ServSafe Alcohol Practice Test and Answers for Primary and Advanced Certification
There are two ServSafe Alcohol tests. The ServSafe Alcohol Primary and the ServSafe Alcohol Advanced. Check with your local health department or restaurant association to determine which one you need.
ServSafe Alcohol certification is not accepted in every state. Or there may be supplemental information that is different for each jurisdiction. These practice tests are based on the most common questions found in all municipalities.
ServSafe Alcohol Primary
The ServSafe Alcohol Primary exam is the easier one of the two. There are 40 questions and you must achieve a score of at least 75% in order to pass. That means that you need to correctly answer at least 30 of the questions correctly.
The ServSafe Alcohol Primary exam does not need to be taken under the supervision of a proctor. You are allowed to take it at home.
ServSafe Alcohol Advanced
The ServSafe Alcohol Advanced exam is more difficult. There are 70 questions but you are only graded on 60 of them. The remaining 10 are “pilot” questions to determine if they will be included in future exams. You need to score at least 80% in order to pass. This means that you must correctly answer at least 48 of the 60 graded questions.
The ServSafe Alcohol exam must be taken in the presence of a proctor, you are not allowed to take the test alone.
Tap the blue start button to begin. Use the arrows to view the next or previous question. Good luck!
Primary ServSafe Alcohol Test (40 Questions)
Question 1 |
Other than being intact and current, what other features must an ID have in order to be valid?
A | Birth date, photo, and signature |
B | Birth date, photo, and hologram
|
C | Birth date, photo, and state seal |
D | Birth date, photo, and magnetic stripe
|
Question 2 |
Which is an acceptable form of identification?
A | Voter's Registration Card |
B | School ID |
C | Passport |
D | Birth Certificate |
Question 3 |
What should you do if a guest is intoxicated when he arrives at your establishment?
A | Do not serve him alcohol. |
B | Find out where he was drinking previously and report it to the police. |
C | Serve him alcohol if he agrees to take a cab home. |
D | Physically prevent him from entering. |
Question 4 |
What is the best type of food to serve to a guest to help prevent intoxication?
A | Food high in fat |
B | Food high in sugar |
C | Food high in carbohydrates |
D | Salty food items |
Question 5 |
Which behavior is a sign that a guest is experiencing impaired judgment?
A | Becoming forgetful |
B | Talking slowly |
C | Drinking faster |
D | Becoming depressed |
Question 6 |
A person who is complaining about the strength of a drink after drinking others of the same strength is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Impaired motor coordination |
B | Slowed reaction time |
C | Relaxed inhibitions |
D | Impaired judgment |
Question 7 |
Three visibly intoxicated men order beer, and their designated driver orders a soft drink. What action must the server take?
A | Offer the party food in addition to the drinks. |
B | Confirm that the designated driver is sober. |
C | Inform the party that they will not be served any more alcohol. |
D | Serve the party the beer and cola. |
Question 8 |
Civil penalties may include which of the following?
A | Probation. |
B | Serving prison time. |
C | Payment of damages. |
D | Fines. |
Question 9 |
What should you do if you have checked a guest’s ID and are still not sure if she is old enough to drink?
A | Ask the guest’s friend to verify her age. |
B | Ask the guest a question only a person of their age would know. |
C | Ask for a second valid ID. |
D | Ask another server for a second opinion. |
Question 10 |
What feature is added to a minor ID in most states to indicate that it was issued to a person younger than 21?
A | A vertical format |
B | A hologram |
C | A state seal |
D | A magnetic strip |
Question 11 |
How many drinks are in a 3-ounce glass of 80-proof vodka?
A | 3 |
B | 2 |
C | 1 |
D | 4 |
Question 12 |
Which is true in relation to criminal and civil liability?
A | Both criminal and civil liability can result in a prison sentence. |
B | Criminal and civil liability are the same thing. |
C | Criminal liability applies to the employees of an establishment, while civil liability applies only to the actual owners. |
D | Criminal liability is being held responsible for committing a crime, while civil liability is being responsible for payment of
damages. |
Question 13 |
It is against the law in most states to drive with what Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)?
