• 69 questions

Iowa Alcohol Server Practice Test

Iowa Code chapter 123 for sellers and servers, with the section under every answer.

What must a participant do to receive the I-PACT certificate of completion?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Iowa Department of Revenue. Bank checked October 15, 2026.

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All 69 questions

I-PACT and the certificate 10

  • A certified employee sells to a 16-year-old. Does the bar of Iowa Code 123.50(5) protect the licensee? Iowa Code § 123.50(5)
  • A trained clerk sells beer to a 19-year-old. What does Iowa Code 123.50(5) give the licensee if the clerk held a valid certificate at the time? Iowa Code § 123.50(5)
  • Besides the state program, which certificate counts for the bar of Iowa Code 123.50(5)? Iowa Code § 123.50(5)
  • For how long is a certificate of completion of the alcohol compliance employee training program valid (Iowa Code 123.50A(3))? Iowa Code § 123.50A(3)
  • How long may the alcohol compliance employee training program run (Iowa Code 123.50A(1))? Iowa Code § 123.50A(1)
  • How often may a licensee assert the bar of Iowa Code 123.50(5) at one place of business? Iowa Code § 123.50(5)
  • What do the letters I-PACT stand for? Iowa Department of Revenue, I-PACT
  • What does Iowa Code 123.50A(2) say about the cost of the alcohol compliance employee training program? Iowa Code § 123.50A(2)
  • What makes a certificate of completion void before its term ends (Iowa Code 123.50A(3))? Iowa Code § 123.50A(3)
  • What must a participant do to receive the I-PACT certificate of completion? I-PACT, About the Program
Show all 69 questions (59 more)

Underage sales and penalties 13

  • A 30-year-old who holds no license buys liquor for a 19-year-old. What is the offense under Iowa Code 123.47(5)? Iowa Code § 123.47(5)
  • A licensee does not pay the civil penalty for a first underage-sale violation. What follows (Iowa Code 123.50(3)(a))? Iowa Code § 123.50(3)(a)
  • A person of legal age who is not a licensee supplies alcohol to a person under legal age, and someone dies as a result. What is the offense (Iowa Code 123.47(8))? Iowa Code § 123.47(8)
  • A person under legal age lies about age to buy. When is the licensee not guilty of selling to a person under legal age (Iowa Code 123.49(3))? Iowa Code § 123.49(3)
  • Besides selling, what does Iowa Code 123.49(2)(h) forbid a licensee to do about a person under legal age? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(h)
  • How long is the suspension for a third violation of Iowa Code 123.49(2)(h) within three years (Iowa Code 123.50(3)(c))? Iowa Code § 123.50(3)(c)
  • May a person under legal age handle alcoholic beverages on the job (Iowa Code 123.47(3))? Iowa Code § 123.47(3)
  • What civil penalty does a licensee face for a first violation of Iowa Code 123.49(2)(h) (Iowa Code 123.50(3)(a))? Iowa Code § 123.50(3)(a)
  • What does "legal age" mean in Iowa Code chapter 123? Iowa Code § 123.3(28)
  • What does a second violation of Iowa Code 123.49(2)(h) within two years bring the licensee (Iowa Code 123.50(3)(b))? Iowa Code § 123.50(3)(b)
  • What is the result of a fourth violation of Iowa Code 123.49(2)(h) within three years (Iowa Code 123.50(3)(d))? Iowa Code § 123.50(3)(d)
  • What state of mind does Iowa Code 123.49(2)(h) set for a licensee or employee who supplies alcohol to a person under legal age? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(h)
  • Where may a person under legal age be given an alcoholic beverage under Iowa Code 123.47(3)? Iowa Code § 123.47(3)

False identification 6

  • An employee retains a falsified identification card as Iowa Code 123.48 allows. From what does subsection 3 not relieve the employee? Iowa Code § 123.48(3)
  • To whom is a retained driver's license or identification card delivered under Iowa Code 123.48(1)? Iowa Code § 123.48(1)
  • What does the licensee file when a retained driver's license is delivered to law enforcement (Iowa Code 123.48(1))? Iowa Code § 123.48(1)
  • What must be handed to the person whose driver's license is retained (Iowa Code 123.48(2))? Iowa Code § 123.48(2)
  • When may a licensee or employee keep a driver's license offered by a person who wants to buy alcohol (Iowa Code 123.48(1))? Iowa Code § 123.48(1)
  • Within what time must a retained driver's license be delivered to law enforcement (Iowa Code 123.48(1))? Iowa Code § 123.48(1)

