NPLQ Practice Test 2026
Free NPLQ practice test with 1,141+ questions covering pool safety, rescue techniques, and first aid. Updated for 2026 with instant results. Start free today.
The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification NPLQ is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It complies with the industry guidance contained within the HSE publication "Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools."
NPLQ Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
NPLQ First Aid and Emergency Response
NPLQ Exam Questions covering First Aid and Emergency Response. Master NPLQ Test concepts for certification prep.
NPLQ Pool Equipment and Maintenance
Free NPLQ Practice Test featuring Pool Equipment and Maintenance. Improve your NPLQ Exam score with mock test prep.
NPLQ Pool Safety and Lifeguard
NPLQ Mock Exam on Pool Safety and Lifeguard. NPLQ Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
NPLQ Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
NPLQ Mock Test covering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Online NPLQ Test practice with instant feedback.
NPLQ Emergency Action Plan Response
Free NPLQ Quiz on Emergency Action Plan Response. NPLQ Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
NPLQ First Aid and Casualty Care
NPLQ Practice Questions for First Aid and Casualty Care. Build confidence for your NPLQ certification exam.
NPLQ Intervention and Rescue Skills
NPLQ Test Online for Intervention and Rescue Skills. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
NPLQ Lifeguard Principles and Law
NPLQ Study Material on Lifeguard Principles and Law. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualificati...
Free NPLQ Test covering - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Practice and track your NPLQ exam readiness.
NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualificati...
NPLQ Exam Questions covering - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Emergency Action Plan Response. Master NPLQ Test concepts for certification prep.
NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualificati...
Free NPLQ Practice Test featuring - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification First Aid and Casualty Care. Improve your NPLQ Exam score with mock test prep.
NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualificati...
NPLQ Mock Exam on - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Intervention and Rescue Skills. NPLQ Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualificati...
NPLQ Test Prep for - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Lifeguard Principles and Law. Practice NPLQ Quiz questions and boost your score.
NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualificati...
NPLQ Questions and Answers on - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Pool Supervision and Safety. Free NPLQ practice for exam readiness.
NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualificati...
NPLQ Mock Test covering - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Spinal Cord Injury Management. Online NPLQ Test practice with instant feedback.
NPLQ Risk Assessment and Hazard Identifica...
Free NPLQ Quiz on NPLQ Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification. NPLQ Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
NPLQ Risk Assessment and Hazard Identifica...
NPLQ Practice Questions for NPLQ Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification Questions and Answers. Build confidence for your NPLQ certification exam.
NPLQ Water Quality and Chemical Management
NPLQ Test Online for NPLQ Water Quality and Chemical Management. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
NPLQ Water Quality and Chemical Management...
NPLQ Study Material on NPLQ Water Quality and Chemical Management Questions and Answers. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
NPLQ Pool Safety and Lifeguard Principles
Free NPLQ Test covering Pool Safety and Lifeguard Principles. Practice and track your NPLQ exam readiness.
NPLQ Flashcards & Study Questions
Quick review for your NPLQ assessment
🏊♂️What is the 10:20 scanning system?
Scan your zone in 10 seconds and reach an incident within 20 seconds.
START NPLQ PRACTICE TEST🚑What is the primary survey in First Aid?
DR ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation/CPR.
GET NPLQ EXAM PREP📋What does PSOP stand for?
Pool Safety Operating Procedures, consisting of the NOP and EAP.
REVIEW NPLQ QUESTIONS🩺What is the compression to breath ratio for adult CPR?
30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths (30:2).
TRY NPLQ MOCK EXAM🔊What does one long whistle blast mean?
It indicates a major emergency where the pool needs to be cleared.
ACCESS NPLQ STUDY GUIDE🧱How deep should chest compressions be for an adult?
5 to 6 centimeters deep.
