Earn Your On-Premise Illinois BASSET Certification Online

The state of Illinois requires all employees who sell or serve alcohol at on-premise establishments, such as bars and restaurants, to be BASSET certified. Our online course is the state-required four hours in length and provides in-depth training on safe and responsible alcohol service.

Complete this course at your own pace to earn your official Illinois BASSET card. This course is approved by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, which oversees the Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET) program. You can instantly download a certificate of completion to show your employer, and your state-issued BASSET card will arrive in the mail.

On-Premise and Off-Premise Course Bundle

Interested in becoming certified for both on- and off-premise alcohol sales? We offer a cost-effective course bundle that combines on-premise training with Illinois Off-Premise BASSET Certification.

The off-premise course is mandatory for employees who sell alcohol at establishments such as liquor stores, grocery stores and convenience stores. By completing both courses, you will be certified to work at any Illinois business where alcohol is served or sold.

What Is On-Premise Illinois BASSET Training?

On-Premise Illinois BASSET training is designed for workers and managers at establishments where alcohol is served to be consumed on-site, such as a bar or restaurant. The on-premise training course is four hours long, which is the state-required minimum.

This online BASSET certification program is approved by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission to satisfy all BASSET requirements. Following course completion, you can immediately download a certificate of completion. Your official BASSET card will arrive in the mail shortly after.

According to the state of Illinois, on-premise BASSET training is meant to reduce the risk of overconsumption and create a safer environment in places where alcohol is served. This training is mandatory for alcohol servers and employees who check ID for alcohol service.

Throughout the course, you will gain a better understanding of the following topics:

  • Alcohol and Its Properties
  • Responsible Selling and Serving
  • Preventing Sales to Intoxicated and Underage Customers
  • Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
  • Drink Counting, the Designated Driver Program and BAC Drink Charts
  • Illinois Alcohol Codes and Rules
  • Laws About Minors and Alcohol
  • When to Ask for ID
  • How to Refuse Alcohol Service to Minors and Intoxicated Patrons
  • DUI Penalties
  • Dram Shop Laws

Who Needs On-Premise BASSET Certification?

As of July 1, 2018, Illinois requires on-premise BASSET certification for employees and managers at bars, restaurants, festivals and events where alcohol is served and consumed on-site. In addition, bouncers and other workers who check ID for alcohol service must complete this training.

Employees who need to be BASSET certified can include:

  • Bartenders
  • Barbacks
  • Bouncers
  • Servers
  • Cashiers
  • Catering workers
  • Event organizers
  • Bar and restaurant managers
  • Hospitality workers

The Illinois BASSET program is overseen by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. The state of Illinois requires all employees of on-premise establishments to become BASSET certified and renew their certification every three years. A BASSET certification demonstrates that you are trained to serve alcohol in a responsible and professional way.

Testing Requirements

As required by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, BASSET certification includes a pre- and post-exam. The pre-exam assesses your initial knowledge of responsible alcohol service, and there are no penalties for choosing a wrong answer.

Illinois On-Premise BASSET is divided into five learning modules, each with a short quiz designed to test your knowledge and help you prepare for the final exam. You have unlimited attempts to get a passing score of 70% on each quiz.

The course ends with a 20-question final exam that is multiple choice. You must score at least 70% to pass the exam. You have an unlimited number of attempts and are guaranteed to pass.

Course Overview

Illinois On-Premise BASSET Certification is 100% online, and you can complete it on any device that connects to the internet. You can train at your own pace and take breaks anytime without losing your place.

