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 |
How many drinks are in a 3-ounce glass of 80-proof vodka?
A | 4 |
B | 1 |
C | 2 |
D | 3 |
Question 2 |
What is the percentage of alcohol in an 80-proof bottle of vodka?
A | 30% |
B | 20% |
C | 40% |
D | 10% |
Question 3 |
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 state seal |
C | Birth date, photo, and magnetic stripe
|
D | Birth date, photo, and signature |
Question 4 |
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 5 |
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 state seal |
B | A hologram |
C | A magnetic strip |
D | A vertical format |
Question 6 |
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 | Allow the guests to continue drinking. |
C | Stop service and remove the alcohol. |
D | If the drinks were purchased by an adult, no action is required. |
Question 7 |
Three visibly intoxicated men order beer, and their designated driver orders a soft drink. What action must the server take?
A | Inform the party that they will not be served any more alcohol. |
B | Serve the party the beer and cola. |
C | Offer the party food in addition to the drinks. |
D | Confirm that the designated driver is sober. |
Question 8 |
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 you might hurt someone if we gave you another drink, so we can’t serve you anymore tonight.”
|
C | “Sorry sir, but I’m not able to serve you any more alcohol this evening.” |
D | “Sorry sir, but you’re having trouble talking, so we think you’ve had enough.” |
Question 9 |
Which behavior is a sign that a guest is experiencing impaired judgment?
A | Drinking faster |
B | Talking slowly |
C | Becoming depressed |
D | Becoming forgetful |
Question 10 |
Which will result in a reduction of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream and help them sober up?
A | Taking a cold shower |
B | Exercising vigorously |
C | Drinking coffee |
D | Passage of time |
Question 11 |
When must you stop serving alcohol to guests?
A | When they do not have a designated driver |
B | When their BAC is .10 or higher |
C | When they look or act intoxicated |
D | When they have finished drinking their second drink |
Question 12 |
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 | Before the person has ordered food |
D | As you serve the person’s last drink |
Question 13 |
What should you do if a guest is intoxicated when he arrives at your establishment?
A | Serve him alcohol if he agrees to take a cab home. |
B | Do not serve him alcohol. |
C | Find out where he was drinking previously and report it to the police. |
D | Physically prevent him from entering. |
Question 14 |
Most of the alcohol that a person drinks is absorbed into the bloodstream from which organ?
A | Liver |
B | Small intestine |
C | Stomach |
D | Brain |
Question 15 |
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 athletic man |
C | The overweight man |
D | They will have the same BAC |
Question 16 |
What is the first thing you should do before stopping service to a guest?
A | Bring the guest a soft drink. |
B | Alert a backup. |
C | Call the police. |
D | Fill out an incident report. |
Question 17 |
All other factors being the same, who’s BAC would be highest after drinking a 12-ounce beer?
A | Man, aged 60 |
B | Man, aged 25 |
C | Woman, aged 60 |
D | Woman, aged 25 |
Question 18 |
A person who is losing their train of thought is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Impaired judgment |
B | Impaired motor coordination |
C | Slowed reaction time |
D | Relaxed inhibitions |
Question 19 |
The liver breaks down alcohol in the body at what rate?
A | 3 drinks per hour. |
B | 2 drinks per hour. |
C | 1 drink per hour. |
D | 4 drinks per hour. |
Question 20 |
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, but not 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, the business, and the business owner. |
Question 21 |
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 22 |
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 23 |
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 24 |
What should you do if a guest is intoxicated when she arrives at your establishment?
A | Serve the guest no more than 1 alcoholic drink. |
B | Do not serve her any alcohol. |
C | Use physical force to stop her from entering |
D | Serve the guest but keep a close eye on her. |
Question 25 |
Which is true in relation to criminal and civil liability?
A | Criminal and civil liability are the same thing. |
B | Both criminal and civil liability can result in a prison sentence. |
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 26 |
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 | 2 |
B | 1 |
C | 3 |
D | 4 |
Question 27 |
A guest has a birthday of January 1, 1998. In what year do they turn 21?
