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 |
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 | tampering. |
D | validity. |
Question 2 |
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 3 |
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 | 2 |
D | 1 |
Question 4 |
Which behavior is a sign that a guest is experiencing impaired judgment?
A | Drinking faster |
B | Becoming depressed |
C | Becoming forgetful |
D | Talking slowly |
Question 5 |
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 for a second valid ID. |
B | Ask the guest’s friend to verify her age. |
C | Ask the guest a question only a person of their age would know. |
D | Ask another server for a second opinion. |
Question 6 |
A guest has a birthday of January 1, 1998. In what year do they turn 21?
A | 2018 |
B | 2019 |
C | 2020 |
D | 2021 |
Question 7 |
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 8 |
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 9 |
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 sugar |
C | Salty food items |
D | Food high in fat |
Question 10 |
How many drinks are in a 2-ounce glass of 100-proof whiskey?
A | 2 |
B | 3 |
C | 4 |
D | 1 |
Question 11 |
Most of the alcohol that a person drinks is absorbed into the bloodstream from which organ?
A | Stomach |
B | Brain |
C | Small intestine |
D | Liver |
Question 12 |
The liver breaks down alcohol in the body at what rate?
A | 3 drinks per hour. |
B | 4 drinks per hour. |
C | 1 drink per hour. |
D | 2 drinks per hour. |
Question 13 |
What should you do if a guest is intoxicated when she arrives at your establishment?
A | Do not serve her any alcohol. |
B | Serve the guest but keep a close eye on her. |
C | Serve the guest no more than 1 alcoholic drink. |
D | Use physical force to stop her from entering |
Question 14 |
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 | Serve him alcohol if he agrees to take a cab home. |
C | Physically prevent him from entering. |
D | Do not serve him alcohol. |
Question 15 |
Civil penalties may include which of the following?
A | Fines. |
B | Payment of damages. |
C | Probation. |
D | Serving prison time. |
Question 16 |
Three visibly intoxicated men order beer, and their designated driver orders a soft drink. What action must the server take?
A | Offer the party food in addition to the drinks. |
B | Confirm that the designated driver is sober. |
C | Inform the party that they will not be served any more alcohol. |
D | Serve the party the beer and cola. |
Question 17 |
What is the percentage of alcohol in an 80-proof bottle of vodka?
A | 40% |
B | 10% |
C | 30% |
D | 20% |
Question 18 |
What is one thing you should do if a fight happens?
A | Wait to see if it ends on its own. |
B | Physically restrain the more aggressive person. |
C | Move other guests away from the fight. |
D | Physically separate the fighting parties. |
Question 19 |
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 20 |
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 | 2 |
B | 1 |
C | 4 |
D | 3 |
Question 21 |
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 22 |
What is the purpose of an ID reader?
A | To display information from bar codes or magnetic stripes. |
B | To detect holograms on IDs. |
C | To detect cracks or dents in IDs. |
D | To confirm ID validity. |
Question 23 |
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 | Discreetly ask intoxicated guests to leave. |
C | Allow the guests to continue drinking. |
D | If the drinks were purchased by an adult, no action is required. |
Question 24 |
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 magnetic strip |
B | A vertical format |
C | A hologram |
D | A state seal |
Question 25 |
How many drinks are in a 3-ounce glass of 80-proof vodka?
A | 4 |
B | 2 |
C | 1 |
D | 3 |
Question 26 |
How old must a person be to purchase alcohol in most states?
A | 21 years old. |
B | 19 years old. |
C | 20 years old. |
D | 18 years old. |
Question 27 |
Which should be avoided when telling people that you have to stop service?
A | Citing company policy |
B | Using “you” statements |
C | Being firm |
D | Expressing concern |
Question 28 |
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 25 |
C | Woman, aged 25 |
D | Man, aged 60 |
Question 29 |
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 30 |
What feature is often added to IDs to keep them secure?
A | Toll-free verification hotline numbers |
B | Blank backs |
C | Digitally blurred photos |
D | Ultraviolet text and features |
Question 31 |
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 32 |
A person who is losing their train of thought is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Slowed reaction time |
B | Relaxed inhibitions |
C | Impaired judgment |
D | Impaired motor coordination |
Question 33 |
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 motor coordination |
D | Impaired judgment |
Question 34 |
A person who is complaining about the strength of a drink after drinking others of the same strength is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Impaired motor coordination |
B | Slowed reaction time |
C | Impaired judgment |
D | Relaxed inhibitions |
Question 35 |
Which is true in relation to criminal and civil liability?
A | Both criminal and civil liability can result in a prison sentence. |
B | Criminal liability is being held responsible for committing a crime, while civil liability is being responsible for payment of damages. |
C | Criminal and civil liability are the same thing. |
D | Criminal liability applies to the employees of an establishment, while civil liability applies only to the actual owners. |
Question 36 |
Which is an acceptable form of identification?
A | Passport |
B | Voter's Registration Card |
C | School ID |
D | Birth Certificate |
Question 37 |
What should you say to a guest when stopping service?
