CPR Certification Exam & Training | CPR/AED
Certification Study Guide 2026/2027 |
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Adult & Pediatric
CPR, AED Use, Emergency Response, Choking
Relief, First Aid, Basic Life Support Skills,
Certification Test Prep, Practice Questions, Answers
& Detailed Rationales
Question 1: According to the 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines,
what is the preferred compression rate for performing high-quality CPR on an
adult?
A. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
D. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
Rationale: The AHA 2020 Guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100 to 120 per
minute. Rates faster than 120 are associated with inadequate compression depth, while
rates slower than 100 are associated with reduced coronary perfusion pressure and
lower survival rates.
Question 2: What is the recommended compression depth for an adult victim
during CPR?
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 (7.5 cm)
CORRECT ANSWER: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
Rationale: The AHA recommends a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) for
adults, but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). Excessive depth increases the risk of injury,
while insufficient depth fails to generate adequate blood flow.
Question 3: In a two-rescuer adult CPR scenario, what is the correct
compression-to-ventilation ratio?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 15:1
D. 30:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
,Rationale: For adult CPR, the compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2 for both single and
two-rescuer scenarios. This ratio maximizes the number of compressions while
providing adequate ventilations to maintain oxygenation.
Question 4: How often should a rescuer switch roles when performing two-
rescuer CPR to avoid fatigue?
A. Every 30 seconds
B. Every 1 minute
C. Every 2 minutes
D. Every 5 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Every 2 minutes
Rationale: Rescuers should switch roles approximately every 2 minutes (or after 5 cycles
of 30:2) to prevent rescuer fatigue, which can lead to ineffective compressions. The
switch should be performed as quickly as possible (ideally <5 seconds) to minimize
interruptions in chest compressions.
Question 5: What is the first step you should take upon finding an
unresponsive adult victim?
A. Open the airway
B. Begin chest compressions
C. Check for breathing and a pulse
D. Verify scene safety
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Verify scene safety
Rationale: The first step in any emergency response is to ensure the scene is safe for
both the rescuer and the victim. This includes checking for hazards such as traffic, fire,
or electrical dangers before approaching the victim.
Question 6: What is the maximum allowable time for a pulse check during CPR
assessment?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10 seconds
Rationale: The pulse check should take no longer than 10 seconds. If a pulse is not
definitively felt within that timeframe, the rescuer should begin chest compressions
immediately to minimize any delay in perfusion.
Question 7: For a child victim (1 year to puberty), what is the recommended
compression depth during CPR?
,A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
D. At least one-third the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest
CORRECT ANSWER: D. At least one-third the anterior-posterior diameter of
the chest
Rationale: For children, the recommended depth is at least one-third the anterior-
posterior (AP) diameter of the chest. This approximates 2 inches (5 cm) for most
children, but using the AP ratio is more specific to individual size.
Question 8: Which of the following rhythms is most commonly associated with
sudden cardiac arrest in adults and is considered "shockable"?
A. Asystole
B. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
C. Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
D. Sinus bradycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
Rationale: Ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) are the two
shockable rhythms. VF is a chaotic, disorganized rhythm that prevents effective
ventricular contraction, making defibrillation the primary treatment.
Question 9: When using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), what
should you do immediately after the shock is delivered?
A. Check for a pulse
B. Analyze the rhythm again
C. Resume chest compressions immediately
D. Wait for the AED to prompt you
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Resume chest compressions immediately
Rationale: Immediately after a shock is delivered, rescuers should resume CPR starting
with chest compressions. The AHA recommends resuming compressions without
pausing to re-analyze the rhythm, as this minimizes interruptions in perfusion.
Question 10: What is the proper hand placement for performing chest
compressions on an adult?
A. The center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum
B. The left side of the chest, over the heart
C. The xiphoid process
D. The upper third of the sternum
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The center of the chest, on the lower half of the
sternum
, Rationale: The correct hand placement is the center of the chest, on the lower half of
the sternum. This ensures effective compression of the heart between the sternum and
spine, maximizing blood flow.
Question 11: What is the rescue breath duration for an adult during CPR when
using a bag-mask device?
A. 0.5 seconds
B. 1 second
C. 2 seconds
D. 3 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 1 second
Rationale: Each rescue breath should be delivered over 1 second. A breath longer than 1
second may cause gastric inflation, while a shorter breath may not provide adequate
tidal volume (approximately 500-600 mL) to produce visible chest rise.
Question 12: In infant CPR (under 1 year old), what is the preferred technique
for delivering chest compressions?
A. Two-finger technique
B. One-hand technique
C. Two-thumb encircling hands technique
D. Heel of the hand technique
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Two-thumb encircling hands technique
Rationale: For two-rescuer infant CPR, the two-thumb encircling hands technique is
preferred as it generates higher coronary perfusion pressures and more consistent
depth. For single rescuers, the two-finger technique is recommended.
Question 13: What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a
single rescuer performing CPR on an infant?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 15:1
D. 30:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale: For a single rescuer performing CPR on an infant, the ratio is 30:2, consistent
with adult and child guidelines. The ratio switches to 15:2 only when two rescuers are
present for infants and children.
Question 14: What does the "C" stand for in the CAB sequence of CPR?
