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