A | 2021 |
B | 2019 |
C | 2020 |
D | 2018 |
Question 28 |
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 a question only a person of their age would know. |
B | Ask the guest’s friend to verify her age. |
C | Ask another server for a second opinion. |
D | Ask for a second valid ID. |
Question 29 |
What is the best thing to do when liquor authorities enter your establishment?
A | Discreetly ask intoxicated guests to leave. |
B | Find a coworker who will confirm to the authorities that you have not been serving minors. |
C | Discontinue all alcohol service until the authorities leave. |
D | Notify your manager. |
Question 30 |
An ID with a raised photo is an example of
A | an ID issued to someone under the age of 21. |
B | an ID issued to a non-citizen. |
C | validity. |
D | tampering. |
Question 31 |
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 | 3 |
B | 1 |
C | 4 |
D | 2 |
Question 32 |
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 | Food high in fat |
D | Salty food items |
Question 33 |
Which is an acceptable form of identification?
A | Birth Certificate |
B | Voter's Registration Card |
C | Passport |
D | School ID |
Question 34 |
It is against the law in most states to drive with what Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)?
A | .03 or higher. |
B | .06 or higher. |
C | .05 or higher. |
D | .08 or higher. |
Question 35 |
Which is true about liquor laws?
A | Municipal liquor laws can be stricter than state liquor laws. |
B | Violation of liquor laws will not result in an establishment losing its liquor license. |
C | Only the local liquor authority has the responsibility for monitoring and enforcing liquor laws. |
D | Obtaining a liquor license is the right of every operation. |
Question 36 |
Civil penalties may include which of the following?
A | Payment of damages. |
B | Fines. |
C | Probation. |
D | Serving prison time. |
Question 37 |
What is one thing you should do if a fight happens?
A | Physically separate the fighting parties. |
B | Physically restrain the more aggressive person. |
C | Move other guests away from the fight. |
D | Wait to see if it ends on its own. |
Question 38 |
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 | Relaxed inhibitions |
C | Impaired motor coordination |
D | Impaired judgment |
Question 39 |
What feature is often added to IDs to keep them secure?
A | Blank backs |
B | Toll-free verification hotline numbers |
C | Ultraviolet text and features |
D | Digitally blurred photos |
Question 40 |
How many drinks are in a 2-ounce glass of 100-proof whiskey?
A | 3 |
B | 1 |
C | 2 |
D | 4 |
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Next Question
Advanced ServSafe Alcohol Test (60 Questions)
Question 1 |
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 | Verbally warn pregnant guest of effects of alcohol on fetus. |
C | Post a visible sign that warns guests of alcohol’s effects on the fetus.
|
D | Pass out written warnings to pregnant guests. |
Question 2 |
The manager should be informed when:
A | A party arrives with a designated driver. |
B | Guest switches to soda. |
C | Guest is being cut off alcohol. |
D | Party arrives with a minor. |
Question 3 |
Which contains the most alcohol?
A | 8 oz glass of wine. |
B | 32 oz bottle of beer. |
C | Mixed drink with 1 1/4 oz 80 proof liquor. |
D | 1 oz of 100 proof liquor. |
Question 4 |
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 | There is no way to determine who will have a higher BAC. |
D | They will have the same BAC. |
Question 5 |
A person who switches to larger or stronger drinks is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Impaired judgment |
B | Relaxed inhibitions |
C | Impaired motor coordination |
D | Slowed reaction time |
Question 6 |
Third-party liability results if a server:
A | Serves alcohol to a minor. |
B | Is injured on the job. |
C | Serves alcohol to an intoxicated guest. |
D | Doesn’t prevent a guest from driving away and someone is injured. |
Question 7 |
What is the best type of food for preventing intoxication?
A | Food high in fat. |
B | Food high in carbohydrates. |
C | Food high in sugar. |
D | Food high in salt. |
Question 8 |
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 who requires corrective lenses. |
D | The ID was issued to someone under 21. |
Question 9 |
What step should be taken after stopping service?