A. Cardiac output
B. Chest compressions
Certification Study Guide 2026/2027 |
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Adult & Pediatric
CPR, AED Use, Emergency Response, Choking
Relief, First Aid, Basic Life Support Skills,
Certification Test Prep, Practice Questions, Answers
& Detailed Rationales
Question 1: According to the 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines,
what is the preferred compression rate for performing high-quality CPR on an
adult?
A. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
D. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
Rationale: The AHA 2020 Guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100 to 120 per
minute. Rates faster than 120 are associated with inadequate compression depth, while
rates slower than 100 are associated with reduced coronary perfusion pressure and
lower survival rates.
Question 2: What is the recommended compression depth for an adult victim
during CPR?
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 (7.5 cm)
CORRECT ANSWER: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
Rationale: The AHA recommends a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) for
adults, but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). Excessive depth increases the risk of injury,
while insufficient depth fails to generate adequate blood flow.
Question 3: In a two-rescuer adult CPR scenario, what is the correct
compression-to-ventilation ratio?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 15:1
D. 30:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
,Rationale: For adult CPR, the compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2 for both single and
two-rescuer scenarios. This ratio maximizes the number of compressions while
providing adequate ventilations to maintain oxygenation.
Question 4: How often should a rescuer switch roles when performing two-
rescuer CPR to avoid fatigue?
A. Every 30 seconds
B. Every 1 minute
C. Every 2 minutes
D. Every 5 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Every 2 minutes
Rationale: Rescuers should switch roles approximately every 2 minutes (or after 5 cycles
of 30:2) to prevent rescuer fatigue, which can lead to ineffective compressions. The
switch should be performed as quickly as possible (ideally <5 seconds) to minimize
interruptions in chest compressions.
Question 5: What is the first step you should take upon finding an
unresponsive adult victim?
A. Open the airway
B. Begin chest compressions
C. Check for breathing and a pulse
D. Verify scene safety
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Verify scene safety
Rationale: The first step in any emergency response is to ensure the scene is safe for
both the rescuer and the victim. This includes checking for hazards such as traffic, fire,
or electrical dangers before approaching the victim.
Question 6: What is the maximum allowable time for a pulse check during CPR
assessment?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10 seconds
Rationale: The pulse check should take no longer than 10 seconds. If a pulse is not
definitively felt within that timeframe, the rescuer should begin chest compressions
immediately to minimize any delay in perfusion.
Question 7: For a child victim (1 year to puberty), what is the recommended
compression depth during CPR?
,A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
D. At least one-third the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest
CORRECT ANSWER: D. At least one-third the anterior-posterior diameter of
the chest
Rationale: For children, the recommended depth is at least one-third the anterior-
posterior (AP) diameter of the chest. This approximates 2 inches (5 cm) for most
children, but using the AP ratio is more specific to individual size.
Question 8: Which of the following rhythms is most commonly associated with
sudden cardiac arrest in adults and is considered "shockable"?
A. Asystole
B. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
C. Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
D. Sinus bradycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
Rationale: Ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) are the two
shockable rhythms. VF is a chaotic, disorganized rhythm that prevents effective
ventricular contraction, making defibrillation the primary treatment.
Question 9: When using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), what
should you do immediately after the shock is delivered?
A. Check for a pulse
B. Analyze the rhythm again
C. Resume chest compressions immediately
D. Wait for the AED to prompt you
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Resume chest compressions immediately
Rationale: Immediately after a shock is delivered, rescuers should resume CPR starting
with chest compressions. The AHA recommends resuming compressions without
pausing to re-analyze the rhythm, as this minimizes interruptions in perfusion.
Question 10: What is the proper hand placement for performing chest
compressions on an adult?
A. The center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum
B. The left side of the chest, over the heart
C. The xiphoid process
D. The upper third of the sternum
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The center of the chest, on the lower half of the
sternum
, Rationale: The correct hand placement is the center of the chest, on the lower half of
the sternum. This ensures effective compression of the heart between the sternum and
spine, maximizing blood flow.
Question 11: What is the rescue breath duration for an adult during CPR when
using a bag-mask device?
A. 0.5 seconds
B. 1 second
C. 2 seconds
D. 3 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 1 second
Rationale: Each rescue breath should be delivered over 1 second. A breath longer than 1
second may cause gastric inflation, while a shorter breath may not provide adequate
tidal volume (approximately 500-600 mL) to produce visible chest rise.
Question 12: In infant CPR (under 1 year old), what is the preferred technique
for delivering chest compressions?
A. Two-finger technique
B. One-hand technique
C. Two-thumb encircling hands technique
D. Heel of the hand technique
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Two-thumb encircling hands technique
Rationale: For two-rescuer infant CPR, the two-thumb encircling hands technique is
preferred as it generates higher coronary perfusion pressures and more consistent
depth. For single rescuers, the two-finger technique is recommended.
Question 13: What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a
single rescuer performing CPR on an infant?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 15:1
D. 30:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale: For a single rescuer performing CPR on an infant, the ratio is 30:2, consistent
with adult and child guidelines. The ratio switches to 15:2 only when two rescuers are
present for infants and children.
Question 14: What does the "C" stand for in the CAB sequence of CPR?
A. Cardiac output
B. Chest compressions