A | “Sorry sir, but you’re having trouble talking, so we think you’ve had enough.” |
B | “Sorry sir, but you’ve had enough and I will not be able to serve you any more alcohol.” |
C | “Sorry sir, but I’m not able to serve you any more alcohol this evening.” |
D | “Sorry sir, but you might hurt someone if we gave you another drink, so we can’t serve you anymore tonight.” |
Question 38 |
Two men of equal height drank 3 shots of 80-proof whiskey in 1 hour. One man was overweight and the other had an athletic build. Which man will have the higher BAC?
A | 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 39 |
It is against the law in most states to drive with what Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)?
A | .08 or higher. |
B | .05 or higher. |
C | .06 or higher. |
D | .03 or higher. |
Question 40 |
Which is true about liquor laws?
A | Obtaining a liquor license is the right of every operation. |
B | Municipal liquor laws can be stricter than state liquor laws. |
C | Only the local liquor authority has the responsibility for monitoring and enforcing liquor laws. |
D | Violation of liquor laws will not result in an establishment losing its liquor license. |
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Next Question
Advanced ServSafe Alcohol Test (60 Questions)
Question 1 |
If you fail to exercise reasonable care to an intoxicated person that results in a person being injured it is called:
A | Compliance |
B | Negligence |
C | Actual knowledge |
D | Constructive knowledge |
Question 2 |
Alcohol is a?
A | Depressant |
B | Warming agent |
C | Stimulant |
D | Blood sugar stabilizer |
Question 3 |
Which behavior is a sign that a guest is experiencing impaired motor coordination?
A | Spilling drinks |
B | Making rude comments |
C | Becoming quiet |
D | Being overly-friendly |
Question 4 |
Most of the alcohol a person consumes is metabolized by the:
A | Small intestine |
B | Kidneys |
C | Capillaries |
D | Liver |
Question 5 |
If a guest makes irrational or argumentative statements and starts buying drinks for strangers is exhibiting?
A | Relaxed inhibitions. |
B | Impaired motor coordination. |
C | Slowed reaction time. |
D | Impaired judgment. |
Question 6 |
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 the physical characteristics on the ID. |
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 7 |
Which contains the most alcohol?
A | 32 oz bottle of beer. |
B | 8 oz glass of wine. |
C | Mixed drink with 1 1/4 oz 80 proof liquor. |
D | 1 oz of 100 proof liquor. |
Question 8 |
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 | 2 |
D | 1 |
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 food is mostly likely to slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream?
A | Garden salad |
B | Cheese sticks |
C | Unsalted pretzels |
D | Wheat bread |
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 | 1/2 oz pure alcohol. |
B | 1 oz pure alcohol. |
C | 1/4 oz pure alcohol. |
D | 3/4 oz pure alcohol. |
Question 12 |
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 13 |
When a person drinks alcohol, which organ absorbs most of the alcohol into the bloodstream?
A | Liver |
B | Mouth and throat |
C | Stomach |
D | Small intestine |
Question 14 |
In many states, it is illegal for operations to
A | Refuse service to guests over the age of 21. |
B | Serve alcohol to a pregnant guest. |
C | Allow drinking games such as pong and quarters. |
D | Ask guests to produce a second form of ID. |
Question 15 |
What is BAC?
A | Percentage of alcohol in the small intestine. |
B | Percentage of alcohol in the brain. |
C | Percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream. |
D | Percentage of alcohol broken down by the liver. |
Question 16 |
When should you write an incident report?
A | One day after an incident occurs. |
B | Immediately after the incident. |
C | If a criminal charge is filed. |
D | At the end of your shift. |
Question 17 |
When stopping service, which statement should be avoided?
A | “Our company policy doesn’t allow me to serve you any more alcohol.” |
B | “You’re drunk and you’ve had enough.” |
C | “It’s against the law for me to serve you any more alcohol.” |
D | “I want to make sure you get home safely.” |
Question 18 |
Criminal violations of alcohol-related law may result in what?
A | Jail time |
B | Civil liability |
C | Dram shop |
D | Payment of damages |
Question 19 |
A person who is swaying or staggering when walking is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Relaxed inhibitions |
B | Slowed reaction time |
C | Impaired motor coordination |
D | Impaired judgment |
Question 20 |
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 | After a guest orders his or her second drink. |
C | When a guest first arrives at the establishment. |
D | When a guest prepares to leave the establishment. |
Question 21 |
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 | Use physical force to stop him from entering. |
C | Take his car keys. |
D | Make sure he gets home safely. |
Question 22 |
Third-party liability results if a server:
A | Serves alcohol to an intoxicated guest. |
B | Serves alcohol to a minor. |
C | Is injured on the job. |
D | Doesn’t prevent a guest from driving away and someone is injured. |
Question 23 |
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 violating the establishment’s liquor license. |
C | They can be held responsible for committing a crime. |
D | They can be fined for failing to pass a compliance check. |
Question 24 |
If you are not certain that an ID is valid, what should you do?