A | .08 or higher. |
B | .03 or higher. |
C | .06 or higher. |
D | .05 or higher. |
Question 14 |
What is the first thing you should do before stopping service to a guest?
A | Call the police. |
B | Fill out an incident report. |
C | Alert a backup. |
D | Bring the guest a soft drink. |
Question 15 |
Which will result in a reduction of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream and help them sober up?
A | Exercising vigorously |
B | Taking a cold shower |
C | Drinking coffee |
D | Passage of time |
Question 16 |
How many drinks are in a 2-ounce glass of 100-proof whiskey?
A | 3 |
B | 4 |
C | 1 |
D | 2 |
Question 17 |
What feature is often added to IDs to keep them secure?
A | Toll-free verification hotline numbers |
B | Ultraviolet text and features |
C | Blank backs |
D | Digitally blurred photos |
Question 18 |
What is the best thing to do when liquor authorities enter your establishment?
A | Notify your manager. |
B | Discontinue all alcohol service until the authorities leave. |
C | Find a coworker who will confirm to the authorities that you have not been serving minors. |
D | Discreetly ask intoxicated guests to leave. |
Question 19 |
Which is true about liquor laws?
A | Only the local liquor authority has the responsibility for monitoring and enforcing liquor laws. |
B | Obtaining a liquor license is the right of every operation. |
C | Violation of liquor laws will not result in an establishment losing its liquor license. |
D | Municipal liquor laws can be stricter than state liquor laws. |
Question 20 |
What is the purpose of an ID reader?
A | To display information from bar codes or magnetic stripes. |
B | To detect holograms on IDs. |
C | To confirm ID validity. |
D | To detect cracks or dents in IDs. |
Question 21 |
Which should be avoided when telling people that you have to stop service?
A | Being firm |
B | Citing company policy |
C | Using “you” statements |
D | Expressing concern |
Question 22 |
A person who is losing their train of thought is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Slowed reaction time |
B | Impaired motor coordination |
C | Relaxed inhibitions |
D | Impaired judgment |
Question 23 |
A guest who appeared very shy upon arrival at the establishment, is now acting very friendly and overly flirty. Which sign of intoxication is this guest exhibiting?
A | Impaired motor coordination |
B | Slowed reaction time |
C | Impaired judgment |
D | Relaxed inhibitions |
Question 24 |
A guest arrived at a bar at 12:00 p.m. By 2:00 p.m., he had consumed 4 12-ounce beers. How many drinks remain in the guest’s body at 2:00 p.m.?
A | 1 |
B | 4 |
C | 3 |
D | 2 |
Question 25 |
What is the percentage of alcohol in an 80-proof bottle of vodka?
A | 30% |
B | 10% |
C | 40% |
D | 20% |
Question 26 |
What is one thing you should do if a fight happens?
A | Wait to see if it ends on its own. |
B | Physically separate the fighting parties. |
C | Move other guests away from the fight. |
D | Physically restrain the more aggressive person. |
Question 27 |
An ID with a raised photo is an example of
A | tampering. |
B | validity. |
C | an ID issued to someone under the age of 21. |
D | an ID issued to a non-citizen. |
Question 28 |
A guest has a birthday of January 1, 1998. In what year do they turn 21?
A | 2018 |
B | 2021 |
C | 2019 |
D | 2020 |
Question 29 |
A recipe for a margarita includes 2 ounces of 80-proof tequila, and 1 ounce of 80-proof Grand Marnier. How many standard drinks does this recipe contain?
A | 4 |
B | 2 |
C | 3 |
D | 1 |
Question 30 |
When is the best time to inform a guest that you have to stop alcohol service?
A | After you have arranged a safe ride home for the person |
B | Before the person has ordered food |
C | As you serve the person’s last drink |
D | When the person tries to order another drink |
Question 31 |
What action should be taken if you see a guest pass a drink to an underage person?
