BLS Practice Test
Updated November 2026Facts verified Oct 24, 2026 against American Heart Association
Imagine this: you're walking down the street and suddenly, someone collapses right in front of you. Panic sets in as you realize they are not breathing and their pulse is fading fast. In that crucial moment, knowing how to perform basic life support can mean the difference between life and death. Basic Life Support 2026 (BLS) is a fundamental emergency medical intervention that anyone can learn, regardless of their background or experience.
- The AHA BLS Provider written exam in the instructor-led course consists of 25 questions.[1]
- The AHA BLS Provider written exam requires a minimum passing score of 84%.[1]
- AHA Training Centers set their own fees and schedules for BLS and other CPR courses, so the cost varies by Training Center.[2]
- The cost of American Red Cross BLS classes varies by format and by where you take the class.[3]
- AHA BLS students are allowed no more than two attempts to pass the online exam, and receive formal remediation after an unsuccessful exam.[1]
- An AHA BLS Provider course completion card is valid for two years, through the end of the month in which it was issued.[2]
- American Red Cross BLS certification is valid for two years.[3]
- American Red Cross BLS recertification courses are intended for people whose BLS certification is still current or will expire within 30 days.[4]
- For AHA blended learning, students complete the online portion of HeartCode BLS and then a hands-on skills session with an AHA Training Center to obtain a course completion card.[5]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
BLS Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions (AHA BLS Provider — instructor-led) | 25 questions[1] | American Heart Association · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Passing score (AHA BLS Provider — instructor-led) | At least 84%[1] | American Heart Association · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Exam fee (AHA BLS Provider) | Set by each Training Center[2] | American Heart Association · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Exam fee (American Red Cross BLS) | Varies by format and location[3] | redcross.org · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Retake policy (AHA BLS Provider — instructor-led) | Maximum two attempts for the online exam, with remediation between attempts[1] | American Heart Association · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Validity (AHA BLS Provider) | Two years[2] | American Heart Association · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Validity (American Red Cross BLS) | Two years[3] | redcross.org · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Renewal (American Red Cross BLS) | Take a BLS recertification course while current or expired no more than 30 days[4] | redcross.org · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Delivery (AHA BLS Provider — blended learning) | HeartCode BLS online plus hands-on skills session with an AHA Training Center[5] | American Heart Association · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Delivery (American Red Cross BLS — blended learning) | Online coursework plus required in-person skills session[6] | redcross.org · Oct 24, 2026 |
What changed for BLS in 2026
- Oct 24, 2026: Exam fee (AHA BLS Provider) changed to Set by each Training Center (previously Set by the Training Center).[2]
- Oct 24, 2026: Retake policy (AHA BLS Provider — instructor-led) changed to Maximum two attempts for the online exam, with remediation between attempts (previously Maximum two attempts for the online exam).[1]
- Oct 24, 2026: Renewal (American Red Cross BLS) changed to Take a BLS recertification course while current or expired no more than 30 days (previously Complete a BLS recertification course).[4]
According to American Heart Association, “The exam has a minimum passing score of 84%.”[1]
BLS Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the BLS - Basic Life Support exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
BLS High-Quality CPR & Provider Skills
BLS Test Prep for BLS High-Quality CPR & Provider Skills. Practice BLS Quiz questions and boost your score.
BLS Special Situations & Scenarios
BLS Questions and Answers on BLS Special Situations & Scenarios. Free BLS practice for exam readiness.
BLS Opioid-Associated Emergencies & Naloxone
Free BLS Test covering Opioid-Associated Emergencies & Naloxone. Practice and track your BLS exam readiness.
BLS Certification: Cardiac Arrest
BLS Questions and Answers on Certification: Cardiac Arrest. Free BLS practice for exam readiness.
Worked examples: how to reason through BLS questions
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Example 1
Question: Supplemental oxygen provided during rescue breathing should ideally deliver what fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂)?
- Close to 100% (high-flow oxygen)
- 21% (room air is adequate)
- 40–50% via simple face mask
- 28% via nasal cannula
Answer: A. Close to 100% (high-flow oxygen)
Explanation:
The correct answer is close to 100% oxygen, delivered as high-flow oxygen. During rescue breathing the patient is not getting enough oxygen into the blood, and high inspired oxygen gives the best chance of reaching hypoxic tissues.
Room air at 21% is wrong because that is the oxygen in the air the patient is already failing to use well. A simple face mask at 40 to 50% and a nasal cannula at 28% both deliver a lower fraction than the situation calls for, and a nasal cannula also suits a patient who is breathing adequately, not one who needs ventilation.
