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 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)

Please wait while the activity loads.
If this activity does not load, try refreshing your browser. Also, this page requires javascript. Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled.

If loading fails, click here to try again

Start

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 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 state seal
C	A magnetic strip
D	A vertical format

Question 2

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

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

Question 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	2
C	4
D	1

Question 4

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

Question 5

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 60
C	Woman, aged 25
D	Man, aged 25

Question 6

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	Relaxed inhibitions
C	Impaired motor coordination
D	Slowed reaction time

Question 7

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

A	2019
B	2018
C	2020
D	2021

Question 8

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

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

Question 9

Two men of equal height drank 3 shots of 80-proof whiskey in 1 hour. One man was overweight and the other had an athletic build. Which man will have the higher BAC?

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

Question 10

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	Relaxed inhibitions
C	Slowed reaction time
D	Impaired judgment

Question 11

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

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

Question 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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

A	4
B	2
C	1
D	3

Question 16

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 17

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.

Question 18

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

A	4
B	3
C	1
D	2

Question 19

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

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

Question 20

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

A	Stomach
B	Small intestine
C	Brain
D	Liver

Question 21

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

Question 22

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

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

Question 23

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 24

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

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

Question 25

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

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

Question 26

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

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

Question 27

When must you stop serving alcohol to guests?

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

Question 28

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

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

Question 29

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	Food high in fat
D	Salty food items

Question 30

What is the purpose of an ID reader?

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

Question 31

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

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

Question 32

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 liability applies to the employees of an establishment, while civil liability applies only to the actual owners.
D	Criminal and civil liability are the same thing.

Question 33

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	1
B	2
C	4
D	3

Question 34

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

Question 35

Which is an acceptable form of identification?

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

Question 36

Civil penalties may include which of the following?

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

Question 37

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 38

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

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

Question 39

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

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

Question 40

When is the best time to inform a guest that you have to stop alcohol service?

A	When the person tries to order another drink
B	After you have arranged a safe ride home for the person
C	As you serve the person’s last drink
D	Before the person has ordered food

Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. Get Results

There are 40 questions to complete.

←

List

→

Return

Shaded items are complete.

1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15
16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30
31	32	33	34	35
36	37	38	39	40
End

Return

Next Question

Advanced ServSafe Alcohol Test (60 Questions)

Please wait while the activity loads.
If this activity does not load, try refreshing your browser. Also, this page requires javascript. Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled.

If loading fails, click here to try again

Start

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 the best type of food for preventing intoxication?

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

Question 2

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

A	Liver
B	Small intestine
C	Capillaries
D	Kidneys

Question 3

What is BAC?

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

Question 4

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

Question 5

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 6

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 7

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

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

Question 8

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

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

Question 9

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

A	2020
B	2021
C	2019
D	2018

Question 10

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

A	Mouth and throat
B	Liver
C	Small intestine
D	Stomach

Question 11

An ID that has expired is no longer

A	Valid
B	Accurate
C	Genuine
D	Voided

Question 12

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

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

Question 13

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

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

Question 14

When should an employee begin assessing guests for signs of intoxication?

A	When a guest prepares to leave the establishment.
B	When a guest first arrives at the establishment.
C	After a guest orders his or her second drink.
D	Any time a guest has consumed more than 1 drink per hour.

Question 15

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 16

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 17

What must an ID contain in order to be valid?

A	State seal
B	Hologram
C	Social security number
D	Signature

Question 18

Which contains the most alcohol?

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

Question 19

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	2.5
D	2

Question 20

When should you write an incident report?

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

Question 21

Who can be sued in a dram shop case?

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

Question 22

What step should be taken after stopping service?

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

Question 23

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 24

What should you do before stopping service to a guest?

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

Question 25

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 26

When would you need to fill out an incident report?

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

Question 27

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 28

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

A	2
B	1
C	3
D	4

Question 29

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

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

Question 30

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	Call the local police.
C	Ask the guest for a second valid ID.
D	Serve the guest a weaker version of the drink ordered.

Question 31

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 pregnant woman.
D	Serving alcohol to a regular.

Question 32

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

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

Question 33

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

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

Question 34

Four drinks are metabolized in about:

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

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

Question 36

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

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

Question 37

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	4 ounces of wine; 16 ounces of beer; 1¼ ounces of 80-proof liquor; ½ ounce 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 38

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

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

Question 39

Third-party liability results if a server:

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

Question 40

The manager should be informed when:

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

Question 41

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 42

Alcohol is a?

A	Warming agent
B	Stimulant
C	Blood sugar stabilizer
D	Depressant

Question 43

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

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

Question 44

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

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

Question 45

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 fake.
D	The ID is from a U.S. overseas territory.

Question 46

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	Relaxed inhibitions
C	Impaired motor coordination
D	Impaired judgment

Question 47

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

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

Question 48

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

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

Question 49

Liquor licenses are issued and monitored by the

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

Question 50

Call police if a guest:

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

Question 51

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 52

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

Question 53

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 54

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

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

Question 55

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

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

Question 56

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

A	19
B	20
C	21
D	18

Question 57

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 58

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

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

Question 59

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	Tell manager.
D	Suggest that the involved guests leave.

Question 60

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

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

Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. Get Results

There are 60 questions to complete.

←

List

→

Return

Shaded items are complete.

1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15
16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30
31	32	33	34	35
36	37	38	39	40
41	42	43	44	45
46	47	48	49	50
51	52	53	54	55
56	57	58	59	60
End

Return

Next Question