The ServSafe Alcohol certification is essential for alcohol service in the restaurant and foodservice industries. Learn more about applicants’ questions in this article.
Introduce ServSafe Alcohol
What is ServSafe Alcohol?
The ServSafe Alcohol program equips managers and alcohol servers in the restaurant and foodservice industries with the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to think and act properly while providing beverage alcohol.
Many state and local governments require ServSafe Alcohol Certification. Serving alcohol entails various dangers that are not present in other jobs. Bartenders are frequently required to get training and certification for this reason.
A responsible alcohol server will have had extensive training in a variety of areas. Some of the things you will learn are as follows:
– Check identification for legal age
– How to Recognize Fake Identification
– Not to be served to someone who is already intoxicated
– How can you tell if someone is already intoxicated?
– When and how to decline service to someone
– To be aware of the laws and your obligations
– How to handle challenging situations
– When a bartender may face civil or criminal consequences
The rules differ from state to state, and the ServSafe Alcohol certification isn’t accepted everywhere. ServSafe Alcohol is the most “patchy” of all the ServSafe training and certification courses in terms of where it is recognized. As a result, you should double-check standards with your local health authority or restaurant association.
What’s in this section?
There are 40 questions on the ServSafe Alcohol Primary test and 70 questions on the ServSafe Alcohol Advanced exam. Although the advanced test has 70 questions, only 60 of them are assessed. The extra ten questions are just being used as “pilot questions” to see if they will be utilized in future tests. Visit our ServSafe Alcohol Study Guide to know how to study for this section properly.
Both sorts of tests are multiple-choice with four options: A, B, C, and D. Although neither of the tests are timed, you should allow around 2 hours to complete them.
You must correctly answer at least 30 of the 40 questions on the ServSafe Alcohol Primary test to succeed. A minimum score of 75% is required.
ServSafe Alcohol examples
1. How old must a person be to purchase alcohol in all 50 states?
A. 18 years old
B. 19 years old
C. 20 years old
D. 21 years old
2. What is the purpose of an ID reader?
A. To confirm ID validity.
B.To detect cracks or dents in IDs.
C. To detect holograms on IDs.
D. To display information from bar codes or magnetic stripes.
3. All of these could be a sign of a fake ID except ____.
A. a blurry or faded picture
B. *holograms that you can only see at an angle
C. key or lock icons
D. the words “valid” or “secure”
4. Reading Material
Nancy drank three “tall boy” 16 oz. beers.
Sam finished a 60 oz. pitcher of beer, by himself.
Joe drank four regular beers.
According to the attached descriptions of people and what they had to drink, who has consumed the most alcohol?
A. Joe
B. Joe and Nancy
C. Nancy
D. *Sam
5. In which of these cases can you continue to serve a customer?
A. if he is intoxicated but has a designated driver
B. if he is intoxicated but not violent
C. if she is intoxicated with no designated driver
D. none of these
6. What feature is added to minor IDs in most states to indicate it belongs to a minor?
A. A hologram
B. A magnetic stripe
C. A state seal
D. *A vertical format
7. What is the first thing you should do before stopping service to a guest?
A. Alert a backup.
B. Bring the guest a soft drink.
C. Call the police.
D. Fill out an incident report.
8. Which of these is true about the purchase of alcohol?
A. A friend of a person can verify his age for ID purposes.
B. An establishment must accept a photo ID in any condition.
C. The legal age to purchase is between 18 and 21, depending on the state.
D. The legal age to purchase is the same in every state.
9. What do red borders around ID photos indicate?
A. The ID belongs to a minor.
B. The ID has expired.
C. The ID is a fake.
D. The ID is from a different state.
10. Who can be sued in a dram shop case?
A. The business
B. The business owner
C. The business, business owner, and employees
D. The employees of the business
Visit our website to get more free ServSafe practice test.
Answers & Explanations
1. D
Explanation: The legal age to purchase alcohol is 21 years old in all 50 states.
2. D
Explanation: An ID reader is one form of ID verification as magnetic stripes on fake IDs usually contain no information but you should also be able to visually determine if an ID appears to be genuine.
3. B
Explanation: Many states use this type of hologram to indicate the validity of the ID. The other answer choices can be signs of a fake ID
4. D
Explanation: A “regular” beer is 12 oz. There are 5 of them contained in a 60 oz. pitcher, so Sam consumed the most alcohol. Joe and Nancy did drink the same amount, but it was less than the amount Sam drank.
5. D
Explanation: If a person appears intoxicated, he or she may not be served, regardless of the presence of a designated driver.
6. D
Explanation: IDs issued to minors typically display information in a vertical format.
7. A
Explanation: A backup must be prepared to help and take action and they must be close enough to observe but not too close as to appear threatening.