A | Question the guest until he gives up and leaves. |
B | Ask the guest for a second valid ID. |
C | Serve the guest a weaker version of the drink ordered. |
D | Call the local police. |
Question 25 |
Call police if a guest:
A | Complains about being refused alcohol. |
B | Is denied alcohol. |
C | Becomes intoxicated. |
D | Exhibits threatening or abusive behavior |
Question 26 |
Four drinks are metabolized in about:
A | 1 hour |
B | 2 hours |
C | 3 hours |
D | 4 hours |
Question 27 |
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 who requires corrective lenses. |
C | The ID was issued to a non-state resident. |
D | The ID was issued to someone under 21. |
Question 28 |
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 | Ask the guest to verify the readout on the display. |
D | Simply swipe or scan the ID. |
Question 29 |
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 | Isolate the guest from other customers. |
D | Alert a backup. |
Question 30 |
A person who is talking or moving slowly is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Impaired motor coordination |
B | Relaxed inhibitions |
C | Impaired judgment |
D | Slowed reaction time |
Question 31 |
A person who switches to larger or stronger drinks is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Slowed reaction time |
B | Impaired motor coordination |
C | Impaired judgment |
D | Relaxed inhibitions |
Question 32 |
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 33 |
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 34 |
Who can be sued in a dram shop case?
A | The business |
B | The business, business owner, and employees |
C | The business owner |
D | The employees of the business |
Question 35 |
Which is an example of a criminal violation?
A | Serving alcohol to a guest who appears to be intoxicated. |
B | Serving alcohol to a regular. |
C | Serving alcohol to a pregnant woman. |
D | Serving alcohol to a guest who is taking medication. |
Question 36 |
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 | There is no way to know whose BAC will be higher. |
C | Both guests will have the same BAC. |
D | The guest drinking the beer. |
Question 37 |
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 from a U.S. overseas territory. |
C | The ID is expired. |
D | The ID is fake. |
Question 38 |
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 | Dram shop laws. |
D | The traffic light system. |
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 | 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 40 |
No state law forbids a pregnant woman to consume alcohol, but some states require you to:
A | Pass out written warnings to pregnant guests. |
B | Post a visible sign that warns guests of alcohol’s effects on the fetus. |
C | Verbally warn pregnant guest of effects of alcohol on fetus. |
D | Establish their own policies regarding serving pregnant guests. |
Question 41 |
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 |
B | 2.5 |
C | 1.5 |
D | 1 |
Question 42 |
Once you have stopped service to a guest, what is the next step?
A | Alert a backup. |
B | Ask the guest to leave the establishment as soon as possible. |
C | Offer food and nonalcoholic beverages. |
D | Complete an incident report. |
Question 43 |
When would you need to fill out an incident report?
A | A guest is not appropriately dressed. |
B | When a guest becomes intoxicated. |
C | A minor is seated with adults who are not drinking. |
D | A taxi was called for an intoxicated person. |
Question 44 |
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 | Alert the other guests at the table. |
D | Fill out an incident report. |
Question 45 |
What must an ID contain in order to be valid?
A | Social security number |
B | State seal |
C | Signature |
D | Hologram |
Question 46 |
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 guests family. |
B | Inform the server on the next shift. |
C | Call the police. |
D | Fill out an incident report. |
Question 47 |
If you work in a large arena you must:
A | Count drinks and be aware of intoxicated guests. |
B | Serve drinks in oversized cups. |
C | Stop serving alcohol ¾ of way through game. |
D | Allow spectators to "BYOB". |
Question 48 |
How many drinks are in a 60-ounce pitcher of beer?
A | 5 drinks |
B | 3 drinks |
C | 4 drinks |
D | 2 drinks |
Question 49 |
When a guests face becomes red after having a few drinks the cause is?
A | Loss of body heat. |
B | Slowed reactions. |
C | Impaired motor skills. |
D | Increased heart rate. |
Question 50 |
Which drinks contain the same amount of alcohol?
A | 5 ounces of wine; 12 ounces of beer; 1½ ounces of 80-proof liquor; 1 ounce 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 | 3 ounces of wine; 10 ounces of beer; 1 ounce of 80-proof liquor; 1¼ 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 51 |
What percentage of alcohol is passed through the small intestine into the bloodstream?
A | 50% |
B | 80% |
C | 8% |
D | 20% |
Question 52 |
An ID that has expired is no longer
A | Voided |
B | Genuine |
C | Valid |
D | Accurate |
Question 53 |
If you become aware of drug activity in your establishment you should:
A | Not stop serving nor confront guests. |
B | Explain the law to the guest. |
C | Suggest that the involved guests leave. |
D | Tell manager. |
Question 54 |
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 55 |
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 56 |
What is the best type of food for preventing intoxication?
A | Food high in fat. |
B | Food high in carbohydrates. |
C | Food high in salt. |
D | Food high in sugar. |
Question 57 |
In most states, how old must you be to purchase alcohol?
A | 20 |
B | 18 |
C | 21 |
D | 19 |
Question 58 |
Liquor licenses are issued and monitored by the
A | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). |
B | Local chamber of commerce. |
C | Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). |
D | Liquor authority. |
Question 59 |
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 woman. |
C | They will have the same BAC. |
D | The man. |
Question 60 |
A guest has a birthday of February 5, 1999. In what year do they turn 21?
A | 2019 |
B | 2018 |
C | 2020 |
D | 2021 |
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