Intoxicated patrons and the Dramshop Act 8

  • A patron pretends to be drunk on a public sidewalk. What does Iowa Code 123.46(3) make of that? Iowa Code § 123.46(3)
  • How does a retail alcohol licensee furnish proof of financial responsibility under Iowa Code 123.92(2)(a)? Iowa Code § 123.92(2)(a)
  • To whom, besides an intoxicated person, does Iowa Code 123.49(1) forbid selling or giving an alcoholic beverage? Iowa Code § 123.49(1)
  • Under the Dramshop Act, which licensee can be sued by an injured third party (Iowa Code 123.92(1)(a))? Iowa Code § 123.92(1)(a)
  • What limit does Iowa Code 123.92(1)(c) place on noneconomic damages for each plaintiff against a licensee, unless the jury finds a listed exception? Iowa Code § 123.92(1)(c)
  • Which affirmative defense does Iowa Code 123.92(1)(b) give a licensee in a dramshop action? Iowa Code § 123.92(1)(b)
  • Who has the right of action in Iowa Code 123.92(1)(a)? Iowa Code § 123.92(1)(a)
  • Within what time must an injured person give the licensee written notice of an intention to bring a dramshop action (Iowa Code 123.93)? Iowa Code § 123.93

Hours, staff ages and delivery 14

  • A delivery driver finds the recipient intoxicated. What does Iowa Code 123.46A(3)(e) require? Iowa Code § 123.46A(3)(e)
  • Below what age may a licensee not employ a person to sell or serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption without written parental permission (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(f)(1))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(f)(1)
  • Between which hours may a retail alcohol licensee not sell or dispense alcoholic beverages, or permit their consumption, on the premises (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(b))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(b)
  • Between which hours must a delivery of alcoholic beverages by a retailer take place (Iowa Code 123.46A(3)(f))? Iowa Code § 123.46A(3)(f)
  • For how long must a licensee keep its records of deliveries on the licensed premises (Iowa Code 123.46A(3)(j))? Iowa Code § 123.46A(3)(j)
  • How many employees aged 18 or older must be physically present where a 16- or 17-year-old sells or serves alcohol (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(f)(3))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(f)(3)
  • How old must the person who delivers alcoholic beverages for a retailer be (Iowa Code 123.46A(3)(h))? Iowa Code § 123.46A(3)(h)
  • On which days does the closed period of Iowa Code 123.49(2)(b) apply? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(b)
  • What lets a 16- or 17-year-old sell or serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(f)(2))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(f)(2)
  • What must be obtained at the door as a condition of delivering alcoholic beverages (Iowa Code 123.46A(3)(i))? Iowa Code § 123.46A(3)(i)
  • When must the licensee receive payment for alcoholic beverages that will be delivered (Iowa Code 123.46A(3)(a))? Iowa Code § 123.46A(3)(a)
  • Where may a 16- or 17-year-old with written permission on file sell or serve alcoholic beverages (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(f)(2))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(f)(2)
  • Which training must an employer require of a 16- or 17-year-old server upon commencing employment (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(f)(5))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(f)(5)
  • Whom must an employer notify before a 16- or 17-year-old starts selling or serving alcohol (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(f)(6))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(f)(6)