Course modules include:

Module 1: Physical Properties of Alcohol, Drugs and Alcoholism

Topics covered in this module include:

  • Alcohol and Its Properties
  • What Is a Standard Drink?
  • Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
  • Driving Under the Influence
  • The Four Stages of Alcoholism

Module 2: Preventing and Intervention Techniques

Topics covered in this module include:

  • Knowing Your Customers
  • Preventing Drink Tampering
  • Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
  • Designated Drivers
  • Assuring Customer Safety

Module 3: Illinois State Statutes, Local Ordinances and DUI Laws

Topics covered in this module include:

  • Illinois Alcohol Codes and Rules
  • Laws Regarding Minors and Alcohol
  • Intoxication Laws
  • Punishment for Alcohol-Related Offenses by Minors
  • Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID)
  • Sale to Intoxicated Persons
  • Criminal vs. Civil Charges

Module 4: Proper Identification Techniques, Police Policies and Expectations

Topics covered in this module include:

  • The Three-Step Process for Identification
  • Electronic Scanning Devices
  • Characteristics of Minors
  • Illinois Driver's License and Identification Cards
  • How to Check an ID
  • Fake Driver's Licenses and IDs
  • Proper Use of Municipal Support Services

Module 5: Dram Shop Liabilities, Insurance and Victims' Rights

Topics covered in this module include:

  • Dram Shop Laws
  • Causes of Action
  • Dram Shop Act Penalties
  • State Insurance Requirements
  • Liability Limits
  • Dram Shop Defenses

Once you successfully complete the course, you can instantly download a certificate to provide to your employer as a temporary BASSET card. We will submit your information to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, who will mail you a permanent BASSET card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is on-premise BASSET certification required in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois Public Act 098-0939 requires alcohol sellers and servers at on-premise establishments, such as bars and restaurants, to earn a BASSET certification and renew their certification every three years. This training is mandatory for bartenders, servers and employees who check ID for alcohol service.

The on-premise BASSET certification requirement went into effect on July 1, 2018.

What Is the Cocktails-to-Go Law?

The cocktails-to-go law allows licensed alcohol-service establishments, such as bars and restaurants, to offer carry-out and delivery service for mixed drinks, cocktails and single servings of wine. The statute is found in Section 6-28.8 of the Illinois Liquor Control Act, but it is commonly known as the cocktails-to-go law.

Servers who are 21 years of age or older who also hold a current BASSET certification may deliver alcoholic mixed beverages to patrons, including curbside and by car (with additional restrictions). Servers must verify that delivery patrons are at least 21 years old and not intoxicated or must cancel the beverage order and return the alcohol to their place of employment.

Only employees of restaurants and bars can deliver alcoholic mixed beverages under the cocktails-to-go law. Third-party drivers (such as employees of food delivery services) cannot deliver to-go cocktails.

A recent extension of the bill, Public Act 103-0004, extends mixed drink delivery service to August 1, 2028. The law was originally set to expire on January 3, 2024.

Is this course approved by the state of Illinois?

Yes. Our courses have been approved by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, which oversees the BASSET program.

What is the difference between on-premise and off-premise BASSET certification?

On-premise BASSET certification is designed for sellers and servers at establishments where alcohol is consumed on-site. Examples of on-premise locations includes bars, restaurants, night clubs and catered events.

Off-premise certification is for employees at establishments where alcohol is sold to be consumed off-site. Examples of off-premise locations include liquor, grocery and convenience stores.

How long does on-premise BASSET certification training take to complete?

Our on-premise BASSET certification course takes approximately four hours to complete. You can log in and log out of training whenever you want, allowing you to complete the four hours of instruction at your pace.

How long is on-premise Illinois BASSET certification good for?

Illinois BASSET cards are valid for three years. Before your card expires, you will have to retake a BASSET course to renew your certification.

How do I renew my on-premise BASSET certification?

Before your on-premise Illinois BASSET card expires, you will need to retake the online training program to renew your certification.

What are the benefits of on-premise BASSET certification?

This course fulfills all Illinois BASSET on-premise training requirements and provides an official, state-issued BASSET card.

How will I get my BASSET card once I complete the course?

Once you have successfully completed the course, you can immediately download a certificate of completion. You can provide the certificate to your employer as a temporary BASSET card.

Our team will submit your information to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, who will send you your official BASSET card by mail.

Additional Links and Resources

Browse additional resources to learn more about Illinois alcohol regulations and responsible alcohol service.

Fast, easy. I had to get a certificate to start my job ASAP, and I couldn't have found a more sufficient website. Thanks!

— Andrea M.

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