CPR Certification Exam | 2025/2026 Actual Exam – 25 Verified Questions
and Correct Answers | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – Complete
Certification Assessment
Section 1: Adult Basic Life Support (Questions 1-20)
1. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer
performing CPR on an adult?
A) 15:2
B) 30:2
C) 30:1
D) 15:1
Answer: B) 30:2
Rationale: For a single rescuer, the ratio for all ages (except newborns) is 30
compressions to 2 breaths to maximize coronary perfusion pressure.
2. What is the recommended depth of chest compressions for an adult?
A) At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B) At least 2 inches (5 cm)
C) At least 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D) At least 3 inches (7.6 cm)
Answer: B) At least 2 inches (5 cm)
Rationale: The 2020 AHA guidelines recommend a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but
no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) for adults.
3. What is the recommended compression rate for adult CPR?
A) 60-80 per minute
,B) 80-100 per minute
C) 100-120 per minute
D) 120-140 per minute
Answer: C) 100-120 per minute
Rationale: Studies show that rates outside this range decrease survival rates. 100-
120/min allows for adequate chest recoil and coronary perfusion.
4. You are performing CPR on an adult. You notice the patient is starting to wake
up. What should you do?
A) Continue CPR until EMS arrives
B) Stop CPR and put the patient in the recovery position
C) Check for a pulse and breathing; stop CPR if present
D) Increase the rate of compressions
Answer: C) Check for a pulse and breathing; stop CPR if present
Rationale: If the patient shows signs of life (e.g., movement, normal breathing), you must
stop compressions and reassess for a pulse and breathing to confirm the return of
spontaneous circulation (ROSC).
5. Where is the correct hand placement for adult CPR?
A) Upper half of the sternum
B) Center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum
C) Just below the xiphoid process
D) Left side of the chest over the heart
Answer: B) Center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum
Rationale: Placing the heel of the hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the
sternum) allows for maximum compression of the ventricles.
6. How long should it take to give a rescue breath?
A) 0.5 second
B) 1 second
C) 2 seconds
D) 3 seconds
,Answer: B) 1 second
Rationale: A breath should be delivered over 1 second and should produce a visible
chest rise. Slower or faster breaths reduce efficacy.
7. What is the maximum interruption time allowed for chest compressions?
A) 5 seconds
B) 10 seconds
C) 15 seconds
D) 20 seconds
Answer: B) 10 seconds
Rationale: Chest compression fraction should be as high as possible (at least 60%).
Interruptions should be limited to less than 10 seconds for rhythm checks or pulse
checks.
8. Which action is most likely to improve survival in cardiac arrest?
A) High-quality CPR with minimal interruptions
B) Using a bag-valve mask
C) Giving oxygen immediately
D) Placing an advanced airway
Answer: A) High-quality CPR with minimal interruptions
Rationale: High-quality CPR (depth, rate, recoil, minimal interruptions) provides vital
perfusion to the brain and heart and is the foundation of cardiac arrest care.
9. You are a healthcare provider. You arrive at the scene of a cardiac arrest. What is
the first step?
A) Start CPR immediately
B) Check for responsiveness and breathing
C) Attach the AED
D) Call for help
Answer: B) Check for responsiveness and breathing
Rationale: The BLS algorithm starts with assessing the scene, then checking the patient
, for responsiveness and breathing. CPR is only started if they are unresponsive and not
breathing (or only gasping).
10. Agonal gasps are a sign of what?
A) Normal breathing
B) Respiratory distress
C) Cardiac arrest
D) Choking
Answer: C) Cardiac arrest
Rationale: Agonal gasps are slow, irregular, gasping breaths that occur in up to 40% of
cardiac arrest patients. They are not normal breathing and should be treated as absent
breathing.
11. What is the "C-A-B" sequence in CPR?
A) Airway, Breathing, Circulation
B) Circulation, Airway, Breathing
C) Chest compressions, Airway, Breathing
D) Airway, Chest compressions, Breathing
Answer: C) Chest compressions, Airway, Breathing
Rationale: The 2010 AHA guidelines changed the sequence from A-B-C to C-A-B to
emphasize the importance of immediate chest compressions.
12. Why is it important to allow complete chest recoil after each compression?
A) To prevent rib fractures
B) To allow the heart to refill with blood
C) To increase the rate of compressions
D) To save energy
Answer: B) To allow the heart to refill with blood
Rationale: The chest must recoil fully to allow venous return and subsequent filling of
the heart. Leaning on the chest prevents this and decreases cardiac output.
and Correct Answers | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – Complete
Certification Assessment
Section 1: Adult Basic Life Support (Questions 1-20)
1. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer
performing CPR on an adult?
