BASSET and Food Handler Certification FAQs

BASSET Certification

Who is required to have a BASSET card?

As of July 2018, Illinois requires all individuals who sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption to have a BASSET card. This requirement also applies to employees who check ID for alcohol service.

The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) also recommends BASSET certification for employees who sell beer, wine or spirits for off-premises consumption. While this is not a legal requirement, individual counties, municipalities and employers may choose to require certification training for these employees.

Employees holding a BASSET card have been trained on alcohol laws and how to provide safe beverage service. This shows employers that workers are dedicated to safety.

Certified employees can help reduce an establishment's liabilities, preventing potential fines and penalties associated with negligent services.

Is this course approved by the state of Illinois?

Yes. Our BASSET course is approved by the ILCC and provides certification for both on-premises and off-premises alcohol sales. Anyone who completes the training program and passes the final exam will be eligible to sell and serve a variety of alcoholic beverages throughout the entire state.

What are some examples of people who need alcohol training in Illinois?

On-premises BASSET certification is mandatory for:

• Bartenders
• Barbacks
• Servers
• Alcohol sampling staff
• Managers of establishments such as bars or restaurants
• Anyone responsible for checking IDs

Those who sell alcohol for off-premises consumption are strongly encouraged to enroll in BASSET training. Examples of off-premises workers include:

• Grocery, convenience and gas station clerks
• Restaurant or bar workers selling alcohol to go
• Liquor store cashiers, managers and business owners
• Alcohol distributors

How long is the training?

The course takes approximately four hours to complete.

Can I take the course on my smartphone or tablet?

Yes. Our course is mobile-friendly, which means you can access the learning material on any device with internet access, including smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Is there a time limit to complete the course?

No. Our BASSET course is self-paced, so you may start, pause and resume the training as needed.

What material is covered?

The course covers essential topics for alcohol sellers and servers in Illinois, including:

• 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

These topics give employees the tools needed to provide safe and responsible drink service.

Is there a final exam?

Yes. As required by the state, there is a final exam consisting of 20 questions. You must correctly answer at least 14 questions to pass (the equivalent of a 70% score). However, you'll have unlimited attempts to pass the test.

What happens when I finish the course?

Once you successfully pass the final exam, you can download a temporary certificate of completion that remains valid for only 30 days. You can download and print your official BASSET card via the MyTax Illinois website before the temporary one expires.

Do I need to do anything else to get my BASSET card?

No, you'll have immediate access to your temporary certificate once you pass the final test and can download your official BASSET certificate on the MyTax Illinois website within 30 days.

Will my BASSET card expire?

Yes, BASSET cards are valid for three years from the date of issuance. You must retake the course to keep your certification valid. We recommend enrolling in the training program at least one month before your card expires to prevent any issues or delays with your work schedule.

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.

Food Handler Training

Is this training program state-approved?

Yes, our course is ANAB-accredited and meets Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) requirements for food worker training.

Who needs this certification?

Anyone who prepares, packages or distributes food items in Illinois is expected to obtain food handler certification within 30 days of hire. This includes restaurant employees, kitchen staff, delivery drivers, caterers and similar professionals.

What will I learn about?

The course discusses vital food safety topics, including foodborne illness, cross-contamination prevention, hygiene and sanitation protocols, time/temperature controls and best practices for storage.

How long does it take to finish the course?

Our online food safety course takes approximately two hours to complete on any internet-ready device. There is no time limit, so you can pause and resume the training at leisure.

Is there a final exam?

Yes. To earn your Illinois food handler permit, you must pass the final exam offered at the end of the course with a score of 70% or higher. You have two attempts to pass the test.

When will I receive my certificate?

You can download and print your official food handler card immediately after passing the final exam.

How long is the food worker permit valid?

Your certificate is valid for three years from the date of issuance and must be renewed before it expires.

Course Packages

What course packages are available?

We offer two convenient training bundles:

• BASSET Certification + ANAB-Accredited Food Handler Course
• BASSET Certification + Illinois Alcohol Resource Guide

The first package helps food and alcohol servers meet state requirements for certification training. The second includes BASSET training and a detailed guide on Illinois alcohol laws and beverage safety best practices to help you ace your BASSET exam. The guide is yours to keep, so you can reference the information anytime.

What are the benefits of combining BASSET and food safety training?

Bundling your training helps you save time and money while satisfying all your certification requirements in one shot.

Food and alcohol service often go hand in hand. To satisfy state requirements, employers require workers who serve both food and alcohol to obtain BASSET and food handler permits.

What makes your food and alcohol courses unique?

We are committed to providing the highest-quality training programs for sellers, servers and other food industry professionals throughout Illinois.

Our courses are designed and maintained by a team of individuals with extensive expertise and qualifications in food and alcohol safety, education, professional development and more.

Credentials for our Food Safety Personnel and Advisory Group include: