Business & Marketing
Cash Handling Test for Employees
This cash handling test helps you practice making change, spot counterfeit bills, and follow store policy so you reduce register errors. For more practice, try the counting money quiz, build role-specific skills with a bank teller skills test, or review the basics with a banking skills test.
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1At the start of your shift, when you receive a cash drawer, what should you do first?
2Which method helps ensure accurate change when giving money back to a customer?
3Identify a valid security feature on a genuine U.S. banknote.
4Which record should be updated immediately after each cash transaction?
5If your cash count is $500 but sales records show $520, what is the first step you should take?
6A customer pays $20 for a purchase totaling $13.75. How much change should you return?
7A sale of $45.30 is paid with two $20 bills and one $10 bill. What is the correct change?
8Which step helps detect a counterfeit bill when processing cash?
9According to policy, if you suspect a bill is counterfeit, what should you do?
10How should electronic payment details be documented to maintain financial security?
11If the cash drawer shows an overage of $15 at shift end, what is a likely cause?
12A customer purchases $27.45 of goods with 7% tax. If they pay with $40, how much change should you return?
13How many standard coin rolls of nickels ($2 per roll) are needed to make $18?
14To accurately record a cash refund of $15.50, you should:
15When reconciling the cash drawer, you notice $5 in unlisted bills. What is the best corrective action?
16Your starting float is $150. You record cash sales of $123.45 and cash returns of $10.50 during your shift. What should your ending cash balance be before reconciliation?
17You count 7 ten-dollar bills, 15 five-dollar bills, 20 one-dollar bills, and $18.25 in coins. What is the total amount of cash you have?
18Under UV light, a genuine U.S. $20 bill from series 2003 will display a security thread glowing what color?
19According to company policy, if you incur a daily cash shortage exceeding $50, what action is required?
20Your petty cash fund is $100. After expenses of $72.35, the fund contains $27.65. To replenish it, which journal entry is correct?
Learning Goals
Learning Outcomes
- Identify correct cash handling and reconciliation procedures
- Calculate accurate change and transaction totals in practice scenarios
- Detect and respond to counterfeit or fraudulent currency
- Apply company policies to uphold financial security and integrity
- Demonstrate precise recording of monetary transactions
- Evaluate discrepancies and implement corrective measures
Study Guide
Cheat Sheet
- Master the 'Count Up' Method for Giving Change - Start from the purchase amount and count up to the cash given to guarantee accurate change and superhero-level confidence. For example, if the total is $7.50 and the customer hands you $10, say "50¢ to $8, then $2 to $10." This fun habit minimizes mistakes and makes every customer feel like a VIP. Cash Handling 3: Principles
- Understand the Importance of Segregation of Duties - Split cash collection, recording, and reconciliation between different teammates to build a fortress against errors and fraud. Think of it as assembling a cash-handling dream team where no single player has all the power. This core control measure keeps your money safe and your practice rock-solid. Internal Controls | CU Bursar's Office
- Recognize Security Features in U.S. Currency - Play detective by spotting color-shifting ink, watermarks, and security threads in your bills. Tilt a $20 and watch the "20" shimmer from copper to green - instant proof you're dealing with the real deal. Mastering these tricks keeps counterfeiters on their toes. Four Simple Ways to Spot Counterfeit Currency
- Implement Proper Cash Handling Procedures - Always issue receipts, never dip into your own wallet for change, and lock up cash when you step away. These habits create an unbreakable chain of accountability and protect both you and your organization. Consistency is key to staying on top of your game. Cash Handling 3: Principles
- Utilize Counterfeit Detection Tools - Arm yourself with detection pens that react to starch in regular paper but stay cool on genuine bills. Pair this tool with fingerprint gadgets and UV lights for a counterfeit-fighting dream team. Stay sharp, because the bad guys never quit! Counterfeit Banknote Detection Pen
- Maintain Accurate Transaction Records - Log every sale immediately using pre-numbered receipts or a trusty cash register to avoid mystery shortages. Think of yourself as a cash-reporting rockstar whose meticulous ledger brings clarity to every penny. Accurate records mean smooth audits and happy managers. Safeguarding Cash and Cash Equivalents
- Secure Cash and Cash Equivalents - Stash money in locked safes or drawers and grant access only to authorized vault guardians. Change combinations on the regular and keep keys under lock and key to thwart sneaky hands. A locked drawer is your money's best friend! General Cash Handling Principles
- Conduct Regular Reconciliations - Play financial detective by matching daily cash receipts to recorded sales and nailing down any discrepancies on the spot. This habit zeroes out those "uh-oh" moments and keeps your accounts balanced to the cent. Consistency here is your secret weapon. Cash Handling Guide
- Follow Company Policies for Financial Security - Embrace your organization's cash-handling playbook like a pro athlete studying game film. Adhering to established procedures for reporting and security upholds your team's integrity and keeps everyone playing fair. Policies are here to help you shine! Cash Handling Procedures
- Stay Informed About Counterfeit Detection Techniques - Keep your skills fresh with regular training on the latest spoof-spotting strategies from top institutions. The counterfeit game evolves, so your knowledge must too - be the first line of defense against fake bills. Lifelong learning keeps you one step ahead. Spotting Counterfeit Currency
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Updated Feb 18, 2026