BASSET vs Food Handler Certificate: What’s the Difference?

Jul 1 / Al Fon50
If you plan to work in a restaurant, bar, hotel, event venue, or any food-and-beverage business in Illinois, you may hear two common requirements: BASSET certification and a Food Handler certificate.


They may sound similar, but they are not the same. One is mainly for alcohol service, while the other is for food safety.

What Is BASSET Certification?

BASSET stands for Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training. It is Illinois’ responsible alcohol seller and server training program, overseen by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.

This training is designed for employees who sell, serve, mix, deliver, or check IDs for alcoholic beverages. It helps workers understand responsible alcohol service, checking identification, preventing sales to minors, handling intoxicated customers, and following Illinois alcohol laws.

In simple terms, if your job involves alcohol, you will most likely need BASSET certification.

What Is a Food Handler Certificate?

A Food Handler certificate is different. This training focuses on safe food handling.

It is for employees who prepare, store, serve, or handle food as part of their job. The training usually covers food safety basics such as hygiene, cross-contamination, temperature control, cleaning, and safe food preparation.

In simple terms, if your job involves food, you may need a Food Handler certificate.

Main Difference Between BASSET and Food Handler Certification

The easiest way to understand the difference is this:

BASSET certification is for alcohol service.
Food Handler certification is for food safety.

A bartender, server, or cashier who sells alcohol may need BASSET certification. A cook, food prep worker, server, or anyone handling food may need a Food Handler certificate.

Some employees need both, especially if they work in restaurants or bars where food and alcohol are both served.

Who Might Need Both?

You may need both certifications if you work as a:

  • Bartender
  • Restaurant server
  • Barback
  • Food runner
  • Host or cashier who handles alcohol orders
  • Event staff member
  • Restaurant or bar employee handling both food and drinks

For example, if you serve burgers and beer at a restaurant, you may need both because your job involves food and alcohol.

Why Employers Ask for These Certificates

Employers ask for these certificates because they help keep the workplace compliant, safe, and professional.

BASSET training helps reduce alcohol-related risks, while Food Handler training helps prevent foodborne illness and unsafe food practices. Having both can also make you a stronger applicant when applying for restaurant, bar, hotel, or event jobs.

Which One Should You Get First?

If you are applying for a bar or restaurant job, it is smart to check what your employer requires. However, if the business serves both food and alcohol, getting both certifications can help you be ready before your first shift.

Many workers choose to complete both at the same time because it is easier, faster, and more convenient than doing them separately

Final Answer

BASSET and Food Handler certificates are both important, but they cover different responsibilities.

🍸Get BASSET certified if you sell, serve, or handle alcohol.
👨‍🍳Get a Food Handler certificate if you prepare, serve, or handle food.
🍻🍕Get both if your job involves food and alcohol.

If you are planning to work in an Illinois restaurant, bar, or event venue, completing both certifications can help you start with confidence and stay prepared for work.