CPR CERTIFICATION EXAM COMPLETE PRACTICE EXAM WITH DETAILED
ANSWERS | 2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE | FULL STUDY GUIDE | EXAM PREP |
PRACTICE TEST | CERTIFICATION PREPARATION
1. A healthcare provider arrives at the scene of an adult who has suddenly collapsed. The
person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. What should the provider do first?
A. Check for a pulse for 60 seconds before taking action
B. Provide rescue breaths immediately
C. Activate the emergency response system and begin CPR
D. Wait for advanced medical personnel to arrive
When an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally, immediate CPR and activation of
emergency response resources are critical. Delaying care while waiting for additional help
reduces the chance of survival.
2. A rescuer begins chest compressions on an adult during CPR. Which compression rate is
recommended?
A. 40–60 compressions per minute
B. 70–90 compressions per minute
C. 100–120 compressions per minute
D. 140–160 compressions per minute
Effective adult CPR requires chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute. Maintaining
the correct rate helps provide adequate blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest.
3. During CPR, a rescuer notices that chest compressions are becoming shallow due to
fatigue. What is the best action?
A. Continue compressions without changing rescuers
B. Reduce the compression rate
C. Switch compressors approximately every two minutes when possible
D. Stop CPR until the rescuer feels rested
High-quality CPR requires adequate compression depth and rate. Switching rescuers about
every two minutes helps reduce fatigue and maintain effective compressions.
, 4. A responder finds an unconscious person in a public location. What should be assessed
before beginning CPR?
A. The person’s medical history
B. Responsiveness and normal breathing
C. The person’s insurance information
D. The cause of collapse only
The first assessment focuses on responsiveness and breathing because these determine the
need for immediate lifesaving action. Medical history is not the priority during an emergency
response.
5. A rescuer is performing adult CPR alone and has access to an automated external
defibrillator (AED). What should the rescuer do?
A. Complete CPR for 20 minutes before using the AED
B. Wait for another rescuer to arrive
C. Use the AED as soon as it becomes available while continuing appropriate CPR
D. Avoid using the AED unless instructed by a physician
Early defibrillation can restore a normal rhythm in certain cardiac arrest situations. The AED
should be used as soon as possible while minimizing interruptions in CPR.
6. A rescuer is preparing to use an AED on a person who is in cardiac arrest. What is the
correct first step?
A. Place the pads over clothing
B. Perform a pulse check after attaching pads
C. Turn on the AED and follow the device prompts
D. Shock immediately without analysis
AEDs provide step-by-step instructions for safe operation. The device must analyze the rhythm
before determining whether a shock is recommended.
7. A child becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally. What is the recommended
approach?
,A. Wait for spontaneous recovery
B. Begin CPR and activate emergency response according to guidelines
C. Provide water to the child
D. Perform abdominal thrusts first
Unresponsive children who are not breathing normally require immediate CPR. Delays can
significantly reduce survival chances.
8. A rescuer is performing chest compressions on an adult. Where should the hands be
positioned?
A. Upper abdomen
B. Left side of the chest
C. Center of the chest on the lower half of the breastbone
D. Over the ribs
Correct hand placement allows effective compression of the heart between the sternum and
spine. Incorrect placement may reduce effectiveness or increase injury risk.
9. A person is choking but remains conscious and cannot speak or cough effectively. What
should a rescuer do?
A. Encourage the person to drink water
B. Provide appropriate choking relief measures immediately
C. Leave the person alone
D. Begin chest compressions immediately while standing
A conscious person with severe airway obstruction requires immediate intervention. The
appropriate technique depends on age and physical condition.
10. A rescuer begins CPR and notices the chest is not rising during rescue breaths. What
should be done?
A. Stop CPR permanently
B. Increase compression speed
, C. Reposition the airway and attempt breaths again
D. Remove the AED pads
Failure of chest rise may indicate an airway positioning problem. Reopening the airway and
attempting ventilation again improves the likelihood of effective breaths.
11. A healthcare worker is performing CPR with two rescuers. What is an important
teamwork principle?
A. Only one rescuer should communicate
B. Use clear roles and communicate during care
C. Avoid switching tasks
D. Allow multiple rescuers to perform compressions simultaneously
Effective team dynamics improve CPR quality. Clear roles, communication, and coordination
reduce errors during emergencies.
12. A rescuer approaches an unconscious adult. What should be done before touching the
person?
A. Begin compressions immediately without assessment
B. Ensure the scene is safe
C. Search for personal belongings
D. Move the person immediately
Scene safety protects both the rescuer and the victim. Responders should assess hazards before
initiating emergency care.
