CPR Practice Test 2026 | Practice Questions & Verified Answers | American Heart Association (AHA) CPR Review | Just Released This Year PDF | Updated This Year

CPR Practice Test 2026 | Practice Questions
& Verified Answers | American Heart
Association (AHA) CPR Review | Just
Released This Year PDF | Updated This Year
CPR PRACTICE TEST 2026 | COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS

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OVERVIEW:

• This comprehensive CPR practice test contains updated questions aligned with the
latest American Heart Association (AHA) 2026 guidelines covering adult, child, and
infant resuscitation protocols, AED usage, and emergency cardiovascular care.

• Study this material systematically by working through 20-30 questions daily,
reviewing rationales for missed answers, and retesting weak areas to build mastery
and confidence for your AHA CPR certification exam.

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SECTION 1: ADULT CPR FUNDAMENTALS (QUESTIONS 1-40)

Question 1: When performing CPR on an adult, what is the recommended
compression-to-ventilation ratio?

A) 100:2 compressions to 2 ventilations

B) 30:2 compressions to 2 ventilations

C) 15:2 compressions to 2 ventilations

D) 50:2 compressions to 2 ventilations

E) 40:2 compressions to 2 ventilations

CORRECT ANSWER: B) 30:2 compressions to 2 ventilations

RATIONALE: The current AHA guideline recommends a compression-to-ventilation
ratio of 30:2 for single-rescuer adult CPR. This ratio ensures adequate chest
compressions while maintaining ventilation. The compression-to-ventilation ratio

,remains consistent throughout the entire resuscitation attempt until an AED is
attached or advanced life support arrives.

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Question 2: What is the correct compression depth for an adult during CPR?

A) 1 to 1.5 inches

B) 2 to 2.4 inches

C) 0.5 to 1 inch

D) 3 to 4 inches

E) 2.5 to 3.5 inches

CORRECT ANSWER: B) 2 to 2.4 inches

RATIONALE: For adults, compression depth should be at least 2 inches but not
more than 2.4 inches (5 to 6 cm). Compressions that are too shallow are ineffective
at circulating blood, while compressions deeper than 2.4 inches may cause rib
fractures and internal organ damage. Proper compression depth is critical for
adequate perfusion during cardiac arrest.

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Question 3: What is the recommended compression rate for adult CPR?

A) 80 to 100 compressions per minute

B) 100 to 120 compressions per minute

C) 120 to 140 compressions per minute

D) 50 to 70 compressions per minute

E) 140 to 160 compressions per minute

CORRECT ANSWER: B) 100 to 120 compressions per minute

,RATIONALE: The recommended compression rate for adult CPR is 100 to 120
compressions per minute. This rate has been shown to provide optimal cardiac
output and oxygen delivery to vital organs. Rates below 100 compressions per
minute are too slow and reduce effectiveness, while rates above 120 may be less
effective and cause rescuer fatigue.

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Question 4: Where should the heel of the hand be placed for chest
compressions in an adult?

A) On the upper half of the sternum

B) On the lower third of the sternum, between the nipples

C) On the xiphoid process

D) Over the right ventricle

E) At the sternal notch

CORRECT ANSWER: B) On the lower third of the sternum, between the nipples

RATIONALE: The heel of the hand should be placed on the lower half of the adult's
breastbone (sternum), between the nipples. This location provides the most
effective compression of the heart and circulation of blood. Compression over the
xiphoid process can cause abdominal injuries, while compression too high can
cause tracheal injury.

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Question 5: How should the rescuer's arms be positioned during chest
compressions?

A) Elbows bent at 45 degrees

B) Elbows fully flexed

C) Elbows fully extended and arms straight

D) Elbows bent slightly for leverage

, E) Elbows relaxed with some flexion

CORRECT ANSWER: C) Elbows fully extended and arms straight

RATIONALE: The rescuer's arms should be straight with elbows fully extended
when performing chest compressions. This position allows the rescuer to use their
body weight effectively and delivers force vertically through the sternum,
maximizing compression effectiveness. Bent elbows reduce force transmission and
increase rescuer fatigue.

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Question 6: What should be done immediately after confirming an adult is
unresponsive and not breathing normally?

A) Call for help and get the AED

B) Begin mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing

C) Wait for emergency services to arrive

D) Check the carotid pulse for 10 seconds

E) Place the victim in the recovery position

CORRECT ANSWER: A) Call for help and get the AED

RATIONALE: Once an adult is confirmed to be unresponsive and not breathing
normally, the rescuer should immediately activate the emergency response system
by calling 911 and getting an automated external defibrillator (AED). Early activation
of emergency services and early defibrillation are critical links in the chain of
survival. Delaying this action reduces the chance of successful resuscitation.

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Question 7: How long should you check for a pulse in an adult during CPR?

A) 3 seconds

B) 5 seconds