A | Discreetly ask intoxicated guests to leave. |
B | Stop service and remove the alcohol. |
C | Allow the guests to continue drinking. |
D | If the drinks were purchased by an adult, no action is required. |
Question 32 |
All other factors being the same, who’s BAC would be highest after drinking a 12-ounce beer?
A | Woman, aged 25 |
B | Man, aged 25 |
C | Woman, aged 60 |
D | Man, aged 60 |
Question 33 |
What do dram shop laws allow a person injured by an intoxicated guest to do?
A | Sue the business, but not the bartender who served the intoxicated guest. |
B | Sue the business, but not the business owner. |
C | Sue the bartender who served the intoxicated guest, but not the business owner. |
D | Sue the bartender who served the intoxicated guest, the business, and the business owner. |
Question 34 |
Most of the alcohol that a person drinks is absorbed into the bloodstream from which organ?
A | Brain |
B | Liver |
C | Small intestine |
D | Stomach |
Question 35 |
The liver breaks down alcohol in the body at what rate?
A | 2 drinks per hour. |
B | 3 drinks per hour. |
C | 4 drinks per hour. |
D | 1 drink per hour. |
Question 36 |
When must you stop serving alcohol to guests?
A | When they have finished drinking their second drink |
B | When they do not have a designated driver |
C | When they look or act intoxicated |
D | When their BAC is .10 or higher |
Question 37 |
What should you say to a guest when stopping service?
A | “Sorry sir, but you’ve had enough and I will not be able to serve you any more alcohol.” |
B | “Sorry sir, but I’m not able to serve you any more alcohol this evening.” |
C | “Sorry sir, but you might hurt someone if we gave you another drink, so we can’t serve you anymore tonight.”
|
D | “Sorry sir, but you’re having trouble talking, so we think you’ve had enough.” |
Question 38 |
Two men of equal height drank 3 shots of 80-proof whiskey in 1 hour. One man was overweight and the other had an athletic build. Which man will have the higher BAC?
A | There is no way to determine who will have a higher BAC |
B | The overweight man |
C | The athletic man |
D | They will have the same BAC |
Question 39 |
What should you do if a guest is intoxicated when she arrives at your establishment?
A | Use physical force to stop her from entering |
B | Serve the guest no more than 1 alcoholic drink. |
C | Do not serve her any alcohol. |
D | Serve the guest but keep a close eye on her. |
Question 40 |
How old must a person be to purchase alcohol in most states?
A | 18 years old. |
B | 20 years old. |
C | 21 years old. |
D | 19 years old. |
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Next Question
Advanced ServSafe Alcohol Test (60 Questions)
Question 1 |
What is true when serving a group of guests with a designated driver?
A | You are not responsible for the guests because they have a designated driver. |
B | You can continue service even if the guests are intoxicated. |
C | You are not responsible for the guests if they agree not to drive. |
D | You cannot serve the guests to the point of intoxication. |
Question 2 |
What should you do to verify that an ID belongs to a guest?
A | Compare the ID to an ID listed in an ID-checking guide. |
B | Compare the guest to someone of the same approximate age. |
C | Compare the guest to the physical characteristics on the ID. |
D | Compare the ID to confiscated fake IDs. |
Question 3 |
Most of the alcohol a person consumes is metabolized by the:
A | Small intestine
|
B | Liver |
C | Kidneys |
D | Capillaries |
Question 4 |
How much pure alcohol is contained in each of the following: a 12 oz beer, 4 oz wine, 1 ¼ oz 80 proof alcohol or 1 oz 100 proof alcohol?
A | 1 oz pure alcohol. |
B | 1/4 oz pure alcohol. |
C | 1/2 oz pure alcohol. |
D | 3/4 oz pure alcohol. |
Question 5 |
Four drinks are metabolized in about:
A | 1 hour |
B | 2 hours |
C | 4 hours |
D | 3 hours |
Question 6 |
Which contains the most alcohol?
A | Mixed drink with 1 1/4 oz 80 proof liquor. |
B | 8 oz glass of wine. |
C | 1 oz of 100 proof liquor. |
D | 32 oz bottle of beer. |
Question 7 |
What step should be taken after stopping service?