PRACTICE NPLQ TEST NOWNPLQ Exam Study Guide
The NPLQ qualification covers a broad range of topics from pool supervision to emergency first aid. Our study guide breaks down the essential components you need to master. Understanding the NPLQ requirements is the first step toward becoming NPLQ qualified.
NPLQ Qualification Structure & Format
The NPLQ qualification is divided into three sections. Each section must be completed successfully to become NPLQ qualified. The assessment includes practical water work, dry side simulation, and theory questions.
Focuses on the role of the lifeguard, swimming pool safety, and supervision.
- Topics: Health & Safety, PSOP, Risk Assessment
- Questions: Theory MCQ + Verbal
Covers intervention, rescue techniques, and emergency action plans.
- Topics: In-water rescue, assisted lifts, spinal recovery
- Questions: Practical Demonstration
Comprehensive first aid training relevant to a pool environment.
- Topics: Adult/Child/Infant CPR, Defibrillation
- Questions: Practical + Oral Q&A
Candidates must demonstrate fitness through timed swimming assessments.
- Topics: 20m swim & tow < 45s, 20m swim & tow < 65s
- Questions: Timed Physical Test
Written or multiple-choice paper testing knowledge of protocols.
- Topics: Legislation, EAP, NOP contents
- Questions: ~60 Questions
Automated External Defibrillator training is now integral to NPLQ.
- Topics: Safe use of AED in wet environment
- Questions: Practical Assessment
Focus heavily on the NPLQ practical pool assessment requirements. While theory is important, most candidates find the physical tow and spinal management techniques the most challenging. Practice your timed tows and surface dives repeatedly.
NPLQ Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
150
105 out of 150 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
NPLQ Salary and Lifeguard Earnings
NPLQ qualified lifeguards enjoy competitive hourly rates and career progression opportunities in the leisure industry.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Monthly Income | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔰 Entry Lifeguard | £22,000 | £1,833 | 0-1 Years |
| 🏊 Experienced | £25,000 | £2,083 | 1-3 Years |
| 👀 Senior Lifeguard | £28,000 | £2,333 | 3-5 Years |
| 🏢 Duty Manager | £32,000 | £2,666 | 5+ Years |
| 🎓 Trainer Assessor | £35,000+ | £2,916+ | Specialist |
💰 Career Growth
Becoming NPLQ qualified is often the first step in a leisure career. Many Duty Managers and Center Managers started as lifeguards. Additional qualifications like Swim Teaching or Gym Instructing can significantly boost earnings.
How to Become a NPLQ Qualified Lifeguard
The journey to becoming a lifeguard involves rigorous training and assessment. Unlike some online certifications, NPLQ online training is limited because practical pool skills are mandatory. Here is the process to get your qualification.
Register
Train
Assess
Qualify
NPLQ Cost and Certification Fees
Included Assessment Fee Usually
part of course
Free
*Funded Courses*Some employers pay
Many leisure centers offer NPLQ courses for free if you commit to working for them for a certain period (e.g., 6-12 months). Search for "trainee lifeguard" jobs to find these opportunities.
NPLQ Testing Contacts
For official information regarding the national pool lifeguard qualification NPLQ, contact the governing body.
RLSS UK
Royal Life Saving Society
IQL UK
International Qualifications
Course
Finder Find Local Courses
Support
General Enquiries
NPLQ Test Day Checklist
Ready to Pass Your NPLQ?
Join thousands of successful lifeguards who passed their national pool lifeguard qualification NPLQ with our help. Start your free practice test today.
NPLQ Renewal Requirements
Training Hours
20 Hours
Period
2 Years
To renew, you must evidence 20 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) over the 2-year period. Most employers provide monthly staff training that counts towards this. You then sit a renewal assessment (practical & theory).
NPLQ Exam Questions and Answers
About the Author
Certified Professional Development Expert & Niche Certification Advisor
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of EducationDr. Alexandra Kim holds a PhD in Professional Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) and Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD). With 17 years of corporate training and professional certification advisory experience, she helps professionals navigate specialized, emerging, and cross-industry certification programs.