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 |
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 | Impaired motor coordination |
C | Relaxed inhibitions |
D | Slowed reaction time |
Question 2 |
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 3 |
A person who is losing their train of thought is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Relaxed inhibitions |
B | Impaired judgment |
C | Impaired motor coordination |
D | Slowed reaction time |
Question 4 |
What is one thing you should do if a fight happens?
A | Physically separate the fighting parties. |
B | Wait to see if it ends on its own. |
C | Move other guests away from the fight. |
D | Physically restrain the more aggressive person. |
Question 5 |
Which is true about liquor laws?
A | Municipal liquor laws can be stricter than state liquor laws. |
B | Obtaining a liquor license is the right of every operation. |
C | Violation of liquor laws will not result in an establishment losing its liquor license. |
D | Only the local liquor authority has the responsibility for monitoring and enforcing liquor laws. |
Question 6 |
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 bartender who served the intoxicated guest, but not the business owner. |
C | Sue the business, but not the business owner. |
D | Sue the business, but not the bartender who served the intoxicated guest. |
Question 7 |
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 | The athletic man |
C | There is no way to determine who will have a higher BAC |
D | The overweight man |
Question 8 |
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 | 4 |
C | 1 |
D | 3 |
Question 9 |
How many drinks are in a 2-ounce glass of 100-proof whiskey?
A | 4 |
B | 1 |
C | 3 |
D | 2 |
Question 10 |
All other factors being the same, who’s BAC would be highest after drinking a 12-ounce beer?
A | Woman, aged 25 |
B | Woman, aged 60 |
C | Man, aged 25 |
D | Man, aged 60 |
Question 11 |
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 I’m not able to serve you any more alcohol this evening.” |
C | “Sorry sir, but you’ve had enough and I will not be able to serve you any more alcohol.” |
D | “Sorry sir, but you might hurt someone if we gave you another drink, so we can’t serve you anymore tonight.”
|
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 | As you serve the person’s last drink |
C | Before the person has ordered food |
D | When the person tries to order another drink |
Question 13 |
It is against the law in most states to drive with what Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)?
A | .08 or higher. |
B | .03 or higher. |
C | .05 or higher. |
D | .06 or higher. |
Question 14 |
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 | Inform the party that they will not be served any more alcohol. |
C | Confirm that the designated driver is sober. |
D | Offer the party food in addition to the drinks. |
Question 15 |
Which should be avoided when telling people that you have to stop service?
A | Using “you” statements |
B | Citing company policy |
C | Being firm |
D | Expressing concern |
Question 16 |
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 | 2 |
C | 3 |
D | 4 |
Question 17 |
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 | Both criminal and civil liability can result in a prison sentence. |
D | Criminal and civil liability are the same thing. |
Question 18 |
Which will result in a reduction of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream and help them sober up?
A | Passage of time |
B | Exercising vigorously |
C | Taking a cold shower |
D | Drinking coffee |
Question 19 |
How old must a person be to purchase alcohol in most states?
A | 21 years old. |
B | 20 years old. |
C | 18 years old. |
D | 19 years old. |
Question 20 |
What action should be taken if you see a guest pass a drink to an underage person?
A | Allow the guests to continue drinking. |
B | Stop service and remove the alcohol. |
C | Discreetly ask intoxicated guests to leave. |
D | If the drinks were purchased by an adult, no action is required. |
Question 21 |
What feature is often added to IDs to keep them secure?
A | Toll-free verification hotline numbers |
B | Blank backs |
C | Ultraviolet text and features |
D | Digitally blurred photos |
Question 22 |
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 23 |
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 magnetic stripe
|
C | Birth date, photo, and hologram
|
D | Birth date, photo, and state seal |
Question 24 |
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 25 |
What is the first thing you should do before stopping service to a guest?
A | Bring the guest a soft drink. |
B | Fill out an incident report. |
C | Call the police. |
D | Alert a backup. |
Question 26 |
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 | Physically prevent him from entering. |
D | Find out where he was drinking previously and report it to the police. |
Question 27 |
When must you stop serving alcohol to guests?
A | When their BAC is .10 or higher |
B | When they look or act intoxicated |
C | When they do not have a designated driver |
D | When they have finished drinking their second drink |
Question 28 |
What is the purpose of an ID reader?
A | To confirm ID validity. |
B | To detect holograms on IDs. |
C | To detect cracks or dents in IDs. |
D | To display information from bar codes or magnetic stripes. |
Question 29 |
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 judgment |
C | Impaired motor coordination |
D | Relaxed inhibitions |
Question 30 |
What is the best thing to do when liquor authorities enter your establishment?
A | Notify your manager. |
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 | Discreetly ask intoxicated guests to leave. |
Question 31 |
How many drinks are in a 3-ounce glass of 80-proof vodka?
A | 4 |
B | 2 |
C | 1 |
D | 3 |
Question 32 |
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 | Use physical force to stop her from entering |
D | Serve the guest no more than 1 alcoholic drink. |
Question 33 |
A guest has a birthday of January 1, 1998. In what year do they turn 21?
A | 2021 |
B | 2020 |
C | 2018 |
D | 2019 |
Question 34 |
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 35 |
Civil penalties may include which of the following?
A | Serving prison time. |
B | Payment of damages. |
C | Probation. |
D | Fines. |
Question 36 |
What is the percentage of alcohol in an 80-proof bottle of vodka?
A | 40% |
B | 30% |
C | 20% |
D | 10% |
Question 37 |
Which is an acceptable form of identification?
A | Passport |
B | School ID |
C | Birth Certificate |
D | Voter's Registration Card |
Question 38 |
The liver breaks down alcohol in the body at what rate?
A | 4 drinks per hour. |
B | 1 drink per hour. |
C | 2 drinks per hour. |
D | 3 drinks per hour. |
Question 39 |
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 40 |
An ID with a raised photo is an example of
A | an ID issued to a non-citizen. |
B | an ID issued to someone under the age of 21. |
C | validity. |
D | tampering. |
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Next Question
Advanced ServSafe Alcohol Test (60 Questions)
Question 1 |
In most states, how old must you be to purchase alcohol?
A | 19 |
B | 21 |
C | 18 |
D | 20 |
Question 2 |
In many states, if a person drives from your establishment and injures someone, you could be held liable under:
A | Dram shop laws. |
B | DWI convictions. |
C | Local last call ordinances. |
D | The traffic light system. |
Question 3 |
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 4 |
Criminal violations of alcohol-related law may result in what?
A | Payment of damages |
B | Civil liability |
C | Dram shop |
D | Jail time |
Question 5 |
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 | Verbally warn pregnant guest of effects of alcohol on fetus. |
C | Establish their own policies regarding serving pregnant guests. |
D | Post a visible sign that warns guests of alcohol’s effects on the fetus.
|
Question 6 |
What must an ID contain in order to be valid?
A | Signature |
B | State seal |
C | Social security number |
D | Hologram |
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 salt. |
D | Food high in sugar. |
Question 8 |
In many states, it is illegal for operations to
A | Ask guests to produce a second form of ID. |
B | Serve alcohol to a pregnant guest. |
C | Refuse service to guests over the age of 21. |
D | Allow drinking games such as pong and quarters. |
Question 9 |
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 10 |
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 | 1/4 oz pure alcohol. |
B | 3/4 oz pure alcohol. |
C | 1/2 oz pure alcohol. |
D | 1 oz pure alcohol. |
Question 11 |
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 | 3 ounces of wine; 10 ounces of beer; 1 ounce of 80-proof liquor; 1¼ ounces of 100-proof liquor. |
D | 6 ounces of wine; 12 ounces of beer; 1¼ ounces of 80-proof liquor; 2 ounces of 100-proof liquor. |
Question 12 |
Most of the alcohol a person consumes is metabolized by the:
A | Liver |
B | Capillaries |
C | Kidneys |
D | Small intestine
|
Question 13 |
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 sued and forced to pay damages for injuries. |
C | They can be fined for violating the establishment’s liquor license. |
D | They can be fined for failing to pass a compliance check. |
Question 14 |
Once you have stopped service to a guest, what is the next step?
A | Offer food and nonalcoholic beverages. |
B | Complete an incident report. |
C | Ask the guest to leave the establishment as soon as possible. |
D | Alert a backup. |
Question 15 |
If a man and a woman drank 4 12-ounce beers in an hour, which one will, most likely, have the higher BAC?
A | They will have the same BAC. |
B | The man. |
C | The woman. |
D | There is no way to determine who will have a higher BAC. |
Question 16 |
Which behavior is a sign that a guest is experiencing impaired motor coordination?
A | Making rude comments |
B | Spilling drinks |
C | Becoming quiet |
D | Being overly-friendly |
Question 17 |
A person who is talking or moving slowly is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Impaired motor coordination |
B | Relaxed inhibitions |
C | Slowed reaction time |
D | Impaired judgment |
Question 18 |
Who can be sued in a dram shop case?
A | The business |
B | The business owner |
C | The employees of the business |
D | The business, business owner, and employees |
Question 19 |
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 | Both guests will have the same BAC. |
C | The guest drinking the martini. |
D | There is no way to know whose BAC will be higher. |
Question 20 |
What percentage of alcohol is passed through the small intestine into the bloodstream?
A | 20% |
B | 50% |
C | 80% |
D | 8% |
Question 21 |
Third-party liability results if a server:
A | Serves alcohol to an intoxicated guest. |
B | Is injured on the job. |
C | Serves alcohol to a minor. |
D | Doesn’t prevent a guest from driving away and someone is injured. |
Question 22 |
Four drinks are metabolized in about:
A | 1 hour |
B | 3 hours |
C | 2 hours |
D | 4 hours |
Question 23 |
When a guests face becomes red after having a few drinks the cause is?
A | Impaired motor skills. |
B | Increased heart rate. |
C | Loss of body heat. |
D | Slowed reactions. |
Question 24 |
Call police if a guest:
A | Exhibits threatening or abusive behavior |
B | Becomes intoxicated. |
C | Is denied alcohol. |
D | Complains about being refused alcohol. |
Question 25 |
What step should be taken after stopping service?
A | Resume serving if the guest appears to calm down. |
B | Demand that the guest leave immediately. |
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 26 |
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 | Notify your manager to determine what to do. |
C | Call the police. |
D | Step between the 2 guests to stop the argument. |
Question 27 |
What should you do to verify that an ID belongs to a guest?
A | Compare the ID to confiscated fake IDs. |
B | Compare the ID to an ID listed in an ID-checking guide. |
C | Compare the guest to someone of the same approximate age. |
D | Compare the guest to the physical characteristics on the ID. |
Question 28 |
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 29 |
A guest shows you an ID with a blank back. What does this tell you about the ID?
A | The ID is expired. |
B | The ID is fake. |
C | The ID is from a U.S. overseas territory. |
D | The ID was issued to someone under 21 years of age. |
Question 30 |
What should you do if a guest is intoxicated when he arrives at your establishment?
A | Make sure he gets home safely. |
B | Serve the guest no more than 1 alcoholic drink. |
C | Take his car keys. |
D | Use physical force to stop him from entering. |
Question 31 |
Which food is mostly likely to slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream?
A | Wheat bread |
B | Cheese sticks |
C | Unsalted pretzels |
D | Garden salad |
Question 32 |
A guest has a birthday of February 5, 1999. In what year do they turn 21?
A | 2021 |
B | 2020 |
C | 2019 |
D | 2018 |
Question 33 |
An ID that has expired is no longer
A | Valid |
B | Accurate |
C | Voided |
D | Genuine |
Question 34 |
When you first decide to shut a guest off you should first:
A | Alert a manager and find a backup. |
B | Fill out an incident report. |
C | Alert the other guests at the table. |
D | Serve the guest one last drink. |
Question 35 |
How many drinks are in a 60-ounce pitcher of beer?
A | 4 drinks |
B | 3 drinks |
C | 2 drinks |
D | 5 drinks |
Question 36 |
What is true when serving a group of guests with a designated driver?
A | You cannot serve the guests to the point of intoxication. |
B | You are not responsible for the guests if they agree not to drive. |
C | You are not responsible for the guests because they have a designated driver. |
D | You can continue service even if the guests are intoxicated. |
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 | Fill out an incident report. |
D | Call the guests family. |
Question 38 |
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 |
Question 39 |
If you work in a large arena you must:
A | Allow spectators to "BYOB". |
B | Stop serving alcohol ¾ of way through game. |
C | Count drinks and be aware of intoxicated guests. |
D | Serve drinks in oversized cups. |
Question 40 |
When should you write an incident report?
A | One day after an incident occurs. |
B | If a criminal charge is filed. |
C | Immediately after the incident. |
D | At the end of your shift. |
Question 41 |
Which is an example of a criminal violation?
A | Serving alcohol to a pregnant woman. |
B | Serving alcohol to a regular. |
C | Serving alcohol to a guest who appears to be intoxicated. |
D | Serving alcohol to a guest who is taking medication. |
Question 42 |
Alcohol is a?
A | Stimulant |
B | Depressant |
C | Blood sugar stabilizer |
D | Warming agent |
Question 43 |
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 | 1 |
C | 3 |
D | 2 |
Question 44 |
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 45 |
When stopping service, which statement should be avoided?
A | “It’s against the law for me to serve you any more alcohol.” |
B | “You’re drunk and you’ve had enough.” |
C | “Our company policy doesn’t allow me to serve you any more alcohol.” |
D | “I want to make sure you get home safely.”
|
Question 46 |
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 |
B | 2.5 |
C | 2 |
D | 1.5 |
Question 47 |
What is BAC?
A | Percentage of alcohol in the small intestine. |
B | Percentage of alcohol in the brain. |
C | Percentage of alcohol broken down by the liver. |
D | Percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream. |
Question 48 |
When would you need to fill out an incident report?
A | A taxi was called for an intoxicated person. |
B | A minor is seated with adults who are not drinking. |
C | When a guest becomes intoxicated. |
D | A guest is not appropriately dressed. |
Question 49 |
The manager should be informed when:
A | Guest is being cut off alcohol. |
B | Guest switches to soda. |
C | Party arrives with a minor. |
D | A party arrives with a designated driver. |
Question 50 |
If a guest makes irrational or argumentative statements and starts buying drinks for strangers is exhibiting?
A | Impaired judgment.
|
B | Slowed reaction time. |
C | Impaired motor coordination. |
D | Relaxed inhibitions. |
Question 51 |
Liquor licenses are issued and monitored by the
A | Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). |
B | Liquor authority. |
C | Local chamber of commerce. |
D | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). |
Question 52 |
What should you do before stopping service to a guest?
A | Complete an incident report. |
B | Remove any alcohol from in front of the guest. |
C | Alert a backup. |
D | Isolate the guest from other customers. |
Question 53 |
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 | Call the local police. |
C | Question the guest until he gives up and leaves. |
D | Ask the guest for a second valid ID. |
Question 54 |
When should an employee begin assessing guests for signs of intoxication?
A | When a guest first arrives at the establishment. |
B | After a guest orders his or her second drink. |
C | When a guest prepares to leave the establishment.
|
D | Any time a guest has consumed more than 1 drink per hour. |
Question 55 |
If you become aware of drug activity in your establishment you should:
A | Explain the law to the guest. |
B | Tell manager. |
C | Not stop serving nor confront guests. |
D | Suggest that the involved guests leave. |
Question 56 |
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 57 |
A person who is swaying or staggering when walking is demonstrating what sign of intoxication?
A | Slowed reaction time |
B | Impaired judgment |
C | Relaxed inhibitions |
D | Impaired motor coordination |
Question 58 |
What does the use of a vertical format on an ID indicate?
A | The ID was issued to someone who requires corrective lenses. |
B | The ID is not genuine or valid. |
C | The ID was issued to someone under 21. |
D | The ID was issued to a non-state resident. |
Question 59 |
What should you do if guests insist on driving after service has been stopped?
A | Call the police. |
B | Take their car keys. |
C | Use physical force to stop them. |
D | Let them go because there is nothing more you can do. |
Question 60 |
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 | Constructive knowledge |
C | Compliance |
D | Negligence |
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