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

Question 2

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 3

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

Question 4

Which is true about liquor laws?

A	Obtaining a liquor license is the right of every operation.
B	Only the local liquor authority has the responsibility for monitoring and enforcing liquor laws.
C	Municipal liquor laws can be stricter than state liquor laws.
D	Violation of liquor laws will not result in an establishment losing its liquor license.

Question 5

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

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

Question 6

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 state seal
D	A hologram

Question 7

An ID with a raised photo is an example of

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

Question 8

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

A	2
B	1
C	3
D	4

Question 9

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	Before the person has ordered food
D	When the person tries to order another drink

Question 10

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 11

Civil penalties may include which of the following?

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

Question 12

Which is an acceptable form of identification?

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

Question 13

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 14

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 for a second valid ID.
D	Ask another server for a second opinion.

Question 15

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 25
D	Woman, aged 60

Question 16

A person who is losing their train of thought is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?

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

Question 17

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

Question 18

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

Question 19

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

A	1
B	4
C	3
D	2

Question 20

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

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

Question 21

When must you stop serving alcohol to guests?

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

Question 22

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 23

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

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

Question 24

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

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

Question 25

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 but keep a close eye on her.
C	Serve the guest no more than 1 alcoholic drink.
D	Do not serve her any alcohol.

Question 26

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

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

Question 27

Which will result in a reduction of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream and help them sober up?

A	Drinking coffee
B	Exercising vigorously
C	Passage of time
D	Taking a cold shower

Question 28

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

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

Question 29

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

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

Question 30

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

A	Small intestine
B	Stomach
C	Liver
D	Brain

Question 31

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	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	Both criminal and civil liability can result in a prison sentence.

Question 32

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	Inform the party that they will not be served any more alcohol.
D	Confirm that the designated driver is sober.

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

Question 34

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

A	Discontinue all alcohol service until the authorities leave.
B	Find a coworker who will confirm to the authorities that you have not been serving minors.
C	Notify your manager.
D	Discreetly ask intoxicated guests to leave.

Question 35

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 36

What action should be taken if you see a guest pass a drink to an underage person?

A	If the drinks were purchased by an adult, no action is required.
B	Stop service and remove the alcohol.
C	Discreetly ask intoxicated guests to leave.
D	Allow the guests to continue drinking.

Question 37

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’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’re having trouble talking, so we think you’ve had enough.”

Question 38

Other than being intact and current, what other features must an ID have in order to be valid?

A	Birth date, photo, and magnetic stripe
B	Birth date, photo, and state seal
C	Birth date, photo, and signature
D	Birth date, photo, and hologram

Question 39

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

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

Question 40

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 fat
C	Food high in carbohydrates
D	Salty food items

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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

What is BAC?

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

Question 2

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

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

Question 3

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

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

Question 4

When should you write an incident report?

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

Question 5

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 prepares to leave the establishment.
D	When a guest first arrives at the establishment.

Question 6

Four drinks are metabolized in about:

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

Question 7

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

A	18
B	19
C	20
D	21

Question 8

Which contains the most alcohol?

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

Question 9

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

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

Question 10

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

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

Question 11

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	Call the local police.
D	Serve the guest a weaker version of the drink ordered.

Question 12

Which is an example of a criminal violation?

A	Serving alcohol to a guest who appears to be intoxicated.
B	Serving alcohol to a guest who is taking medication.
C	Serving alcohol to a regular.
D	Serving alcohol to a pregnant woman.

Question 13

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

Question 14

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	Explain the law to the guest.
D	Tell manager.

Question 15

Who can be sued in a dram shop case?

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

Question 16

In many states, if a person drives from your establishment and injures someone, you could be held liable under:

A	Dram shop laws.
B	The traffic light system.
C	DWI convictions.
D	Local last call ordinances.

Question 17

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	Relaxed inhibitions.
D	Impaired judgment.

Question 18

The manager should be informed when:

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

Question 19

Alcohol is a?

A	Stimulant
B	Blood sugar stabilizer
C	Warming agent
D	Depressant

Question 20

If you work in a large arena you must:

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

Question 21

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

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

Question 22

An ID that has expired is no longer

A	Valid
B	Accurate
C	Voided
D	Genuine

Question 23

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

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

Question 24

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

A	Mouth and throat
B	Liver
C	Stomach
D	Small intestine

Question 25

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

Question 26

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

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

Question 27

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	Make sure he gets home safely.
C	Take his car keys.
D	Use physical force to stop him from entering.

Question 28

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

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

Question 29

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

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

Question 30

In many states, it is illegal for operations to

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

Question 31

What is the best type of food for preventing intoxication?

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

Question 32

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	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	Pass out written warnings to pregnant guests.

Question 33

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 34

Call police if a guest:

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

Question 35

If a guest arrives at your establishment already intoxicated, you refuse service, and they agree to take a cab, what is the final step?

A	Fill out an incident report.
B	Call the police.
C	Call the guests family.
D	Inform the server on the next shift.

Question 36

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

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

Question 37

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	Call the police.
C	Take their car keys.
D	Use physical force to stop them.

Question 38

How much pure alcohol is contained in each of the following: a 12 oz beer, 4 oz wine, 1 ¼ oz 80 proof alcohol or 1 oz 100 proof alcohol?

A	3/4 oz pure alcohol.
B	1/4 oz pure alcohol.
C	1 oz pure alcohol.
D	1/2 oz pure alcohol.

Question 39

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

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

Question 40

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 41

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 the physical characteristics on the ID.
C	Compare the guest to someone of the same approximate age.
D	Compare the ID to confiscated fake IDs.

Question 42

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	2
C	3
D	4

Question 43

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 44

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

A	Actual knowledge
B	Compliance
C	Negligence
D	Constructive knowledge

Question 45

Who will have a higher BAC, a guest who is drinking a 2-ounce martini, or a guest drinking a 12-ounce beer?

A	There is no way to know whose BAC will be higher.
B	The guest drinking the martini.
C	Both guests will have the same BAC.
D	The guest drinking the beer.

Question 46

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 47

Which behavior is a sign that a guest is experiencing impaired motor coordination?

A	Making rude comments
B	Becoming quiet
C	Spilling drinks
D	Being overly-friendly

Question 48

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

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

Question 49

What does civil liability mean for sellers or servers of alcohol?

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

Question 50

What must an ID contain in order to be valid?

A	Hologram
B	Social security number
C	State seal
D	Signature

Question 51

What should you do before stopping service to a guest?

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

Question 52

What step should be taken after stopping service?

A	Inform coworkers that service has been stopped for the individual.
B	Remind the guest that they are drunk and you had to stop service.
C	Demand that the guest leave immediately.
D	Resume serving if the guest appears to calm down.

Question 53

Liquor licenses are issued and monitored by the

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

Question 54

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

A	2018
B	2021
C	2020
D	2019

Question 55

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 guest is not appropriately dressed.
D	A taxi was called for an intoxicated person.

Question 56

Which drinks contain the same amount of alcohol?

A	4 ounces of wine; 16 ounces of beer; 1¼ ounces of 80-proof liquor; ½ ounce 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	3 ounces of wine; 10 ounces of beer; 1 ounce of 80-proof liquor; 1¼ ounces of 100-proof liquor.

Question 57

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

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

Question 58

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

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

Question 59

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

A	Small intestine
B	Liver
C	Kidneys
D	Capillaries

Question 60

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	Relaxed inhibitions
C	Slowed reaction time
D	Impaired motor coordination

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