ServSafe Alcohol Practice Test & Answers

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)

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Congratulations - you have completed Primary ServSafe Alcohol Test (40 Questions).You scored %%SCORE%% out of %%TOTAL%%.Your performance has been rated as %%RATING%%

Your answers are highlighted below.

Question 1

What is the purpose of an ID reader?

A	To confirm ID validity.
B	To display information from bar codes or magnetic stripes.
C	To detect holograms on IDs.
D	To detect cracks or dents in IDs.

Question 2

How old must a person be to purchase alcohol in most states?

A	20 years old.
B	19 years old.
C	18 years old.
D	21 years old.

Question 3

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 4

An ID with a raised photo is an example of

A	tampering.
B	validity.
C	an ID issued to a non-citizen.
D	an ID issued to someone under the age of 21.

Question 5

What is the first thing you should do before stopping service to a guest?

A	Bring the guest a soft drink.
B	Call the police.
C	Alert a backup.
D	Fill out an incident report.

Question 6

How many drinks are in a 2-ounce glass of 100-proof whiskey?

A	4
B	1
C	3
D	2

Question 7

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 magnetic stripe
D	Birth date, photo, and state seal

Question 8

Most of the alcohol that a person drinks is absorbed into the bloodstream from which organ?

A	Stomach
B	Liver
C	Small intestine
D	Brain

Question 9

Which should be avoided when telling people that you have to stop service?

A	Using “you” statements
B	Being firm
C	Citing company policy
D	Expressing concern

Question 10

What is the percentage of alcohol in an 80-proof bottle of vodka?

A	30%
B	40%
C	20%
D	10%

Question 11

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 12

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	4
C	2
D	3

Question 13

When must you stop serving alcohol to guests?

A	When they look or act intoxicated
B	When they do not have a designated driver
C	When their BAC is .10 or higher
D	When they have finished drinking their second drink

Question 14

What is the best thing to do when liquor authorities enter your establishment?

A	Notify your manager.
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	Discontinue all alcohol service until the authorities leave.

Question 15

What should you do if a guest is intoxicated when she arrives at your establishment?

A	Serve the guest but keep a close eye on her.
B	Do not serve her any alcohol.
C	Serve the guest no more than 1 alcoholic drink.
D	Use physical force to stop her from entering

Question 16

What is one thing you should do if a fight happens?

A	Move other guests away from the fight.
B	Wait to see if it ends on its own.
C	Physically restrain the more aggressive person.
D	Physically separate the fighting parties.

Question 17

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 18

How many drinks are in a 3-ounce glass of 80-proof vodka?

A	1
B	4
C	3
D	2

Question 19

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 magnetic strip
C	A vertical format
D	A state seal

Question 20

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 21

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	Relaxed inhibitions
C	Impaired judgment
D	Slowed reaction time

Question 22

The liver breaks down alcohol in the body at what rate?

A	2 drinks per hour.
B	1 drink per hour.
C	3 drinks per hour.
D	4 drinks per hour.

Question 23

What is the best type of food to serve to a guest to help prevent intoxication?

A	Food high in carbohydrates
B	Salty food items
C	Food high in sugar
D	Food high in fat

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	3
B	4
C	1
D	2

Question 25

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	Physically prevent him from entering.
C	Do not serve him alcohol.
D	Find out where he was drinking previously and report it to the police.

Question 26

Three visibly intoxicated men order beer, and their designated driver orders a soft drink. What action must the server take?

A	Serve the party the beer and cola.
B	Offer the party food in addition to the drinks.
C	Confirm that the designated driver is sober.
D	Inform the party that they will not be served any more alcohol.

Question 27

It is against the law in most states to drive with what Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)?

A	.03 or higher.
B	.05 or higher.
C	.08 or higher.
D	.06 or higher.

Question 28

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	There is no way to determine who will have a higher BAC
C	The overweight man
D	The athletic man

Question 29

What do dram shop laws allow a person injured by an intoxicated guest to do?

A	Sue the bartender who served the intoxicated guest, but not the business owner.
B	Sue the business, but not the bartender who served the intoxicated guest.
C	Sue the bartender who served the intoxicated guest, the business, and the business owner.
D	Sue the business, but not the business owner.

Question 30

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	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 31

What feature is often added to IDs to keep them secure?

A	Digitally blurred photos
B	Blank backs
C	Ultraviolet text and features
D	Toll-free verification hotline numbers

Question 32

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 33

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 judgment
B	Impaired motor coordination
C	Relaxed inhibitions
D	Slowed reaction time

Question 34

All other factors being the same, who’s BAC would be highest after drinking a 12-ounce beer?

A	Man, aged 25
B	Man, aged 60
C	Woman, aged 25
D	Woman, aged 60

Question 35

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 for a second valid ID.
C	Ask the guest’s friend to verify her age.
D	Ask another server for a second opinion.

Question 36

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 37

A guest has a birthday of January 1, 1998. In what year do they turn 21?