8. D
Explanation: All U.S. states require a person to be 21 years old in order to purchase alcohol.
9. A
Explanation: IDs issued to minors often have red borders around the photo.
10. C
Explanation: Anyone working at the establishment can be sued although dram shop laws set caps on the amount of money that can be rewarded.
ServSafe Alcohol Primary
The knowledge taught directly from the course materials is used in the ServSafe Alcohol Primary test. The goal of this exam is to see if you have a basic understanding of how to serve alcohol responsibly. It is not necessary to take the main test in the presence of a certified proctor.
ServSafe Advanced Alcohol
The ServSafe Alcohol Advanced exam is more in-depth and assesses your knowledge of how to properly serve alcohol. This is accomplished by providing you with real-life scenarios and asking you how you would handle them. The advanced test MUST be taken with the help of a licensed proctor.
ServSafe Practice Test by ABC E-Learning
SERVSAFE PRACTICE TEST is a free browser/web platform that provides people with unique SERVSAFE training and testing services. Our ServSafe practice questions and tests have been collected carefully and all based on the real SERVSAFE test format. Let’s fulfill your knowledge to get 100% ready to get your coming SERVSAFE certification!
FAQs
Do the ServSafe Alcohol Examinations have any state-specific requirements?
During a responsible alcohol service class, some states need extra knowledge and, in some situations, a state-specific quiz. Learn more about the ServSafe regulations for alcohol. Download state-specific supplements in a new window (To access the state-specific supplements, you must be a ServSafe Alcohol Instructor.)
What should I do if I think that the exam results I’ve received are incorrect?
To the Service CenterOpens in a new window, submit an Answer Sheet Review FormOpens in a new window. After receiving your request, the Service Center will examine it and reply within five to seven business days.
What is the ServSafe Alcohol test passing score?
The ServSafe Alcohol Primary Exam has a passing score of 75%. This is gained by properly answering at least 30 of the 40 questions.
The ServSafe Alcohol Advanced, Proctored Exam requires an 80 percent or better score to pass. This is attained by properly answering at least 56 of the 70 questions.
Is it possible for me to perform an examination on myself?
No. The ServSafe Manager Exam, any ServSafe Alcohol Print Exam, and the ServSafe Alcohol Advanced Exam must all be administered by a proctor. A ServSafe Food Handler print exam must be administered by an instructor. To find a proctor for these tests, use the Find a Class tool.
A proctor is not required for the ServSafe Food Handler online test or the ServSafe Alcohol Primary online exam.
NOTE: No one is allowed to proctor a test for a relative, regardless of their status.
Does my certificate have an expiration date?
ServSafe Alcohol Certificates are recognized by the National Restaurant Association for a three-year period. State and employer requirements, on the other hand, might differ. Check the regulation requirements or contact your local health department for further information.
How can I get a record of my ServSafe Alcohol Examination results?
- After the National Restaurant Association receives the completed Exam Information Form and Answer Sheets, the results for the ServSafe Alcohol Print Exams are uploaded to ServSafe.com within three to four business days.
- The Servsafe Advanced, Proctored Alcohol Online Exam results are available within one business day of the proctor submitting the exam for grading.
- The ServSafe Alcohol Primary Online Exam results are accessible immediately upon the completion of the online exam. When the results are available, proctors and examinees who give valid email addresses will be notified.
By checking in to Check Your Exam Score, you may see your results online. Alternatively, you can print and return a Certificate and Score Release Request Form (opens in a new window). You can also get your exam score through the official score and certificate distributor approved by your instructor or proctor. Your teacher or proctor, the class sponsor, or your company might all be certificate distributors.
What is the procedure for purchasing the ServSafe Alcohol Online Examinations?
A Test Access Code is a one-of-a-kind code that confirms your exam purchase and allows you to access and take an online exam. You will be allowed to use the original exam access code until you take the online examination if you do not pass the ServSafe Alcohol state-specific question.
You will not be able to use that code again once you have completed the state-specific question and started the ServSafe Alcohol Exam. If you do not pass the ServSafe Alcohol Online Examination, you will need to purchase another Exam Access Code.
A ServSafe Alcohol Advanced Online Exam must be administered by a Registered Proctor. Exam Access Codes for ServSafe are non-refundable. Check with your state or local liquor authority to see whether online examinations are permitted in your areas.
What format do the test questions take?
There are multiple-choice questions on all of the tests.
Do the ServSafe Alcohol Examinations have any state-specific requirements?
During a responsible alcohol service class, some states need extra knowledge and, in some situations, a state-specific quiz. Learn more about the ServSafe regulations for alcohol and obtain state-specific supplements. (To access the state-specific supplements, you must be a ServSafe Alcohol Instructor.)
