The ITLS course is widely accepted internationally as the standard for prehospital trauma care training, focusing on practical skills and scenario-based learning. Practice with the free ITLS - International Trauma Life Support practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (200+ questions with answer explanations).

ITLS Exam at a Glance

Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against International Trauma Life Support. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.

Free ITLS - International Trauma Life Support Study Tools

Interactive ITLS - International Trauma Life Support resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• Free ITLS Adult Basic Questions and Answers 1 — 11 questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
• ITLS - International Trauma Life Support flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• ITLS - International Trauma Life Support study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• ITLS - International Trauma Life Support cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

Review the ITLS powerpoint slides provided during your course. The ITLS testing scenarios often mirror the case studies discussed in class. Focus on the primary survey sequence!

Many EMS agencies and hospitals will cover the ITLS course cost for their employees. Check with your training officer about reimbursement options.

Master ITLS Trauma Care

Get ready for your certification with our comprehensive ITLS practice test. Review ITLS advanced and basic concepts to pass with confidence.

Check with your local chapter about grace periods. Usually, if your ITLS certification has expired, you may need to take the full 2-day course again instead of the refresher.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Sample ITLS - International Trauma Life Support Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free ITLS - International Trauma Life Support practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. At what gestational age does ITLS recommend performing a perimortem cesarean section in a pregnant patient in cardiac arrest, and what is the goal?

   • A. Only at full term (40 weeks)
   • B. At approximately 23-24 weeks viable gestation, ideally within 4-5 minutes of arrest, to both save the fetus and improve maternal resuscitation by relieving aortocaval compression
   • C. Only after 30 minutes of unsuccessful CPR
   • D. Perimortem cesarean section is never performed prehospitally

   Answer: B. At approximately 23-24 weeks viable gestation, ideally within 4-5 minutes of arrest, to both save the fetus and improve maternal resuscitation by relieving aortocaval compression

   Perimortem cesarean section is recommended at ≥23-24 weeks gestational age, with delivery within 4-5 minutes of cardiac arrest. The dual purpose is fetal survival and improvement of maternal hemodynamics by relieving aortocaval compression.

2. Which of the following is a key component of the ITLS Secondary Survey?

   • A. A rapid head-to-toe check for life-threatening injuries.
   • B. Obtaining a SAMPLE history.
   • C. Assessing airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
   • D. Determining the patient's level of consciousness using AVPU.

   Answer: B. Obtaining a SAMPLE history.

   The ITLS Secondary Survey is a more detailed, systematic head-to-toe examination performed after the primary survey and immediate life-saving interventions are complete. A critical part of this survey is gathering a patient history using the AMPLE or SAMPLE mnemonic (Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, Events leading to injury).

3. During the ITLS Primary Survey of a trauma patient, which of the following is the correct and immediate action for an identified airway obstruction?

   • A. Continue the survey to assess breathing and circulation.
   • B. Immediately intervene to clear the obstruction before proceeding.
   • C. Complete the full primary survey and then address the airway.
   • D. Apply a cervical collar and move to the breathing assessment.

   Answer: B. Immediately intervene to clear the obstruction before proceeding.

   The ITLS Primary Survey protocol dictates that it should only be interrupted for scene safety issues, airway obstruction, or cardiac arrest. A compromised airway is an immediate life threat that must be managed before any other assessment or intervention continues.

4. A 28-year-old male has a deep, actively bleeding laceration to his right upper arm after an industrial accident. Direct pressure has failed to control the severe arterial bleeding. What is the most appropriate next step according to ITLS guidelines?

   • A. Apply a hemostatic agent and continue direct pressure.
   • B. Immediately apply a tourniquet proximal to the wound.
   • C. Initiate rapid transport and apply pressure during transit.
   • D. Establish IV access and begin rapid fluid resuscitation.

   Answer: B. Immediately apply a tourniquet proximal to the wound.

   For life-threatening extremity hemorrhage that is not controlled by direct pressure, the immediate application of a tourniquet is the next critical intervention to stop the blood loss. ITLS emphasizes a 'C-ABC' approach, prioritizing catastrophic hemorrhage control before airway and breathing.

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Official Resources

• International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) is the organization that publishes the ITLS curriculum and manages course listings, instructors, and provider certification.
• ITLS Provider Course is the official course page, describing 8 hours of didactic instruction, 8 hours of hands-on skills training, and testing for ITLS Basic or Advanced.
• CAPCE (Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education) is the body that accredits EMS continuing education, useful for checking whether a course counts toward your recertification hours.