A	2018
B	2021
C	2020
D	2019

Question 38

Which behavior is a sign that a guest is experiencing impaired judgment?

A	Becoming forgetful
B	Becoming depressed
C	Talking slowly
D	Drinking faster

Question 39

Which is an acceptable form of identification?

A	Birth Certificate
B	School ID
C	Passport
D	Voter's Registration Card

Question 40

Civil penalties may include which of the following?

A	Serving prison time.
B	Payment of damages.
C	Fines.
D	Probation.

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Advanced ServSafe Alcohol Test (60 Questions)

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Congratulations - you have completed Advanced ServSafe Alcohol Test (60 Questions).You scored %%SCORE%% out of %%TOTAL%%.Your performance has been rated as %%RATING%%

Your answers are highlighted below.

Question 1

Which food is mostly likely to slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream?

A	Unsalted pretzels
B	Cheese sticks
C	Wheat bread
D	Garden salad

Question 2

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 3

How many drinks are in a 60-ounce pitcher of beer?

A	2 drinks
B	4 drinks
C	5 drinks
D	3 drinks

Question 4

What should you do if a guest is intoxicated when he arrives at your establishment?

A	Serve the guest no more than 1 alcoholic drink.
B	Take his car keys.
C	Use physical force to stop him from entering.
D	Make sure he gets home safely.

Question 5

Which contains the most alcohol?

A	8 oz glass of wine.
B	1 oz of 100 proof liquor.
C	32 oz bottle of beer.
D	Mixed drink with 1 1/4 oz 80 proof liquor.

Question 6

If a guest makes irrational or argumentative statements and starts buying drinks for strangers is exhibiting?

A	Slowed reaction time.
B	Relaxed inhibitions.
C	Impaired judgment.
D	Impaired motor coordination.

Question 7

Alcohol is a?

A	Warming agent
B	Depressant
C	Blood sugar stabilizer
D	Stimulant

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	1.5
C	2
D	1

Question 9

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 is taking medication.
D	Serving alcohol to a guest who appears to be intoxicated.

Question 10

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 are not responsible for the guests if they agree not to drive.
C	You cannot serve the guests to the point of intoxication.
D	You can continue service even if the guests are intoxicated.

Question 11

A person who is swaying or staggering when walking is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?

A	Impaired motor coordination
B	Slowed reaction time
C	Impaired judgment
D	Relaxed inhibitions

Question 12

Third-party liability results if a server:

A	Serves alcohol to a minor.
B	Serves alcohol to an intoxicated guest.
C	Doesn’t prevent a guest from driving away and someone is injured.
D	Is injured on the job.

Question 13

Call police if a guest:

A	Complains about being refused alcohol.
B	Exhibits threatening or abusive behavior
C	Is denied alcohol.
D	Becomes intoxicated.

Question 14

What must you always do when checking an ID with an ID reader?

A	Compare the readout with the information on the ID.
B	Ask the guest to verify the readout on the display.
C	Scratch the magnetic stripe or bar code to ensure it is real.
D	Simply swipe or scan the ID.

Question 15

What percentage of alcohol is passed through the small intestine into the bloodstream?

A	50%
B	20%
C	80%
D	8%

Question 16

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 17

Once you have stopped service to a guest, what is the next step?

A	Alert a backup.
B	Complete an incident report.
C	Offer food and nonalcoholic beverages.
D	Ask the guest to leave the establishment as soon as possible.

Question 18

If you work in a large arena you must:

A	Serve drinks in oversized cups.
B	Stop serving alcohol ¾ of way through game.
C	Count drinks and be aware of intoxicated guests.
D	Allow spectators to "BYOB".

Question 19

An ID that has expired is no longer

A	Accurate
B	Valid
C	Genuine
D	Voided

Question 20

In most states, how old must you be to purchase alcohol?

A	20
B	21
C	19
D	18

Question 21

What does the use of a vertical format on an ID indicate?

A	The ID was issued to someone under 21.
B	The ID was issued to a non-state resident.
C	The ID is not genuine or valid.
D	The ID was issued to someone who requires corrective lenses.

Question 22

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 23

When you first decide to shut a guest off you should first:

A	Fill out an incident report.
B	Alert a manager and find a backup.
C	Serve the guest one last drink.
D	Alert the other guests at the table.

Question 24

In many states, it is illegal for operations to

A	Serve alcohol to a pregnant guest.
B	Refuse service to guests over the age of 21.
C	Ask guests to produce a second form of ID.
D	Allow drinking games such as pong and quarters.

Question 25

When a guests face becomes red after having a few drinks the cause is?

A	Increased heart rate.
B	Impaired motor skills.
C	Slowed reactions.
D	Loss of body heat.

Question 26

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 guests family.
C	Inform the server on the next shift.
D	Call the police.

Question 27

Criminal violations of alcohol-related law may result in what?

