TABC Seller-Server Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

A student must correctly answer 70 percent of the questions asked on the Commission Standard Competence Test (16 TAC 50.26(b)(19)); TABC does not publish the number of questions or a time limit for the test. The course is a 120-minute classroom course or an internet-based self-paced course (16 TAC 50.29(a)), and TABC lists private providers that offer computer-based or internet courses. The seller-server certificate is valid for two years from the date it is issued (TABC certification FAQ; 16 TAC 50.28(b)).

Texas law does not require certification, but many employers do, and certified staff can help an employer qualify for the TABC safe harbor against sanctions for sales to minors and intoxicated persons.

Servers, bartenders, cashiers and managers who sell, serve or deliver alcohol in Texas.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

The TABC certification FAQ read for this guide does not state retake rules, because the course and test are given by approved providers; ask your provider what happens if you do not pass.

The real test is passed with at least 70 percent of the questions answered correctly (16 TAC 50.26(b)(19)). TABC does not publish the real question count or time limit, so the portal mock uses its own practice settings and the same 70 percent target. Format: a competence test at the end of a 120-minute classroom or self-paced online course; the number of questions is not published. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

A student must correctly answer 70 percent of the questions asked on the Commission Standard Competence Test (16 TAC 50.26(b)(19)); TABC does not publish the number of questions or a time limit for the test. The course is a 120-minute classroom course or an internet-based self-paced course (16 TAC 50.29(a)), and TABC lists private providers that offer computer-based or internet courses. The seller-server certificate is valid for two years from the date it is issued (TABC certification FAQ; 16 TAC 50.28(b)). Commission Standard Competence Test, 70 percent to pass · 120-minute classroom course or internet-based self-paced course. The real test is passed with at least 70 percent of the questions answered correctly (16 TAC 50.26(b)(19)). TABC does not publish the real question count or time limit, so the portal mock uses its own practice settings and the same 70 percent target.

The portal groups the material into five topics: alcohol effects, intoxication and monitoring; the law on intoxicated persons; the law on minors; proper identification; and sanctions, safe harbor and employer responsibility. TABC does not publish weights.

TABC states that there is no requirement to be certified under state law, but many employers require certification. Employees who sell, serve or deliver alcohol and their immediate managers must be certified within 30 days of their hire date for an employer to benefit from the safe harbor criteria.

Prices come from the approved provider; TABC publishes the list of providers but not their prices.

The certificate expires two years after it is issued (TABC); take the course and test again with an approved provider to renew.

Work through the exam topics one area at a time, finish with timed full-length practice runs of 40 questions in one sitting.

TABC rules in 16 TAC chapter 50 were amended in 2024 (section 50.3 effective February 12, 2024); this guide follows the TABC page and the codified rules as of October 2026.