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TABC Certification Practice Test (Texas) 2026

TABC seller-server certification teaches Texas alcohol laws and responsible service, and it helps protect employers under the safe harbor rule. Courses are taught online and in person by TABC-approved schools. Practice test 1 covers Texas law, and the other sets cover responsible service topics used across the U.S.

  • Alcohol server
  • Texas
  • 78 questions
  • Checked October 10, 2026

Quick answer

It is run by Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC); courses through TABC-approved seller/server schools. Practise here for free with 78 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the TABC Certification Study Guide (Texas): plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 18

    Which agency regulates alcohol and approves seller-server training in Texas?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)

    TABC regulates the alcohol industry in Texas and approves the schools that teach seller-server courses.

  2. Question 2 of 18

    Does Texas state law require every alcohol server to hold TABC seller-server certification?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. No, but TABC strongly recommends it and many employers require it

    Certification is not required by state law, but TABC strongly recommends it, and it can protect the employer under the safe harbor rule.

  3. Question 3 of 18

    How long is a TABC seller-server certificate valid?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 2 years

    A TABC seller-server certificate is valid for two years from the date it is issued.

  4. Question 4 of 18

    About how long does a typical online TABC seller-server course take?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. About 2 hours

    TABC says most approved schools offer online courses, and you can get certified in about two hours.

  5. Question 5 of 18

    What is the "safe harbor" rule in Texas?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. If certain conditions are met, an employee's illegal sale is not held against the employer

    Under Alcoholic Beverage Code section 106.14, an employer can avoid administrative action for an employee's violation if it meets the safe harbor conditions.

  6. Question 6 of 18

    For safe harbor, by when must employees who sell or serve alcohol, and their managers, be certified?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Within 30 days of their hire date

    TABC requires all employees who sell, serve or deliver alcohol, and their immediate managers, to be certified within 30 days of hire.

  7. Question 7 of 18

    Which is one of the safe harbor conditions for a Texas employer?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The employer has written alcohol policies that each employee has read and understands

    Safe harbor also requires certified staff and an employer that does not directly or indirectly encourage violations.

  8. Question 8 of 18

    Safe harbor does NOT apply when the employer has had how many violations of this kind in a 12-month period?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Three or more

    TABC lists "not three or more such violations in a 12-month period" as one of the safe harbor conditions.

  9. Question 9 of 18

    Under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, who is a "minor"?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A person under 21

    Section 106.01 defines a minor as a person under 21 years of age.

  10. Question 10 of 18

    In Texas, what kind of offense is selling alcohol to a minor?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A Class A misdemeanor

    Section 106.03 makes selling alcohol to a minor a Class A misdemeanor.

  11. Question 11 of 18

    What is the maximum punishment for a Class A misdemeanor in Texas?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A fine of up to $4,000, up to 1 year in jail, or both

    Penal Code section 12.21 sets the Class A misdemeanor range: a fine up to $4,000, jail up to one year, or both.

  12. Question 12 of 18

    A minor shows an ID that looks valid. When does Texas law give the seller a defense?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. When the government-issued ID has a photo and description that match the minor and shows them as 21 or older

    Section 106.03 gives a defense if the minor showed apparently valid government-issued ID, such as a DPS license, passport or military ID, that matched them and showed age 21 or older.

  13. Question 13 of 18

    What is the general minimum age to sell or serve alcohol in Texas?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 18

    Section 106.09 says no one may employ a person under 18 to sell, prepare, serve or otherwise handle liquor, with a few narrow exceptions.

  14. Question 14 of 18

    In Texas, it is a defense for a minor charged with drinking alcohol if they drank in the visible presence of whom?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Their adult parent, guardian or spouse

    Section 106.04 gives this defense to the minor. A business can still choose to refuse service, and selling directly to a minor is still an offense.

  15. Question 15 of 18

    What offense does a Texas minor commit by showing a fake ID that says they are 21?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Misrepresentation of age, a Class C misdemeanor

    Under sections 106.07 and 106.071, a minor who falsely claims to be 21 or presents a document saying so commits a Class C misdemeanor.

  16. Question 16 of 18

    In Texas, what kind of offense is selling alcohol to an intoxicated person?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A Class A misdemeanor

    Section 101.63 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly sell alcohol to an intoxicated person.

  17. Question 17 of 18

    Under the Texas dram shop law, when can a provider be liable for harm caused by a customer?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. When the customer was obviously intoxicated to the point of being a clear danger, and that intoxication caused the harm

    Chapter 2 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code sets this test: it must have been apparent the person was obviously intoxicated and a clear danger, and the intoxication was a cause of the damages.

  18. Question 18 of 18

    TABC says sellers and servers at certain businesses, such as bars and nightclubs, must take which free course every year?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. An opioid-related drug overdose course

    Texas law requires sellers and servers at certain businesses to take the free Opioid-Related Drug Overdose Course each year. It is separate from seller-server certification.

What to know before the test

  • Certification is not required by state law, but TABC strongly recommends it for everyone who sells or serves alcohol.
  • A TABC seller-server certificate is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
  • Under safe harbor, employees who sell or serve alcohol and their managers must be certified within 30 days of hire.
  • Most approved schools offer online courses that take about two hours.
  • Selling alcohol to a person under 21 is a Class A misdemeanor.
  • Sellers and servers at certain businesses, such as bars and nightclubs, must also take a free opioid overdose course each year.

Frequently asked questions

Is TABC certification required in Texas?

State law does not require it, but TABC strongly recommends it and many employers require it. It also helps protect employers under the safe harbor rule.

How long is TABC certification good for?

Two years from the date the certificate is issued.

What is safe harbor?

If staff are certified within 30 days of hire, the employer has written policies, and it does not encourage violations, TABC will not hold an employee's illegal sale against the employer, unless there were three or more violations in 12 months.

How old do you have to be to serve alcohol in Texas?

Generally 18. The legal age to buy or drink alcohol is 21.

How long does the TABC course take?

Most online courses take about two hours. Each TABC-approved school runs its own course and final test.

Sources

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