A	Dram shop
B	Civil liability
C	Jail time
D	Payment of damages

Question 28

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 29

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	4 ounces of wine; 16 ounces of beer; 1¼ ounces of 80-proof liquor; ½ ounce of 100-proof liquor.
D	5 ounces of wine; 12 ounces of beer; 1½ ounces of 80-proof liquor; 1 ounce of 100-proof liquor.

Question 30

John drank 6 12-ounce beers from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. How many drinks still remain in his bloodstream?

A	3
B	4
C	1
D	2

Question 31

When stopping service, which statement should be avoided?

A	“I want to make sure you get home safely.”
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	“You’re drunk and you’ve had enough.”

Question 32

What should you do before stopping service to a guest?

A	Isolate the guest from other customers.
B	Remove any alcohol from in front of the guest.
C	Complete an incident report.
D	Alert a backup.

Question 33

Liquor licenses are issued and monitored by the

A	Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).
B	Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
C	Local chamber of commerce.
D	Liquor authority.

Question 34

What is BAC?

A	Percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream.
B	Percentage of alcohol in the small intestine.
C	Percentage of alcohol broken down by the liver.
D	Percentage of alcohol in the brain.

Question 35

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 36

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 failing to pass a compliance check.
C	They can be sued and forced to pay damages for injuries.
D	They can be fined for violating the establishment’s liquor license.

Question 37

When should you write an incident report?

A	One day after an incident occurs.
B	If a criminal charge is filed.
C	At the end of your shift.
D	Immediately after the incident.

Question 38

Which of these will result in a reduction of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream?

A	Consuming energy drinks
B	Passage of time
C	Taking vitamins
D	Vomiting

Question 39

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	Notify your manager to determine what to do.
C	Step between the 2 guests to stop the argument.
D	Let the situation resolve itself.

Question 40

What is the best type of food for preventing intoxication?

A	Food high in salt.
B	Food high in carbohydrates.
C	Food high in fat.
D	Food high in sugar.

Question 41

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	The guest drinking the beer.
D	There is no way to know whose BAC will be higher.

Question 42

If you become aware of drug activity in your establishment you should:

A	Suggest that the involved guests leave.
B	Tell manager.
C	Not stop serving nor confront guests.
D	Explain the law to the guest.

Question 43

When would you need to fill out an incident report?

A	A taxi was called for an intoxicated person.
B	When a guest becomes intoxicated.
C	A minor is seated with adults who are not drinking.
D	A guest is not appropriately dressed.

Question 44

What should you do if guests insist on driving after service has been stopped?

A	Take their car keys.
B	Let them go because there is nothing more you can do.
C	Call the police.
D	Use physical force to stop them.

Question 45

If you are not certain that an ID is valid, what should you do?

A	Serve the guest a weaker version of the drink ordered.
B	Ask the guest for a second valid ID.
C	Question the guest until he gives up and leaves.
D	Call the local police.

Question 46

The manager should be informed when:

A	Guest is being cut off alcohol.
B	Guest switches to soda.
C	A party arrives with a designated driver.
D	Party arrives with a minor.

Question 47

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 48

If a man and a woman drank 4 12-ounce beers in an hour, which one will, most likely, have the higher BAC?

A	There is no way to determine who will have a higher BAC.
B	The man.
C	The woman.
D	They will have the same BAC.

Question 49

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 50

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	Dram shop laws.
C	The traffic light system.
D	DWI convictions.

Question 51

Most of the alcohol a person consumes is metabolized by the:

A	Capillaries
B	Small intestine
C	Liver
D	Kidneys

Question 52

What must an ID contain in order to be valid?

A	Hologram
B	State seal
C	Social security number
D	Signature

Question 53

A guest shows you an ID with a blank back. What does this tell you about the ID?

A	The ID was issued to someone under 21 years of age.
B	The ID is expired.
C	The ID is from a U.S. overseas territory.
D	The ID is fake.

Question 54

When a person drinks alcohol, which organ absorbs most of the alcohol into the bloodstream?

A	Stomach
B	Small intestine
C	Liver
D	Mouth and throat

Question 55

If you fail to exercise reasonable care to an intoxicated person that results in a person being injured it is called:

A	Negligence
B	Constructive knowledge
C	Actual knowledge
D	Compliance

Question 56

A person who switches to larger or stronger drinks is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?

A	Impaired judgment
B	Slowed reaction time
C	Relaxed inhibitions
D	Impaired motor coordination

Question 57

Four drinks are metabolized in about:

A	2 hours
B	4 hours
C	1 hour
D	3 hours

Question 58

Who can be sued in a dram shop case?

A	The business
B	The business owner
C	The business, business owner, and employees
D	The employees of the business

Question 59

A person who is talking or moving slowly is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?

A	Relaxed inhibitions
B	Impaired motor coordination
C	Impaired judgment
D	Slowed reaction time

Question 60

A guest has a birthday of February 5, 1999. In what year do they turn 21?

A	2019
B	2021
C	2018
D	2020

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