13. During CPR, why are chest compressions performed?
A. To improve digestion
B. To reduce body temperature
C. To circulate blood containing oxygen to vital organs
D. To restart breathing automatically
ANSWERS | 2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE | FULL STUDY GUIDE | EXAM PREP |
PRACTICE TEST | CERTIFICATION PREPARATION
1. A healthcare provider arrives at the scene of an adult who has suddenly collapsed. The
person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. What should the provider do first?
A. Check for a pulse for 60 seconds before taking action
B. Provide rescue breaths immediately
C. Activate the emergency response system and begin CPR
D. Wait for advanced medical personnel to arrive
When an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally, immediate CPR and activation of
emergency response resources are critical. Delaying care while waiting for additional help
reduces the chance of survival.
2. A rescuer begins chest compressions on an adult during CPR. Which compression rate is
recommended?
A. 40–60 compressions per minute
B. 70–90 compressions per minute
C. 100–120 compressions per minute
D. 140–160 compressions per minute
Effective adult CPR requires chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute. Maintaining
the correct rate helps provide adequate blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest.
3. During CPR, a rescuer notices that chest compressions are becoming shallow due to
fatigue. What is the best action?
A. Continue compressions without changing rescuers
B. Reduce the compression rate
C. Switch compressors approximately every two minutes when possible
D. Stop CPR until the rescuer feels rested
High-quality CPR requires adequate compression depth and rate. Switching rescuers about
every two minutes helps reduce fatigue and maintain effective compressions.
, 4. A responder finds an unconscious person in a public location. What should be assessed
before beginning CPR?
A. The person’s medical history
B. Responsiveness and normal breathing
C. The person’s insurance information
D. The cause of collapse only
The first assessment focuses on responsiveness and breathing because these determine the
need for immediate lifesaving action. Medical history is not the priority during an emergency
response.
5. A rescuer is performing adult CPR alone and has access to an automated external
defibrillator (AED). What should the rescuer do?
A. Complete CPR for 20 minutes before using the AED
B. Wait for another rescuer to arrive
C. Use the AED as soon as it becomes available while continuing appropriate CPR
D. Avoid using the AED unless instructed by a physician
Early defibrillation can restore a normal rhythm in certain cardiac arrest situations. The AED
should be used as soon as possible while minimizing interruptions in CPR.
6. A rescuer is preparing to use an AED on a person who is in cardiac arrest. What is the
correct first step?
A. Place the pads over clothing
B. Perform a pulse check after attaching pads
C. Turn on the AED and follow the device prompts
D. Shock immediately without analysis
AEDs provide step-by-step instructions for safe operation. The device must analyze the rhythm
before determining whether a shock is recommended.
7. A child becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally. What is the recommended
approach?
,A. Wait for spontaneous recovery
B. Begin CPR and activate emergency response according to guidelines
C. Provide water to the child
D. Perform abdominal thrusts first
Unresponsive children who are not breathing normally require immediate CPR. Delays can
significantly reduce survival chances.
8. A rescuer is performing chest compressions on an adult. Where should the hands be
positioned?
A. Upper abdomen
B. Left side of the chest
C. Center of the chest on the lower half of the breastbone
D. Over the ribs
Correct hand placement allows effective compression of the heart between the sternum and
spine. Incorrect placement may reduce effectiveness or increase injury risk.
9. A person is choking but remains conscious and cannot speak or cough effectively. What
should a rescuer do?
A. Encourage the person to drink water
B. Provide appropriate choking relief measures immediately
C. Leave the person alone
D. Begin chest compressions immediately while standing
A conscious person with severe airway obstruction requires immediate intervention. The
appropriate technique depends on age and physical condition.
10. A rescuer begins CPR and notices the chest is not rising during rescue breaths. What
should be done?
A. Stop CPR permanently
B. Increase compression speed
, C. Reposition the airway and attempt breaths again
D. Remove the AED pads
Failure of chest rise may indicate an airway positioning problem. Reopening the airway and
attempting ventilation again improves the likelihood of effective breaths.
11. A healthcare worker is performing CPR with two rescuers. What is an important
teamwork principle?
A. Only one rescuer should communicate
B. Use clear roles and communicate during care
C. Avoid switching tasks
D. Allow multiple rescuers to perform compressions simultaneously
Effective team dynamics improve CPR quality. Clear roles, communication, and coordination
reduce errors during emergencies.
12. A rescuer approaches an unconscious adult. What should be done before touching the
person?
A. Begin compressions immediately without assessment
B. Ensure the scene is safe
C. Search for personal belongings
D. Move the person immediately
Scene safety protects both the rescuer and the victim. Responders should assess hazards before
initiating emergency care.
13. During CPR, why are chest compressions performed?
A. To improve digestion
B. To reduce body temperature
C. To circulate blood containing oxygen to vital organs
D. To restart breathing automatically
