CPR Practice Test

CPR Exam at a Glance

What changed for CPR in 2026

• Oct 24, 2026: Delivery (Red Cross CPR) changed to In-person, online or blended (previously In-person or blended, with a required in-person skills session).^[2]
• Oct 24, 2026: Exam fee (AHA BLS Provider) changed to $10.00 for the BLS online exam (previously $10.00 for the BLS online exam (instructor-led course)).^[1]
• Oct 24, 2026: Exam fee (AHA HeartCode BLS (blended)) changed to $38.00 for the online part; skills session sold separately (previously $38.00 for the online part; the hands-on skills session is sold separately).^[3]
• Oct 24, 2026: Passing score (AHA BLS Provider) changed to 84% minimum on the online exam, plus both skills tests (previously 84% minimum on the online exam, plus passing the skills tests).^[1]
• Oct 24, 2026: Validity (AHA BLS Provider) changed to 2 years (previously 2 years, through the end of the month the card was issued).^[3]

Car First Aid Kit

When it comes to preparing for road trips or everyday commutes, having a car first aid kit is an essential yet often overlooked necessity. While most drivers are quick to ensure their vehicles are equipped with spare tires and emergency tools, a well-stocked first aid kit can be just as crucial in unexpected situations. Whether it's a minor scrape from a hiking adventure or more serious injuries resulting from a car accident, having the right medical supplies on hand can make all the difference in providing immediate assistance.

In addition to the basic bandages and antiseptic wipes, consider including items such as instant ice packs, disposable gloves, and even a first-aid manual for those who may not be familiar with proper treatment protocols. Moreover, customizable kits can cater to specific activities or medical needs of the passengers – including medications for those with known allergies or chronic conditions. By staying proactive and well-prepared, motorists can better handle unforeseen health-related emergencies and ensure that help is readily available when it's needed most.

According to American Heart Association, “students in the Basic Life Support (BLS) Course must pass both skills tests and an online exam with a score of at least 84%.”^[1]

Worked examples: how to reason through CPR 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: During a resuscitation, the team leader notices the compressor is fatiguing and compressions are getting shallow. What is the best action?

1. Tell the compressor to push harder and continue
2. Stop CPR to discuss the problem with the team
3. Swap compressors immediately and minimize interruptions
4. Wait until the next 2-minute cycle to switch

Answer: C. Swap compressors immediately and minimize interruptions

Explanation:

The best action is to swap compressors immediately while keeping interruptions as short as possible. Fatigue makes compressions shallow, and shallow compressions move less blood, so the fix is a fresh rescuer, ideally at a natural pause such as a rhythm check.

Telling the compressor to push harder ignores the cause: a tired person cannot keep up quality by effort alone. Stopping CPR to hold a discussion adds a long pause with no blood flow. Waiting for the next scheduled cycle leaves poor compressions going longer than necessary.

Rule to remember: rotate compressors as soon as quality drops, and make the handover quick and quiet.

Example 2

Question: What is the main danger of a large second-degree burn over a wide body area?

1. It is purely cosmetic
2. Fluid loss leading to shock and infection risk
3. It always heals without care
4. It cannot be felt by the victim

Answer: B. Fluid loss leading to shock and infection risk

Explanation:

The main danger of a large second-degree burn is fluid loss that can lead to shock, together with a higher risk of infection. A burn over a wide area damages a lot of skin, which normally holds fluid in and keeps germs out.

Calling it purely cosmetic is wrong because the effects reach the whole body. Saying it always heals without care is wrong because large burns need medical attention and wound protection. Saying it cannot be felt is wrong because second-degree burns are usually painful, since nerve endings are still active.

Rule to remember: the size of a burn matters as much as its depth. Large burns call for emergency help, keeping the person warm and watching for signs of shock.

Example 3

Question: What is the recommended initial oxygen concentration for PPV in term (≥37 weeks) newborns during resuscitation?

1. 100% oxygen
2. 21% oxygen (room air)
3. 60% oxygen
4. 40% oxygen

Answer: B. 21% oxygen (room air)

Explanation:

The correct answer is 21% oxygen, which is room air. For term newborns of 37 weeks or more, positive pressure ventilation starts with room air, and the concentration is raised only if oxygen saturation stays low.

100% oxygen is wrong because routine high oxygen exposure is not needed and is avoided at the start in term babies. 60% and 40% are also wrong because they begin above room air without any sign that the baby needs more.

Rule to remember: for term newborns, start low with room air and adjust upward based on the baby's response and saturation readings, not by default.

How to use these practice tests

Start by checking which course your employer or board requires, then read that provider's official material so you know whether you are preparing for an AHA or a Red Cross course.

Begin with the broad sets, such as Basic CPR and BLS for Healthcare Providers, to find your weak areas. Then work through topic sets one at a time: Adult CPR and AED Usage, Child and Infant CPR, Airway Obstruction and Choking and High-Performance Team Dynamics.

After each set, read the explanation for every question, including the ones you got right. Write down the rule behind each miss in your own words, then redo that set a few days later.

• Practise the physical skills with a manikin or in your skills session, since a written quiz cannot replace hands-on practice.
• Use our questions to check understanding, not to memorise answers. They are written by us and are not real exam questions.
• Before test day, review your notes and any provider handouts, and arrive with the right card requirements confirmed.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Sources & last verified

1. elearning.heart.org — passing score, exam fee (official source). “students in the Basic Life Support (BLS) Course must pass both skills tests and an online exam with a score of at least 84%.” Verified Oct 24, 2026.
2. American Heart Association — passing score, delivery (official source). “After passing a learning assessment with a score of 80% or better, you will have successfully completed the course.” Verified Oct 24, 2026.
3. elearning.heart.org — exam fee, validity (official source). “Price : $38.00” Verified Oct 24, 2026.
4. American Heart Association — validity (official source). “CPR certification lasts 2 years after you successfully complete your training.” Verified Oct 24, 2026.
5. American Heart Association — renewal (official source). “Designed for those whose credentials are still valid but near expiration, our abbreviated CPR renewal courses take less time than our standard CPR classes, and…” Verified Oct 24, 2026.
6. shopcpr.heart.org — delivery (official source). “must complete a hands-on session (sold separately)” Verified Oct 24, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.