A | Remind the guest that they are drunk and you had to stop service. |
B | Demand that the guest leave immediately. |
C | Inform coworkers that service has been stopped for the individual. |
D | Resume serving if the guest appears to calm down. |
Question 8 |
Once you have stopped service to a guest, what is the next step?
A | Offer food and nonalcoholic beverages. |
B | Complete an incident report. |
C | Alert a backup. |
D | Ask the guest to leave the establishment as soon as possible. |
Question 9 |
If a guest arrives at your establishment already intoxicated, you refuse service, and they agree to take a cab, what is the final step?
A | Fill out an incident report. |
B | Call the police. |
C | Call the guests family. |
D | Inform the server on the next shift. |
Question 10 |
A guest shows you an ID with a blank back. What does this tell you about the ID?
A | The ID is from a U.S. overseas territory. |
B | The ID was issued to someone under 21 years of age. |
C | The ID is fake. |
D | The ID is expired. |
Question 11 |
In many states, if a person drives from your establishment and injures someone, you could be held liable under:
A | The traffic light system. |
B | Dram shop laws. |
C | DWI convictions. |
D | Local last call ordinances. |
Question 12 |
Two guests who were happy upon arriving at your establishment are now beginning to argue. You don’t sense any immediate danger to you or other guests. What should you do?
A | Let the situation resolve itself. |
B | Step between the 2 guests to stop the argument. |
C | Notify your manager to determine what to do. |
D | Call the police. |
Question 13 |
A guest requests a rum and cola made with 1.5 ounces of 100-proof rum. How many standards drinks does this contain?
A | 2.5 |
B | 2 |
C | 1 |
D | 1.5 |
Question 14 |
What does civil liability mean for sellers or servers of alcohol?
A | They can be fined for violating the establishment’s liquor license. |
B | They can be sued and forced to pay damages for injuries. |
C | They can be held responsible for committing a crime. |
D | They can be fined for failing to pass a compliance check. |
Question 15 |
When would you need to fill out an incident report?
A | When a guest becomes intoxicated. |
B | A taxi was called for an intoxicated person. |
C | A minor is seated with adults who are not drinking. |
D | A guest is not appropriately dressed. |
Question 16 |
What should you do if guests insist on driving after service has been stopped?
A | Let them go because there is nothing more you can do. |
B | Call the police. |
C | Use physical force to stop them. |
D | Take their car keys. |
Question 17 |
The manager should be informed when:
A | Guest switches to soda. |
B | Guest is being cut off alcohol. |
C | A party arrives with a designated driver. |
D | Party arrives with a minor. |
Question 18 |
If a guest makes irrational or argumentative statements and starts buying drinks for strangers is exhibiting?
A | Impaired judgment.
|
B | Slowed reaction time. |
C | Relaxed inhibitions. |
D | Impaired motor coordination. |
Question 19 |
Who will have a higher BAC, a guest who is drinking a 2-ounce martini, or a guest drinking a 12-ounce beer?
A | The guest drinking the martini. |
B | Both guests will have the same BAC. |
C | There is no way to know whose BAC will be higher. |
D | The guest drinking the beer. |
Question 20 |
Liquor licenses are issued and monitored by the
A | Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). |
B | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). |
C | Liquor authority. |
D | Local chamber of commerce. |
Question 21 |
What is the best type of food for preventing intoxication?
A | Food high in salt. |
B | Food high in fat. |
C | Food high in sugar. |
D | Food high in carbohydrates. |
Question 22 |
No state law forbids a pregnant woman to consume alcohol, but some states require you to:
A | Post a visible sign that warns guests of alcohol’s effects on the fetus.
|
B | Pass out written warnings to pregnant guests. |
C | Verbally warn pregnant guest of effects of alcohol on fetus. |
D | Establish their own policies regarding serving pregnant guests. |
Question 23 |
John drank 6 12-ounce beers from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. How many drinks still remain in his bloodstream?