A) 15:2
B) 30:2
C) 30:1
D) 15:1
Answer: B) 30:2
Rationale: For a single rescuer, the ratio for all ages (except newborns) is 30
compressions to 2 breaths to maximize coronary perfusion pressure.
2. What is the recommended depth of chest compressions for an adult?
A) At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B) At least 2 inches (5 cm)
C) At least 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D) At least 3 inches (7.6 cm)
Answer: B) At least 2 inches (5 cm)
Rationale: The 2020 AHA guidelines recommend a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but
no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) for adults.
3. What is the recommended compression rate for adult CPR?
A) 60-80 per minute
,B) 80-100 per minute
C) 100-120 per minute
D) 120-140 per minute
Answer: C) 100-120 per minute
Rationale: Studies show that rates outside this range decrease survival rates. 100-
120/min allows for adequate chest recoil and coronary perfusion.
4. You are performing CPR on an adult. You notice the patient is starting to wake
up. What should you do?
A) Continue CPR until EMS arrives
B) Stop CPR and put the patient in the recovery position
C) Check for a pulse and breathing; stop CPR if present
D) Increase the rate of compressions
Answer: C) Check for a pulse and breathing; stop CPR if present
Rationale: If the patient shows signs of life (e.g., movement, normal breathing), you must
stop compressions and reassess for a pulse and breathing to confirm the return of
spontaneous circulation (ROSC).
5. Where is the correct hand placement for adult CPR?
A) Upper half of the sternum
B) Center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum
C) Just below the xiphoid process
D) Left side of the chest over the heart
Answer: B) Center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum
Rationale: Placing the heel of the hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the
sternum) allows for maximum compression of the ventricles.
6. How long should it take to give a rescue breath?
A) 0.5 second
B) 1 second
C) 2 seconds
D) 3 seconds
,Answer: B) 1 second
Rationale: A breath should be delivered over 1 second and should produce a visible
chest rise. Slower or faster breaths reduce efficacy.
7. What is the maximum interruption time allowed for chest compressions?
A) 5 seconds
B) 10 seconds
C) 15 seconds
D) 20 seconds
Answer: B) 10 seconds
Rationale: Chest compression fraction should be as high as possible (at least 60%).
Interruptions should be limited to less than 10 seconds for rhythm checks or pulse
checks.
8. Which action is most likely to improve survival in cardiac arrest?
A) High-quality CPR with minimal interruptions
B) Using a bag-valve mask
C) Giving oxygen immediately
D) Placing an advanced airway
Answer: A) High-quality CPR with minimal interruptions
Rationale: High-quality CPR (depth, rate, recoil, minimal interruptions) provides vital
perfusion to the brain and heart and is the foundation of cardiac arrest care.
9. You are a healthcare provider. You arrive at the scene of a cardiac arrest. What is
the first step?
A) Start CPR immediately
B) Check for responsiveness and breathing
C) Attach the AED
D) Call for help
Answer: B) Check for responsiveness and breathing
Rationale: The BLS algorithm starts with assessing the scene, then checking the patient
, for responsiveness and breathing. CPR is only started if they are unresponsive and not
breathing (or only gasping).
10. Agonal gasps are a sign of what?
A) Normal breathing
B) Respiratory distress
C) Cardiac arrest
D) Choking
Answer: C) Cardiac arrest
Rationale: Agonal gasps are slow, irregular, gasping breaths that occur in up to 40% of
cardiac arrest patients. They are not normal breathing and should be treated as absent
breathing.
11. What is the "C-A-B" sequence in CPR?
A) Airway, Breathing, Circulation
B) Circulation, Airway, Breathing
C) Chest compressions, Airway, Breathing
D) Airway, Chest compressions, Breathing
Answer: C) Chest compressions, Airway, Breathing
Rationale: The 2010 AHA guidelines changed the sequence from A-B-C to C-A-B to
emphasize the importance of immediate chest compressions.
12. Why is it important to allow complete chest recoil after each compression?
A) To prevent rib fractures
B) To allow the heart to refill with blood
C) To increase the rate of compressions
D) To save energy
Answer: B) To allow the heart to refill with blood
Rationale: The chest must recoil fully to allow venous return and subsequent filling of
the heart. Leaning on the chest prevents this and decreases cardiac output.