A | Demand that the guest leave immediately. |
B | Resume serving if the guest appears to calm down. |
C | Inform coworkers that service has been stopped for the individual. |
D | Remind the guest that they are drunk and you had to stop service. |
Question 10 |
Which behavior is a sign that a guest is experiencing impaired motor coordination?
A | Making rude comments |
B | Becoming quiet |
C | Being overly-friendly |
D | Spilling drinks |
Question 11 |
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 | 1/2 oz pure alcohol. |
C | 3/4 oz pure alcohol. |
D | 1/4 oz pure alcohol. |
Question 12 |
Call police if a guest:
A | Exhibits threatening or abusive behavior |
B | Is denied alcohol. |
C | Complains about being refused alcohol. |
D | Becomes intoxicated. |
Question 13 |
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 14 |
When a guests face becomes red after having a few drinks the cause is?
A | Loss of body heat. |
B | Increased heart rate. |
C | Slowed reactions. |
D | Impaired motor skills. |
Question 15 |
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 | 5 ounces of wine; 12 ounces of beer; 1½ ounces of 80-proof liquor; 1 ounce of 100-proof liquor. |
C | 6 ounces of wine; 12 ounces of beer; 1¼ ounces of 80-proof liquor; 2 ounces 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 16 |
If you become aware of drug activity in your establishment you should:
A | Suggest that the involved guests leave. |
B | Not stop serving nor confront guests. |
C | Tell manager. |
D | Explain the law to the guest. |
Question 17 |
Most of the alcohol a person consumes is metabolized by the:
A | Small intestine
|
B | Kidneys |
C | Liver |
D | Capillaries |
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 first arrives at the establishment. |
C | When a guest prepares to leave the establishment.
|
D | After a guest orders his or her second drink. |
Question 19 |
Who can be sued in a dram shop case?
A | The business, business owner, and employees |
B | The business owner |
C | The employees of the business |
D | The business |
Question 20 |
When would you need to fill out an incident report?
A | A minor is seated with adults who are not drinking. |
B | When a guest becomes intoxicated. |
C | A taxi was called for an intoxicated person. |
D | A guest is not appropriately dressed. |
Question 21 |
Liquor licenses are issued and monitored by the
A | Local chamber of commerce. |
B | Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). |
C | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). |
D | Liquor authority. |
Question 22 |
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 | Actual knowledge |
D | Constructive knowledge |
Question 23 |
Once you have stopped service to a guest, what is the next step?
A | Complete an incident report. |
B | Alert a backup. |
C | Ask the guest to leave the establishment as soon as possible. |
D | Offer food and nonalcoholic beverages. |
Question 24 |
When stopping service, which statement should be avoided?
A | “Our company policy doesn’t allow 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 | “It’s against the law for me to serve you any more alcohol.” |
Question 25 |
A person who is swaying or staggering when walking is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Impaired motor coordination |
B | Slowed reaction time |
C | Relaxed inhibitions |
D | Impaired judgment |
Question 26 |
Which of these will result in a reduction of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream?
A | Vomiting |
B | Consuming energy drinks |
C | Taking vitamins |
D | Passage of time |
Question 27 |
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 judgment |
B | Impaired motor coordination |
C | Relaxed inhibitions |
D | Slowed reaction time |
Question 28 |
Four drinks are metabolized in about:
A | 1 hour |
B | 3 hours |
C | 2 hours |
D | 4 hours |
Question 29 |
Which food is mostly likely to slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream?
A | Unsalted pretzels |
B | Wheat bread |
C | Cheese sticks |
D | Garden salad |
Question 30 |
What is BAC?
A | Percentage of alcohol in the small intestine. |
B | Percentage of alcohol broken down by the liver. |
C | Percentage of alcohol in the brain. |
D | Percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream. |
Question 31 |
What must you always do when checking an ID with an ID reader?
A | Simply swipe or scan the ID. |
B | Ask the guest to verify the readout on the display. |
C | Compare the readout with the information on the ID. |
D | Scratch the magnetic stripe or bar code to ensure it is real. |
Question 32 |
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 pregnant woman. |
D | Serving alcohol to a guest who appears to be intoxicated. |
Question 33 |
In most states, how old must you be to purchase alcohol?