How do I unassign a course?
You can unassign a course key and restore it to your pool of course keys if a student hasn’t begun it. Select Manage Courses from the drop-down menu. Choose the student’s course from the drop-down menu. You can track your pupils’ progress by going to the Track Students tab.
You’ll notice a trash can icon if the student hasn’t begun the course yet. If you click this icon, the course will be removed from that student’s record. The course will be assigned from your available pool. You may do the same thing with Unassigned Course Keys by going to the Course Management page and selecting that option. Any Course Key with a trash can icon can be removed and returned to your pool of accessible Course Keys.
What is the procedure for ordering a printed certificate?
All examinees with current certificates will be able to download and print their certificates under the Student menu and “Certificates” page as of Thursday, May 7, 2015. This will need the creation of a User account on Servsafe.com. Prepare by creating a user account for ServSafe.com if you don’t already have one. To connect your exam data and verify that your certificate is visible to print, enter your Exam Session number. You may choose “Order Certificate” if you want a certificate produced and shipped to you. Each certificate that you wish to be shipped will be charged $10.00.
What are the ServSafe Alcohol Online Exam Access Codes?
A Test Access Code is a one-of-a-kind code that confirms your exam purchase and allows you to access and take an online exam. You will be allowed to use the original exam access code until you take the online examination if you do not pass the ServSafe Alcohol state-specific question.
You will not be able to use that code again once you have completed the state-specific question and started the ServSafe Alcohol Exam. If you do not pass the ServSafe Alcohol Online Examination, you will need to purchase another Exam Access Code.
A ServSafe Alcohol Advanced Online Exam must be administered by a Registered Proctor. Exam Access Codes for ServSafe are non-refundable. Check with your state or local liquor authority to see whether online examinations are permitted in your region.
What is the best way to assign an online course?
To assign an online course, you must first purchase it. You have three options for assigning online courses:
- By sending an email
- User ID of ServSafe
- By producing and distributing a course key to a student
Go to Manage Courses, choose the course for which you wish to assign online courses, and then click the Assign Courses button under Management Options.
How can I keep track of the development of my students?
Select the course that the student is taking from Manage Courses. You’ll be able to view all of your students’ progress under the Track Students page once they’ve begun the course.
Under the Edit box, you’ll be able to view the date the course was assigned, the date the course is set to expire, and add custom information to the student’s record (such as an Employee ID, Store Number, etc.).
Do online courses have a time limit?
Yes. Unused courses have a one-year expiration date from the date of purchase. After you’ve begun a course, you should:
Courses in ServSafe Alcohol must be completed within 90 days.
A student will not be able to access a course after it has expired. It will be necessary to acquire a new one. There are no refunds for online courses, and expiration dates cannot be extended.
What should I do if I have a question about the results of my exam?
You should contact your teacher, proctor, or the Service Center if you have any questions concerning your exam.
How can I report a security violation during an exam?
Any occurrence that might jeopardize the exam’s security should be reported as a potential violation. This includes, but is not limited to, test or test content theft, secret information distribution or sale, test fraud, cheating, certificate falsification, and so on.
Please contact the Service Center to report a violation.
How can I seek a certificate correction or change of information?
Please fill out and submit the Name Repair Form if the correction is for a typo or legal name change.
An Online Correction Form must be filed if the exam was taken under the wrong online account. For a Form, please call or SMS our Customer Care line at 800-765-2122.
Will I get notified when a course is set to end?
Before the course expires, a student who is enrolled in it will get two different email alerts. The first notice will arrive ten days before the expiry date. The last and second notification will be sent out two days before the expiration date. 45 days before a course expires, an administrator who is assigning courses will receive an email alert. Unassigned courses, assigned courses, and unused Course Access Keys that are set to expire will all be addressed in the notice.
What is the Non-Discrimination Policy of the National Restaurant Association?
In all of its programs and activities, the National Restaurant Association and its affiliated organizations, including the National Restaurant Association Solutions, prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital/family status, or any other protected category under applicable law.
How can I access the exam scores for all the examinees in my exam session as a ServSafe Alcohol Instructor or Proctor?
After the National Restaurant Association receives the completed Exam Information Form and Answer Sheets, the results are uploaded to ServSafe.com within 3 to 4 business days. Within one business day, or as soon as the proctor submits the exam for grading, online exam results are accessible. When the results are available, proctors and examinees who give valid email addresses will be notified. You may check your exam score online by checking in, or you can print and return a Certificate. You can also get your exam score through the official score and certificate distributor approved by your instructor or proctor. Your teacher or proctor, the class sponsor, or your company might all be certificate distributors.
How can I keep track of my progress throughout the course?