Conduct on the premises 18

  • A bartender tops up a half-empty bottle of liquor from another bottle. Which rule covers that (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(e))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(e)
  • For how long must a licensee retain the record of a keg sale, with the purchaser's name and identification number (Iowa Code 123.138(2)(a))? Iowa Code § 123.138(2)(a)
  • For the ban on knowingly permitting criminal activity, what does "premises" include (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(j))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(j)
  • How large must a container of beer be to count as a "keg" that needs an identification label (Iowa Code 123.138(2)(a))? Iowa Code § 123.138(2)(a)
  • How may a retail alcohol licensee take payment without breaking the credit rule of Iowa Code 123.49(2)(c)? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(c)
  • In what container may a licensee keep alcoholic liquor on the premises, apart from drinks mixed there (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(d)(1))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(d)(1)
  • Is the absence of security staff enough to prove a licensee knowingly permitted criminal activity (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(j))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(j)
  • May a patron keep a bottle of liquor of his own on licensed premises (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(g))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(g)
  • Must there be a criminal conviction before a license is suspended under Iowa Code 123.39? Iowa Code § 123.39(1)(c)
  • What happens to the license on a conviction for violating Iowa Code 123.49(2)(a) or (e) (Iowa Code 123.50(2))? Iowa Code § 123.50(2)
  • What is the largest civil penalty the director or a local authority may impose for one violation under Iowa Code 123.39(1)(a)? Iowa Code § 123.39(1)(a)
  • What must officials have to inspect the areas where alcoholic beverages are stored, served or sold during business hours (Iowa Code 123.30(1)(b))? Iowa Code § 123.30(1)(b)
  • What must the licensee do with a partly consumed bottle of wine before the customer leaves with it (Iowa Code 123.30(4))? Iowa Code § 123.30(4)
  • Where may a retailer not place a sign advertising a brand of beer, wine or liquor (Iowa Code 123.51)? Iowa Code § 123.51(1)
  • Which alcoholic beverage may not be supplied to anyone on licensed premises under Iowa Code 123.49(2)(l)? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(l)
  • Which container is not a "sealed container" for a mixed drink sold to go (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(d)(4)(b))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(d)(4)(b)
  • Which machine may a retail alcohol licensee not sell, give or possess (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(k))? Iowa Code § 123.49(2)(k)
  • Which of these may a customer take off on-premises licensed premises under Iowa Code 123.30(4)? Iowa Code § 123.30(4)

How this list was compiled: Iowa Code 2026, chapter 123, Alcoholic Beverage Control, on the Iowa Legislature's site (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/123.pdf; one PDF per section, as https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/123.49.pdf): sections 123.3, 123.30, 123.39, 123.46, 123.46A, 123.47, 123.48, 123.49, 123.50, 123.50A, 123.51, 123.92, 123.93 and 123.138. The Iowa Department of Revenue's page on the Iowa Program for Alcohol Compliance Training (https://revenue.iowa.gov/alcohol/alcohol-tobacco-education/i-pact) and the program's own About page (https://i-pact.com/local/about.php). All read on October 15, 2026. Each question names its section. Licence: Own work. Every question, every wrong choice and every explanation was written for this site from the section it cites. Short quoted phrases are from the Iowa Code, which is public. Nothing is taken from the I-PACT course or its final test.

How it works

This unofficial Iowa alcohol server practice test asks 69 of our own questions on Iowa Code chapter 123, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act that I-PACT teaches. Not affiliated with the Iowa Department of Revenue.

Read the full guide

I-PACT and its final test

The Iowa Program for Alcohol Compliance Training is the state's free online course under Iowa Code 123.50A. A printable certificate follows its final test. Iowa issues no server permit, and the course is voluntary.

Why a licensee wants trained staff

When a certified employee sells to someone aged 18 to 20, section 123.50(5) spares the licensee the civil penalty, once in four years at that location.

Chapter 123, and nothing else

Underage sales, a false license, intoxicated patrons and the Dramshop Act, hours, staff ages, delivery and conduct. Reading the features of an Iowa driver's license, which the course also covers, is left out.

  • A falsified license may be kept, with a receipt to its holder, and goes to local law enforcement within 24 hours (Iowa Code 123.48).
  • A to-go cocktail needs a tamper-evident sealed container; a cup with a straw hole does not count (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(d)).
  • Deliveries run 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., by a driver 21 or older, against proof of age and a signature (Iowa Code 123.46A).

Questions and answers

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

18 to sell or serve drinks for on-premises consumption. A 16- or 17-year-old may serve in a restaurant, not a bar, with written parental permission on file and two adult employees present (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(f)).

What time do bars stop serving alcohol in Iowa?

2:00 a.m. No alcoholic beverage may be sold, dispensed or consumed on licensed premises between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on any day of the week (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(b)).

How long is I-PACT certification good for?

Two years. A conviction for selling to a person under legal age voids the certificate early (Iowa Code 123.50A(3)).

What score do you need to pass the I-PACT test?

The state's I-PACT pages name a final test and give no pass mark, so a score here measures this bank alone.

Does Iowa have a dram shop law?

Yes, the Dramshop Act, Iowa Code 123.92: an injured third party may sue a licensee that sold and served a visibly intoxicated person. Written notice is due within six months (Iowa Code 123.93). Not legal advice.

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