Question 1

What is TIPS certification?

Accepted Answer

TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) is the most widely recognized alcohol server certification program, having certified over 5.5 million participants in 40 years. It teaches responsible alcohol service, ID verification, recognizing intoxication, and intervention techniques. TIPS is accepted in most U.S. states.

Question 2

What is a standard drink of alcohol?

Accepted Answer

A standard drink contains 0.6 ounces (14 grams) of pure alcohol. This equals: 12 oz of regular beer (5% ABV), 5 oz of wine (12% ABV), or 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (40% ABV/80 proof). Mixed drinks often contain 1-3+ standard drinks depending on the recipe.

Question 3

What is the legal BAC limit for driving?

Accepted Answer

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving is 0.08% in all 50 U.S. states. At 0.05% BAC, judgment is already impaired. BAC levels above 0.30% can be life-threatening. Only TIME can lower BAC - coffee, cold showers, and exercise do NOT speed up alcohol elimination.

Question 4

What is the FEAR method for checking IDs?

Accepted Answer

FEAR is a method for verifying identification: Feel (check texture and security features), Examine (compare photo to person), Ask (questions about information on the ID), Return (only give back to the person who presented it). Look for raised lettering, holograms, and consistent formatting.

Question 5

What are Dram Shop laws?

Accepted Answer

Dram shop laws hold alcohol servers and establishments legally liable for injuries or damages caused by serving alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated persons. 42 states plus DC have dram shop laws. Servers can face personal fines, criminal charges, and civil lawsuits for overserving.

Question 6

How do I refuse service to an intoxicated customer?

Accepted Answer

Use the S.L.O.W. method: Stop serving alcohol, Listen to their response, Offer alternatives (water, food, ride home), Walk away if needed. Remain calm and professional, use 'I' statements ('I can't serve you more'), and involve management if the situation escalates. Document the incident.

Question 7

How long is alcohol server certification valid?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol server certification is typically valid for 2-5 years depending on your state: California RBS is 3 years, Texas TABC is 2 years, Nevada TAM is 4 years, Washington MAST is 5 years, and Oregon OLCC is 5 years. Certification costs $20-$50 and training takes 2-4 hours.

Question 8

What's included for free?

Accepted Answer

All study guides, practice questions, and explanations are completely free. We also include 10 AI-powered questions daily. For unlimited AI assistance, you can upgrade to Pro.

Question 9

Why is the content free?

Accepted Answer

OpenExamPrep was founded by Ran Chen, a CFP® who passed multiple financial exams and believes quality exam prep shouldn't cost hundreds of dollars. With AI, we can create quality content at scale and make it accessible to everyone.

Question 10

Is the content up to date?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our content is aligned with the latest exam outlines and updated regularly. Last update: January 2026.

Alcohol Server Certification

Free Alcohol Server Exam Prep

Alcohol Server Exam Details

Alcohol Server / TIPS / RBS Certification

Exam Content Breakdown

What's Included

6 Chapters

Practice Quizzes

Free to Start

Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds

What's Next After the Alcohol Server?

ServSafe Manager

Food Handler

Alcohol Server Exam FAQ

Course Content

Introduction

1. Alcohol Basics

2. Checking Identification

3. Recognizing Intoxication

4. Intervention and Refusal

5. Legal Responsibilities

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Official State Alcohol Boards (TIPS, RBS, TABC, etc.) Resources

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