BLS Practice Questions

BLS Practice Questions With Answers

These practice questions were written by our instructors to help you revise before a BLS course or renewal. They are not taken from the AHA exam, but they cover the same knowledge the written test checks.

How to use them

Answer each question before reading the answer. If you miss more than two, reread the BLS algorithm and compression guides before your course.

Practice questions

1. What is the recommended compression rate for adult CPR?

  1. 60 to 80 per minute
  2. 100 to 120 per minute
  3. 130 to 150 per minute

Answer: B. High-quality CPR is 100 to 120 compressions a minute.

2. How deep should compressions be for an adult?

  1. About 2 cm
  2. At least 5 cm, avoiding more than 6 cm
  3. As deep as possible

Answer: B. At least 5 cm (2 inches) but not more than 6 cm.

3. What is the compression-to-breath ratio for a single rescuer on an adult?

  1. 15:2
  2. 30:2
  3. 5:1

Answer: B. 30 compressions to 2 breaths for one or two rescuers on an adult.

4. Two rescuers are giving CPR to an infant. What is the ratio?

  1. 30:2
  2. 15:2
  3. 10:1

Answer: B. With two rescuers, the ratio for infants and children is 15:2.

5. How long should a pulse and breathing check take?

  1. No more than 10 seconds
  2. 15 to 20 seconds
  3. Up to a minute

Answer: A. Check breathing and pulse together for no more than 10 seconds.

6. An adult has a pulse but is not breathing normally. How often do you give rescue breaths?

  1. One every 2 seconds
  2. One every 6 seconds
  3. One every 15 seconds

Answer: B. About one breath every 6 seconds, rechecking the pulse every 2 minutes.

7. When should the AED be used?

  1. After 5 minutes of CPR
  2. As soon as it is available
  3. Only if a doctor is present

Answer: B. Turn it on and use it as soon as it arrives.

8. What should you do immediately after an AED delivers a shock?

  1. Check the pulse for 10 seconds
  2. Resume compressions immediately
  3. Wait for the AED to reanalyse

Answer: B. Restart compressions straight away; the AED will reanalyse after about 2 minutes.

9. Where do you check the pulse on an infant?

  1. Carotid
  2. Brachial
  3. Radial

Answer: B. The brachial pulse on the inside of the upper arm.

10. How often should compressors switch?

  1. Every 2 minutes or so
  2. Every 10 minutes
  3. Only when exhausted

Answer: A. About every 2 minutes, with the switch taking less than 5 seconds.

11. A responsive infant is choking and cannot cry or cough. What do you do?

  1. Abdominal thrusts
  2. Back slaps and chest thrusts
  3. Blind finger sweep

Answer: B. Cycles of 5 back slaps and 5 chest thrusts; never blind finger sweeps.

12. What is the approximate compression depth for an infant?

  1. About 4 cm
  2. About 6 cm
  3. About 1 cm

Answer: A. About 4 cm (1.5 inches), one third of the chest depth.

How did you do?

The AHA pass mark for the written test is 84%. If you scored 10 or more out of 12 you are on track. If not, revise the BLS algorithm, compression rate and depth and infant and child BLS. The BLS exam guide explains the test itself.

Other life support and first aid courses: ACLS Course · PALS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar

Frequently asked questions

Are these the real BLS exam questions?

No. They were written by our instructors for revision and cover the same knowledge areas.

What is the BLS pass mark?

84% on the written test, plus passing the skills tests.

How many questions are on the BLS test?

It is a short multiple-choice test. Your instructor explains the format on the day.

Is the BLS exam open book?

Your instructor explains what resources are allowed on the day.

What topics come up most?

Compression rate and depth, ratios, pulse checks, AED use, rescue breathing and choking relief.

Book an AHA BLS course in Abu Dhabi

Safety First Medical Services is an American Heart Association training centre on Al Reem Island. Classroom BLS, HeartCode blended BLS and on-site group BLS training, with a two-year AHA BLS Provider eCard on completion.

See BLS dates and register BLS course overview Group booking enquiry

Sources and further reading

What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.

Last reviewed by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.