CPR CERTIFICATION EXAM – 150 PRACTICE QUESTIONS 2026 BLS GUIDELINES | VERIFIED ANSWERS

CPR CERTIFICATION EXAM – 150
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 2026 BLS
GUIDELINES | VERIFIED ANSWERS

INTRODUCTION

This practice exam contains 150 carefully selected questions that mirror the format,
content, and difficulty level of actual certification exams from leading organizations
such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross. The
questions cover the full spectrum of BLS (Basic Life Support) and CPR knowledge,
including:

• Adult, Child, and Infant CPR techniques – compression depth, rate, ratios,
and hand placement
• AED (Automated External Defibrillator) operation – pad placement, safety
protocols, and special situations
• Airway management and rescue breathing – head-tilt/chin-lift, jaw-thrust,
and barrier device use
• Choking relief – abdominal thrusts, back slaps, and chest thrusts for all age
groups
• Special circumstances – drowning, hypothermia, opioid overdose, pregnancy,
and advanced airway integration
• Reversible causes of cardiac arrest – the "Hs and Ts"
• The Chain of Survival and the importance of high-quality CPR metrics



Question 1
What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing
CPR on an adult?
Correct Answer: 30:2




Question 2
At what rate should chest compressions be performed for an adult in cardiac arrest?
Correct Answer: 100 to 120 compressions per minute

,Question 3
How deep should chest compressions be for an adult victim?
Correct Answer: At least 2 inches (5 cm), but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)




Question 4
What is the first thing you should do when you arrive at the scene of a potential
cardiac arrest?
Correct Answer: Ensure the scene is safe for you and the victim




Question 5
How long should it take to check for a pulse in an adult victim?
Correct Answer: No more than 10 seconds




Question 6
If an adult victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, what is your next
action?
Correct Answer: Call 911/emergency services and begin CPR, starting with chest
compressions




Question 7
What is the correct hand placement for chest compressions on an adult?
Correct Answer: Heel of one hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the
sternum), with the other hand on top

, Question 8
After delivering a shock with an AED, what should you do immediately?
Correct Answer: Resume CPR starting with chest compressions




Question 9
When using an AED on an adult, where should the pads be placed?
Correct Answer: Upper right side of the chest and lower left side of the chest (below
the armpit)




Question 10
What should you say before delivering a shock with an AED?
Correct Answer: "Clear!" and ensure no one is touching the victim




Question 11
What is the rescue breathing rate for an adult who has a pulse but is not breathing
adequately?
Correct Answer: 1 breath every 5 to 6 seconds (about 10–12 breaths per minute)




Question 12
How do you open the airway for an adult victim with no suspected spinal injury?
Correct Answer: Head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver




Question 13
How do you open the airway for an adult victim with a suspected spinal injury?
Correct Answer: Jaw-thrust maneuver (without head extension)