Rule to remember: when you are supporting breathing in an emergency, use the highest oxygen concentration available and do not settle for a device that dilutes it.
Example 2
Question: Which ethical principle is MOST directly upheld when a BLS provider honors a patient's valid advance directive refusing CPR?
- Beneficence
- Nonmaleficence
- Autonomy
- Justice
Answer: C. Autonomy
Explanation:
The correct answer is autonomy. A valid advance directive is the patient's own recorded decision about their care, and following it respects their right to decide what happens to their body, including refusing CPR.
Beneficence means acting for the patient's benefit, which can pull toward doing CPR, so it is not what is upheld here. Nonmaleficence means avoiding harm; it can be argued either way and is not the principle most directly engaged by honouring a refusal. Justice concerns fair distribution of care and resources among patients, which has nothing to do with one person's choice.
Rule to remember: when the question is about a competent person's own decision, or a valid document that records it, the principle is autonomy.
Example 3
Question: How long should a rescuer spend checking for a carotid pulse before deciding to start CPR?
- Up to 30 seconds to be certain
- No more than 10 seconds
- Exactly 15 seconds per protocol
- Until the rescuer is 100% confident no pulse exists
Answer: B. No more than 10 seconds
Explanation:
The correct answer is no more than 10 seconds. A pulse check is a quick look, and its purpose is to decide whether to start compressions, not to prove the pulse is absent.
Up to 30 seconds is wrong because it delays CPR while the heart is not circulating blood. Exactly 15 seconds is wrong because no protocol treats the check as a fixed timed task; it is a maximum. Waiting until you are 100% confident is wrong because pulses are hard to feel, even for trained providers, and certainty is not required.
Rule to remember: if you do not clearly feel a pulse within the limit, treat it as absent and begin CPR straight away. Delay does more harm than starting compressions on a patient who turns out to have a pulse.
How to use these practice tests
Start with the official material for the course you are taking, either the AHA BLS Provider course materials or the Red Cross BLS course, so you know what your instructor will teach and test. Then use these sets to find weak spots.
Begin with BLS CPR Techniques & Procedures and BLS High-Quality CPR & Provider Skills, since compressions and ventilations underpin most other topics. Move on to AED use, airway management and choking.
Next, work through the situational sets: adult, child and infant resuscitation, special situations, opioid emergencies and team dynamics.
After every miss, read the explanation, then write down the rule in your own words. Retake the set a few days later without looking at your notes. Because the skills session is hands-on, practise the physical sequence aloud as well, since reading answers is not a substitute for doing compressions and breaths.
- ✓Confirm your exam appointment and location
- ✓Bring required identification documents
- ✓Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
- ✓Read each question carefully before answering
- ✓Flag difficult questions and return to them later
- ✓Manage your time — don't spend too long on one question
- ✓Review flagged questions before submitting
American Heart Association Basic Life Support
The American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is essential for anyone looking to save lives in emergency situations. The hands-on training provided equips individuals with the skills needed to perform CPR, use automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and aid choking victims effectively. This certification goes beyond simple first aid knowledge, focusing on life-saving techniques that can make a real difference during critical moments.
One of the key aspects of BLS certification is the emphasis on quick and effective action. In emergencies like cardiac arrest, every second counts, and having the confidence to initiate proper protocols can truly be lifesaving. By staying up-to-date with BLS training, individuals not only enhance their own readiness but also contribute to creating safer communities where more people are equipped to respond effectively in times of crisis. Remember, being prepared could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our aha bls practice questions resource.
BLS: Pros and Cons
- +basic life support certification — bLS credential is recognized by employers and industry professionals
- +Higher earning potential compared to non-credentialed peers
- +Expanded career opportunities and professional advancement
- +Structured learning path builds comprehensive knowledge
- +Professional development that stays current with industry standards
- −Preparation requires significant time and study commitment
- −Associated costs for exams, materials, and renewal fees
- −Continuing education needed to maintain credentials
- −Competition for advanced positions can be challenging
- −Requirements and standards may vary by state or region
BLS Flashcards: Key Facts to Know
💓 What is the correct CPR compression rate and depth for an adult in BLS?
Push at 100 to 120 compressions per minute to a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). Let the chest fully recoil after every compression and keep interruptions as short as possible.
START BLS PRACTICE TEST🔢 What is the BLS compression-to-breath ratio for adults, children and infants?
Adults get 30 compressions to 2 breaths whether there are one or two rescuers. For children and infants, a single rescuer uses 30:2, but two rescuers switch to 15:2 because pediatric arrests are often caused by breathing problems.
START BLS PRACTICE TEST👶 How do you do chest compressions on an infant under the 2025 AHA guidelines?
Use the 2-thumb-encircling-hands technique, or the heel of one hand if you cannot encircle the chest. The 2025 guidelines eliminated the old 2-finger technique because it often failed to reach proper depth, which is about 1.5 inches (4 cm), or one-third of the chest.
START BLS PRACTICE TEST⏱️ How long should a BLS pulse check take?
Check for a pulse and breathing at the same time for no more than 10 seconds. Use the carotid artery in adults and the brachial artery in infants. If you do not definitely feel a pulse within 10 seconds, start CPR beginning with chest compressions.
START BLS PRACTICE TEST🫁 What should you do for a choking adult who is still conscious?
The 2025 AHA guidelines recommend alternating 5 back blows with 5 abdominal thrusts until the object comes out or the person becomes unresponsive. This replaced the earlier abdominal-thrusts-only approach for children. If the person becomes unresponsive, call for help and start CPR.
START BLS PRACTICE TEST🍼 How do you help a choking infant in BLS?
Alternate 5 back blows with 5 chest thrusts, using the heel of one hand for the chest thrusts, until the object is expelled or the infant becomes unresponsive. Abdominal thrusts are not used on infants because of the risk of injury to internal organs.
START BLS PRACTICE TEST⚡ What do you do right after an AED delivers a shock?
Resume CPR immediately, starting with chest compressions, without stopping to check for a pulse. The AED will re-analyze the rhythm after about 2 minutes of CPR. Turning the AED on and following its voice prompts is always the first step once it arrives.
START BLS PRACTICE TEST🌬️ How often do you give rescue breaths when a person has a pulse but is not breathing normally?
For an adult, give 1 breath every 6 seconds, which is about 10 breaths per minute. For an infant or child, give 1 breath every 2 to 3 seconds, or 20 to 30 breaths per minute. Recheck the pulse about every 2 minutes and start CPR if it disappears.
START BLS PRACTICE TEST💊 What is the BLS response to a suspected opioid overdose?
Call for help, check breathing and pulse, and give naloxone if it is available and the person is not breathing normally. If there is no pulse, high-quality CPR comes first; naloxone never replaces compressions. The 2025 AHA guidelines added a dedicated opioid-emergency algorithm with public guidance on naloxone.
START BLS PRACTICE TEST🔄 How often should rescuers switch compressors during BLS?
Switch the person doing compressions about every 2 minutes, or roughly every 5 cycles of 30:2, ideally during an AED rhythm analysis. Compression quality drops as rescuers tire, often before they notice it, and the switch should take less than 10 seconds.
START BLS PRACTICE TESTSources & last verified
- American Heart Association — number of questions, passing score, retake policy (official source). “The BLS exam consists of 25 questions.” Verified Oct 24, 2026.
- American Heart Association — exam fee, validity (official source). “Training Centers set their own fees and schedules. You will need to contact Training Centers directly to inquire about their cost for training.” Verified Oct 24, 2026.
- redcross.org — exam fee, validity (official source). “The cost of BLS classes vary based on the format and where you take the class.” Verified Oct 24, 2026.
- redcross.org — renewal (official source). “These courses are intended for individuals whose BLS certification is still current or will expire within 30 days.” Verified Oct 24, 2026.
- American Heart Association — delivery (official source). “After completing the online portion of this course, you must complete a hands-on session (sold separately) with an AHA Training Center to obtain a course…” Verified Oct 24, 2026.
- redcross.org — delivery (official source). “This format includes the online coursework plus the required in-person skills session needed to earn BLS certification.” Verified Oct 24, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.
Official Resources
- American Heart Association: 2025 CPR and ECC Guidelines announcement summarizes the October 2025 changes to choking response, opioid emergencies and the chain of survival that BLS courses now teach.
- American Red Cross: BLS Training and Certification lists Red Cross BLS class formats, including blended learning that leads to a 2-year certification.
- International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) publishes the international resuscitation science reviews that national CPR and BLS guidelines are built on.
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- cpr.heart.org — Fees, renewal, score validity, exam format, passing score, retake policy, time limit, test delivery, exam information · verified Nov 2026
- redcross.org — Renewal, fees, score validity, test delivery · verified Nov 2026