A | 4 |
B | 1 |
C | 2 |
D | 3 |
Question 24 |
In many states, it is illegal for operations to
A | Allow drinking games such as pong and quarters. |
B | Ask guests to produce a second form of ID. |
C | Serve alcohol to a pregnant guest. |
D | Refuse service to guests over the age of 21. |
Question 25 |
When you first decide to shut a guest off you should first:
A | Alert the other guests at the table. |
B | Alert a manager and find a backup. |
C | Serve the guest one last drink. |
D | Fill out an incident report. |
Question 26 |
When should an employee begin assessing guests for signs of intoxication?
A | After a guest orders his or her second drink. |
B | When a guest prepares to leave the establishment.
|
C | Any time a guest has consumed more than 1 drink per hour. |
D | When a guest first arrives at the establishment. |
Question 27 |
What should you do before stopping service to a guest?
A | Remove any alcohol from in front of the guest. |
B | Complete an incident report. |
C | Alert a backup. |
D | Isolate the guest from other customers. |
Question 28 |
Call police if a guest:
A | Complains about being refused alcohol. |
B | Is denied alcohol. |
C | Becomes intoxicated. |
D | Exhibits threatening or abusive behavior |
Question 29 |
Who can be sued in a dram shop case?
A | The business owner |
B | The business, business owner, and employees |
C | The business |
D | The employees of the business |
Question 30 |
If you fail to exercise reasonable care to an intoxicated person that results in a person being injured it is called:
A | Negligence |
B | Compliance |
C | Constructive knowledge |
D | Actual knowledge |
Question 31 |
Third-party liability results if a server:
A | Serves alcohol to a minor. |
B | Doesn’t prevent a guest from driving away and someone is injured. |
C | Serves alcohol to an intoxicated guest. |
D | Is injured on the job. |
Question 32 |
Which food is mostly likely to slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream?
A | Cheese sticks |
B | Unsalted pretzels |
C | Garden salad |
D | Wheat bread |
Question 33 |
A person who switches to larger or stronger drinks is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Relaxed inhibitions |
B | Impaired judgment |
C | Slowed reaction time |
D | Impaired motor coordination |
Question 34 |
If you work in a large arena you must:
A | Count drinks and be aware of intoxicated guests. |
B | Stop serving alcohol ¾ of way through game. |
C | Serve drinks in oversized cups. |
D | Allow spectators to "BYOB". |
Question 35 |
A guest who appeared very shy upon arrival at the establishment is now being loud and using foul language. Which sign of intoxication is this guest exhibiting?
A | Impaired motor coordination |
B | Slowed reaction time |
C | Relaxed inhibitions |
D | Impaired judgment |
Question 36 |
A person who is talking or moving slowly is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Relaxed inhibitions |
B | Impaired judgment |
C | Impaired motor coordination |
D | Slowed reaction time |
Question 37 |
What must you always do when checking an ID with an ID reader?
A | Compare the readout with the information on the ID. |
B | Scratch the magnetic stripe or bar code to ensure it is real. |
C | Simply swipe or scan the ID. |
D | Ask the guest to verify the readout on the display. |
Question 38 |
What percentage of alcohol is passed through the small intestine into the bloodstream?
A | 8% |
B | 50% |
C | 80% |
D | 20% |
Question 39 |
An ID that has expired is no longer
A | Valid |
B | Genuine |
C | Accurate |
D | Voided |
Question 40 |
If you are not certain that an ID is valid, what should you do?
A | Question the guest until he gives up and leaves. |
B | Ask the guest for a second valid ID. |
C | Serve the guest a weaker version of the drink ordered. |
D | Call the local police. |
Question 41 |
When stopping service, which statement should be avoided?
A | “You’re drunk and you’ve had enough.” |
B | “Our company policy doesn’t allow me to serve you any more alcohol.” |
C | “It’s against the law for me to serve you any more alcohol.” |
D | “I want to make sure you get home safely.”
|
Question 42 |
In most states, how old must you be to purchase alcohol?
