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