The progress bar and course status features keep track of your online course progress. The course status is “in progress” when you first start it, and it is changed to “completed” when the course is finished.
When it comes to classroom instruction, your teacher will let you know when it’s over and when the test component will begin.
If the test isn’t in my native language, how do I take it?
You can use a native language to use an English dictionary during the exam if the exam is not accessible in your native language. You can also let your teacher know about the problem before class and ask them to fill out a Request for Exam Accommodation form so that the exam can be read aloud.
Is a license required in my city, county, or state in addition to a ServSafe Alcohol Certificate? If so, how much does it cost?
Some states have unique licensing requirements or training requirements, which may entail additional expenses. To obtain comprehensive and detailed information, see the regulatory requirements. We also suggest contacting your local health department, since they will have the most up-to-date information on local regulations and expenses.
What sources can I use to find an instructor-led class and exam?
Select the ServSafe Course you’d like to take from the list under Find an Instructor. Find a local instructor and contact them to arrange a time and day for you to take the course and/or exam.
Please note that the instructors listed are not National Restaurant Association (NRA) employees, agents, contractors, or representatives. The teachers featured on ServSafe.com are included as a courtesy and as a prospective resource, not as an endorsem*nt of their services. The NRA has no legal liability for the work or acts of the listed instructors.
If my certificate or instructor/proctor privileges have been revoked, how do I appeal?
The National Restaurant Association and its affiliated organizations, including National Restaurant Association Solutions, reserve the right to revoke an examinee’s certificate if the validity, reliability, security, or integrity of the National Restaurant Association Certification examination programs is seriously compromised.
Any candidate or examinee whose certificate has been revoked may appeal a denial or revocation by writing to the Service Center within 30 calendar days after receiving notification of the denial or revocation.
The Service Center sends the request, together with any prior documentation (if any), to the Management Evaluation Team for review (depending on the nature of the complaint). If necessary, the Management Consider Team can refer the issue to the Certification Governing Committee, or they can review and decide on the appeal within 30 days of receiving it in writing. Within 10 days of the decision being made, the individual who filed the appeal will be notified in writing, through traceable mail, of the final decision.
What languages are available for the ServSafe Alcohol exams?
The ServSafe Alcohol Basic and Advanced Exams are offered in the following languages:
- Online: English and Spanish (select states)
- Print: English and Spanish/English
How are complaints about administrative matters that aren’t related to tests or certificate appeals resolved?
The Service Center will try to resolve all administrative complaints received about the validity, dependability, security, or integrity of the National Restaurant Association Solutions Certification Examination Program as quickly as possible (within 30 calendar days). Within 30 days, the department will try to resolve complaints. Exam appeals and certificate revocations and appeals are not included.
You have 30 calendar days after submitting your complaint to contact the Service Center to inquire about the status or outcome of your complaint.
What is the procedure for printing my ServSafe Alcohol certificate?
Examinees who have a valid certificate can download or print an eCertificate. To print the certificate, go to ServSafe.com and choose the “Download Certificates” option under the Certificates tab. For a $10 charge, you may have a certificate shipped to you directly by the US Postal Service.
I have a disability. What is the procedure for requesting an exam accommodation?
Examinees can seek accommodations by filling out an exam accommodation request form and submitting it to the Association. If an examinee asks for accommodation that has not been pre-approved by the Association at the time of the exam, the examinee has the option of postponing the exam to a later date OR taking the exam without the desired accommodation. If an examinee is taking a proctored test, please advise your proctor of your exam accommodation request at least one week prior to the exam date so that they can be prepared to provide it.
What is the best way for me to print my certificate?
Examinees who have a valid certificate can download or print an eCertificate. To print the certificate, go to ServSafe.com and choose the “Download certificate” option under the Certificates tab. For a $10 charge, you may have a certificate shipped to you directly by the US Postal Service.
I’d want to apply for credit with the National Restaurant Association, but I’m not sure how.
If you’d like to apply for credit with the National Restaurant Association, please go to the credit application page to learn more about our eligibility requirements and terms & conditions.
What is the location of my Course Access Key?
Your Course Access Key may be found under My Courses under Course Management. Under the course name, you’ll notice your Course Access Key. You may also check the Course Access Key and any other information linked to your course by clicking the Details button for the particular course. Your Course Access Key will be delivered to the email address that the Administrator used to assign you the course if you were assigned a course by email. Your course will be in your ServSafe.com account if you were issued one by your ServSafe User ID.
Is it possible to take a course and exam online, or do I need to go to a certain location? In my state, how many hours of training are required?
For further information, consult the regulatory requirements or contact your local health department.
The above is the fullest question list you may concern about ServSafe alcohol. Hope you will prepare well for your exams and become a successful bartender.