A | 18 |
B | 21 |
C | 19 |
D | 20 |
Question 43 |
Which behavior is a sign that a guest is experiencing impaired motor coordination?
A | Becoming quiet |
B | Being overly-friendly |
C | Spilling drinks |
D | Making rude comments |
Question 44 |
If you become aware of drug activity in your establishment you should:
A | Tell manager. |
B | Explain the law to the guest. |
C | Suggest that the involved guests leave. |
D | Not stop serving nor confront guests. |
Question 45 |
What must an ID contain in order to be valid?
A | Signature |
B | Social security number |
C | State seal |
D | Hologram |
Question 46 |
Criminal violations of alcohol-related law may result in what?
A | Dram shop |
B | Jail time |
C | Civil liability |
D | Payment of damages |
Question 47 |
How many drinks are in a 60-ounce pitcher of beer?
A | 2 drinks |
B | 4 drinks |
C | 3 drinks |
D | 5 drinks |
Question 48 |
Which drinks contain the same amount of alcohol?
A | 3 ounces of wine; 10 ounces of beer; 1 ounce of 80-proof liquor; 1¼ ounces of 100-proof liquor. |
B | 6 ounces of wine; 12 ounces of beer; 1¼ ounces of 80-proof liquor; 2 ounces of 100-proof liquor. |
C | 5 ounces of wine; 12 ounces of beer; 1½ ounces of 80-proof liquor; 1 ounce of 100-proof liquor. |
D | 4 ounces of wine; 16 ounces of beer; 1¼ ounces of 80-proof liquor; ½ ounce of 100-proof liquor. |
Question 49 |
If a man and a woman drank 4 12-ounce beers in an hour, which one will, most likely, have the higher BAC?
A | The man. |
B | They will have the same BAC. |
C | There is no way to determine who will have a higher BAC. |
D | The woman. |
Question 50 |
Which of these will result in a reduction of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream?
A | Taking vitamins |
B | Vomiting |
C | Consuming energy drinks |
D | Passage of time |
Question 51 |
A person who is swaying or staggering when walking is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Impaired motor coordination |
B | Relaxed inhibitions |
C | Slowed reaction time |
D | Impaired judgment |
Question 52 |
What does the use of a vertical format on an ID indicate?
A | The ID was issued to a non-state resident. |
B | The ID is not genuine or valid. |
C | The ID was issued to someone under 21. |
D | The ID was issued to someone who requires corrective lenses. |
Question 53 |
A guest has a birthday of February 5, 1999. In what year do they turn 21?
A | 2020 |
B | 2019 |
C | 2021 |
D | 2018 |
Question 54 |
When a guests face becomes red after having a few drinks the cause is?
A | Impaired motor skills. |
B | Increased heart rate. |
C | Slowed reactions. |
D | Loss of body heat. |
Question 55 |
Which is an example of a criminal violation?
A | Serving alcohol to a guest who appears to be intoxicated. |
B | Serving alcohol to a regular. |
C | Serving alcohol to a pregnant woman. |
D | Serving alcohol to a guest who is taking medication. |
Question 56 |
What is BAC?
A | Percentage of alcohol broken down by the liver. |
B | Percentage of alcohol in the brain. |
C | Percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream. |
D | Percentage of alcohol in the small intestine. |
Question 57 |
What should you do if a guest is intoxicated when he arrives at your establishment?
A | Take his car keys. |
B | Make sure he gets home safely. |
C | Serve the guest no more than 1 alcoholic drink. |
D | Use physical force to stop him from entering. |
Question 58 |
When a person drinks alcohol, which organ absorbs most of the alcohol into the bloodstream?
A | Stomach |
B | Mouth and throat |
C | Small intestine |
D | Liver |
Question 59 |
When should you write an incident report?
A | At the end of your shift. |
B | If a criminal charge is filed. |
C | One day after an incident occurs. |
D | Immediately after the incident. |
Question 60 |
Alcohol is a?
A | Warming agent |
B | Depressant |
C | Stimulant |
D | Blood sugar stabilizer |
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