A | 21 |
B | 19 |
C | 18 |
D | 20 |
Question 34 |
A guest requests a rum and cola made with 1.5 ounces of 100-proof rum. How many standards drinks does this contain?
A | 1.5 |
B | 1 |
C | 2 |
D | 2.5 |
Question 35 |
A person who is talking or moving slowly is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Relaxed inhibitions |
B | Impaired judgment |
C | Slowed reaction time |
D | Impaired motor coordination |
Question 36 |
What percentage of alcohol is passed through the small intestine into the bloodstream?
A | 8% |
B | 50% |
C | 80% |
D | 20% |
Question 37 |
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 | Call the guests family. |
D | Fill out an incident report. |
Question 38 |
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 39 |
Criminal violations of alcohol-related law may result in what?
A | Dram shop |
B | Civil liability |
C | Payment of damages |
D | Jail time |
Question 40 |
What should you do if guests insist on driving after service has been stopped?
A | Take their car keys. |
B | Call the police. |
C | Let them go because there is nothing more you can do. |
D | Use physical force to stop them. |
Question 41 |
Alcohol is a?
A | Stimulant |
B | Blood sugar stabilizer |
C | Warming agent |
D | Depressant |
Question 42 |
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 43 |
When you first decide to shut a guest off you should first:
A | Serve the guest one last drink. |
B | Alert a manager and find a backup. |
C | Fill out an incident report. |
D | Alert the other guests at the table. |
Question 44 |
In many states, it is illegal for operations to
A | Serve alcohol to a pregnant guest. |
B | Allow drinking games such as pong and quarters. |
C | Refuse service to guests over the age of 21. |
D | Ask guests to produce a second form of ID. |
Question 45 |
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 | Let the situation resolve itself. |
C | Step between the 2 guests to stop the argument. |
D | Notify your manager to determine what to do. |
Question 46 |
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 47 |
How many drinks are in a 60-ounce pitcher of beer?
A | 4 drinks |
B | 5 drinks |
C | 3 drinks |
D | 2 drinks |
Question 48 |
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 held responsible for committing a crime. |
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 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 are not responsible for the guests because they have a designated driver. |
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 50 |
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 was issued to someone under 21 years of age. |
C | The ID is from a U.S. overseas territory. |
D | The ID is expired. |
Question 51 |
If a guest makes irrational or argumentative statements and starts buying drinks for strangers is exhibiting?
A | Slowed reaction time. |
B | Impaired judgment.
|
C | Impaired motor coordination. |
D | Relaxed inhibitions. |
Question 52 |
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 53 |
When a person drinks alcohol, which organ absorbs most of the alcohol into the bloodstream?
A | Stomach |
B | Liver |
C | Mouth and throat |
D | Small intestine |
Question 54 |
An ID that has expired is no longer
A | Genuine |
B | Accurate |
C | Valid |
D | Voided |
Question 55 |
A guest has a birthday of February 5, 1999. In what year do they turn 21?
A | 2018 |
B | 2020 |
C | 2019 |
D | 2021 |
Question 56 |
When should you write an incident report?
A | Immediately after the incident. |
B | If a criminal charge is filed. |
C | One day after an incident occurs. |
D | At the end of your shift. |
Question 57 |
If you are not certain that an ID is valid, what should you do?
A | Call the local police. |
B | Ask the guest for a second valid ID. |
C | Serve the guest a weaker version of the drink ordered. |
D | Question the guest until he gives up and leaves. |
Question 58 |
John drank 6 12-ounce beers from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. How many drinks still remain in his bloodstream?
A | 2 |
B | 1 |
C | 3 |
D | 4 |
Question 59 |
In many states, if a person drives from your establishment and injures someone, you could be held liable under:
A | Dram shop laws. |
B | Local last call ordinances. |
C | DWI convictions. |
D | The traffic light system. |
Question 60 |
What must an ID contain in order to be valid?
A | Signature |
B | Hologram |
C | Social security number |
D | State seal |
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