and Servers Have to Get Certified?
The state requires all food handlers to complete an accredited training program within 30 days of employment. Meanwhile, beverage workers who sell or serve beer, wine or spirits for on-site consumption must enroll in a BASSET course approved by the ILCC and pass a final exam within 120 days of hire.
Both permits are valid for three years. Employees must retake each course before their respective serving licenses expire.
How to Obtain Illinois BASSET and Food Handler Certifications Online
Seller Server Online makes it easy to get certified. Our web-based courses are self-paced and can be completed from any internet-ready device anytime, anywhere.
Food Handler Pass
To obtain your food safety card, you must complete the two-hour food training course and pass a final exam with at least a score of 70%. You’ll have two attempts to achieve a passing score. If you need more chances, you must retake the course. Once you pass, you can instantly download and print your official handler card.
BASSET Licenses
It takes about four hours to finish the on-premise class and approximately three hours to complete the off-premise class. Both Illinois BASSET training courses also require students to pass a final exam with a score of 70% or higher. However, you’ll have unlimited attempts to pass the test.
Upon passing, you can download and print a temporary certificate. Your official BASSET card will be available to download and print from the MyTax Illinois website within 30 days.
Remember that while the state doesn't require off-premise certifications, many counties and municipalities within Illinois and individual employers may ask you to get this permit. Getting ahead of these potential requests can help you advance your career in the long run.
Click here for additional details on certification validity and requirements.
Ready to get started? Sign up now to complete your state-approved training in responsible alcohol and food service.
