AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION CPR
WRITTEN EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | A+ GRADED | WITH EXPERT
SOLUTIONS
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION CPR WRITTEN EXAM
2026
Comprehensive Practice Examination
EXAM INSTRUCTIONS
Please read all instructions carefully before beginning the exam.
Exam Format:
• Total Questions: 50 multiple-choice questions
• Time Allowed: 60 minutes
• Passing Score: 84% (42 out of 50 correct)
General Instructions:
1. Select the single best answer for each question.
2. Answers with bolded text indicate the correct choice.
3. Each question is followed by a detailed rationale explaining the correct answer
based on 2025 AHA Guidelines and 2026 training standards.
, 4. Questions cover all aspects of Basic Life Support (BLS), including adult, child, and
infant CPR, AED use, and team dynamics.
5. Mark your answers directly on the answer sheet provided.
6. Do not spend too much time on any single question. If unsure, mark it for
review and return later.
Materials Allowed:
• No reference materials, notes, or electronic devices are permitted during the
exam.
• A pencil and eraser will be provided.
Scoring:
• Each correct answer is worth 1 point.
• No penalty for incorrect answers (guess if unsure).
• Results will be provided immediately upon completion.
Important Note: This practice exam is based on the most current 2025 AHA
Guidelines Update and reflects the latest evidence-based recommendations for CPR
and Emergency Cardiovascular Care .
SECTION A: Adult Basic Life Support (Questions 1-15)
1. According to the 2025 AHA Guidelines, what is the recommended compression
depth for adult CPR?
• A) At least 2 inches (5 cm), no maximum
, • B) At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
• C) Exactly 2 inches (5 cm)
• D) Between 1.5 and 2 inches (4-5 cm)
Rationale: The 2025 AHA Guidelines emphasize a compression depth of 5-6 cm (2-2.4
inches) . Depths exceeding 6 cm significantly increase the risk of complications such as
rib fractures and internal organ injury, while depths less than 5 cm are insufficient to
generate adequate cardiac output .
2. What is the correct compression rate for adult CPR?
• A) 80-100 compressions per minute
• B) 100-120 compressions per minute
• C) 120-140 compressions per minute
• D) At least 100 compressions per minute with no upper limit
Rationale: The recommended compression rate is 100-120 compressions per minute,
as established by the 2025 AHA Guidelines. This rate optimizes coronary perfusion
pressure while allowing for complete chest recoil .
3. For an adult victim in cardiac arrest without an advanced airway, what is the
correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?
• A) 15:2
• B) 30:2
• C) 30:1
• D) Continuous compressions with no ventilations
, Rationale: For adults, the universal compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2 for all
rescuers (single or multiple) when no advanced airway is in place. This ratio maximizes
the number of compressions delivered while still providing adequate ventilation .
4. How long should it take to check for a pulse in an adult victim?
• A) 5 seconds maximum
• B) 10 seconds maximum
• C) 15 seconds maximum
SECTION A: Adult Basic Life Support (Questions 5-15)
5. What is the "Chest Compression Fraction" (CCF) target during CPR?
• A) At least 50%
• B) At least 60%
• C) At least 80%
• D) 100% (no interruptions)
Rationale: The Chest Compression Fraction (CCF) represents the percentage of total
CPR time during which compressions are being delivered. The target is at least 80% ,
emphasizing the importance of minimizing interruptions to maximize perfusion.
6. In adult CPR, what is the correct hand placement for chest compressions?
• A) Upper half of the sternum
• B) Lower half of the sternum, center of the chest
• C) Left side of the chest, over the heart
• D) Xiphoid process
WRITTEN EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | A+ GRADED | WITH EXPERT
SOLUTIONS
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION CPR WRITTEN EXAM
2026
Comprehensive Practice Examination
EXAM INSTRUCTIONS
Please read all instructions carefully before beginning the exam.
Exam Format:
• Total Questions: 50 multiple-choice questions
• Time Allowed: 60 minutes
• Passing Score: 84% (42 out of 50 correct)
General Instructions:
1. Select the single best answer for each question.
2. Answers with bolded text indicate the correct choice.
3. Each question is followed by a detailed rationale explaining the correct answer
based on 2025 AHA Guidelines and 2026 training standards.
, 4. Questions cover all aspects of Basic Life Support (BLS), including adult, child, and
infant CPR, AED use, and team dynamics.
5. Mark your answers directly on the answer sheet provided.
6. Do not spend too much time on any single question. If unsure, mark it for
review and return later.
Materials Allowed:
• No reference materials, notes, or electronic devices are permitted during the
exam.
• A pencil and eraser will be provided.
Scoring:
• Each correct answer is worth 1 point.
• No penalty for incorrect answers (guess if unsure).
• Results will be provided immediately upon completion.
Important Note: This practice exam is based on the most current 2025 AHA
Guidelines Update and reflects the latest evidence-based recommendations for CPR
and Emergency Cardiovascular Care .
SECTION A: Adult Basic Life Support (Questions 1-15)
1. According to the 2025 AHA Guidelines, what is the recommended compression
depth for adult CPR?
• A) At least 2 inches (5 cm), no maximum
, • B) At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
• C) Exactly 2 inches (5 cm)
• D) Between 1.5 and 2 inches (4-5 cm)
Rationale: The 2025 AHA Guidelines emphasize a compression depth of 5-6 cm (2-2.4
inches) . Depths exceeding 6 cm significantly increase the risk of complications such as
rib fractures and internal organ injury, while depths less than 5 cm are insufficient to
generate adequate cardiac output .
2. What is the correct compression rate for adult CPR?
• A) 80-100 compressions per minute
• B) 100-120 compressions per minute
• C) 120-140 compressions per minute
• D) At least 100 compressions per minute with no upper limit
Rationale: The recommended compression rate is 100-120 compressions per minute,
as established by the 2025 AHA Guidelines. This rate optimizes coronary perfusion
pressure while allowing for complete chest recoil .
3. For an adult victim in cardiac arrest without an advanced airway, what is the
correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?
• A) 15:2
• B) 30:2
• C) 30:1
• D) Continuous compressions with no ventilations
, Rationale: For adults, the universal compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2 for all
rescuers (single or multiple) when no advanced airway is in place. This ratio maximizes
the number of compressions delivered while still providing adequate ventilation .
4. How long should it take to check for a pulse in an adult victim?
• A) 5 seconds maximum
• B) 10 seconds maximum
• C) 15 seconds maximum
SECTION A: Adult Basic Life Support (Questions 5-15)
5. What is the "Chest Compression Fraction" (CCF) target during CPR?
• A) At least 50%
• B) At least 60%
• C) At least 80%
• D) 100% (no interruptions)
Rationale: The Chest Compression Fraction (CCF) represents the percentage of total
CPR time during which compressions are being delivered. The target is at least 80% ,
emphasizing the importance of minimizing interruptions to maximize perfusion.
6. In adult CPR, what is the correct hand placement for chest compressions?
• A) Upper half of the sternum
• B) Lower half of the sternum, center of the chest
• C) Left side of the chest, over the heart
• D) Xiphoid process