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PALS INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
PALS INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
POINT-FORM SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
• Instructor Candidate Pathway: Steps to becoming an AHA Instructor (Training Center
acceptance, Instructor Candidate Application, Instructor Essentials online, classroom session,
monitored teaching)
• AHA Instructor Core Competencies: Proficiency in PALS provider skills, ability to use AHA
teaching materials effectively, integrity, strong ethics, clear communication
• The AHA Instruction Cycle: Five steps—Prepare, Teach, Test & Remediate, Close, Keep Current
• Instructor Resources: Program Administration Manual (PAM), Instructor Manual, lesson maps,
course videos, skills testing checklists
• Course Formats: Instructor-led traditional course, HeartCode blended learning, update courses
• Precourse Requirements: Current PALS Provider card (less than 1 year old), completed
Precourse Self-Assessment, affiliation with Training Center
• Skills Testing & Remediation: Objective evaluation using AHA checklists, identifying
performance gaps, remediation protocols before retesting, peer-to-peer debriefing
• High-Quality BLS for PALS: Compression depth (infants ~4cm/1.5 inches, children ~5cm/2
inches), rate (100-120/min), full recoil, minimize interruptions (<10 sec), 30:2 ratio for lone
rescuer (infant/child), 15:2 for two rescuer pediatric BLS
• Systematic Approach: Initial impression (APPearance, work of Breathing, Circulation), primary
assessment (ABCDE), secondary assessment, diagnostic tests
• Respiratory Emergencies: Upper airway obstruction (stridor, retractions), lower airway
obstruction (wheezing, prolonged expiration), lung tissue disease (grunting, crackles),
disordered control of breathing
• Shock Recognition & Management: Compensated vs hypotensive shock, types (hypovolemic,
distributive, cardiogenic, obstructive), fluid resuscitation (20 mL/kg isotonic crystalloid boluses),
vasoactive agents
• Arrhythmia Management: Tachyarrhythmias (SVT, VT) with pulses vs unstable/pulseless,
bradycardia algorithm, synchronized cardioversion vs defibrillation
• Pharmacology: Epinephrine (every 3-5 minutes during arrest, IO/IV), Amiodarone (5 mg/kg
bolus for shockable rhythms), Adenosine (0.1 mg/kg rapid IV push for stable SVT, max 6 mg
initial)
• Defibrillation Dosing: Initial 2-4 J/kg, subsequent at least 4 J/kg (maximum 10 J/kg or adult
dose)
• Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Optimize oxygenation/ventilation, hemodynamic support,
identify/treat reversible causes (Hs and Ts), targeted temperature management
• Debriefing Skills: Structured, learner-focused, essential educational tool for performance
improvement and cognitive processing after simulations
• Training Center Policies: Instructor alignment/monitoring within 6 months, maintaining
instructor status (teaching requirements, renewal), TC-specific policies
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• Reversible Causes (Hs and Ts): Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis),
Hypo/hyperkalemia, Hypoglycemia; Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade (cardiac), Toxins,
Thrombosis (pulmonary/coronary)
• CPR Coach Concept: Measuring chest compression fraction (CCF), optimizing team
choreography, role in high-performance teams
• Pediatric Differences: Anatomical and physiological considerations (airway, circulation),
medication dosing (weight-based), equipment sizing
SECTION I: INSTRUCTOR CANDIDATE PATHWAY & PREREQUISITES (Questions 1-50)
1. A healthcare provider wishes to become a PALS Instructor. What is the correct first step in the
instructor candidate pathway?
• A) Complete the PALS Instructor Essentials online course independently
• B) Purchase and study the PALS Instructor Manual
• C) Contact an AHA Training Center for acceptance and complete an Instructor Candidate
Application
• D) Schedule a monitored teaching session with a Training Center Faculty
• Answer: C
• Rationale: The instructor path begins with acceptance by an AHA Training Center (TC), which
must have an Instructor Candidate Application on file before the candidate can enroll in
Instructor Essentials .
2. Which of the following is NOT a prerequisite for enrollment in a PALS Instructor Course?
• A) Hold a current AHA PALS Provider certification
• B) Be proficient in all skills of the PALS discipline
• C) Hold a current BLS Instructor certification
• D) Be accepted by an AHA Training Center
• Answer: C
• Rationale: BLS Instructor certification is not a prerequisite for PALS Instructor; candidates need
only current PALS Provider status and acceptance by a Training Center .
3. A candidate has a PALS Provider card that expired 3 months ago. What must they do before attending
a PALS Instructor Course?
• A) They can still attend as long as they have documentation of prior certification
• B) Complete a current PALS Provider course and obtain a valid Provider card
• C) Request a waiver from the Training Center Coordinator
• D) Take only the Instructor Essentials online without Provider renewal
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• Answer: B
• Rationale: Candidates must hold a current AHA Provider certification in the discipline of the
Instructor Course; expired cards are not acceptable .
4. An instructor candidate asks whether hybrid course cards (e.g., blended learning without hands-on
session) are accepted for instructor eligibility. What should the Training Center Coordinator advise?
• A) Yes, all AHA course completion cards are accepted equally
• B) Only instructor-led traditional course cards are accepted
• C) Hybrid course cards are not accepted for instructor eligibility
• D) Hybrid cards are accepted only if completed within 6 months
• Answer: C
• Rationale: Certain training centers specify that hybrid course cards are not accepted for
instructor candidacy; candidates must complete standard Provider courses .
5. An instructor candidate has completed the PALS Instructor Essentials online course. What is the NEXT
required step?
• A) Immediately begin teaching PALS courses independently
• B) Attend the hands-on classroom Instructor Essentials session
• C) Purchase the PALS Instructor Manual
• D) Submit a letter of recommendation to the AHA national office
• Answer: B
• Rationale: Instructor Essentials is blended learning; completion of the online portion must be
followed by a classroom session to demonstrate skills and teaching ability .
6. A Training Center Faculty member is reviewing an Instructor Candidate Application. According to AHA
guidelines, which quality is essential for a successful instructor candidate?
• A) Prior teaching experience in any field
• B) Willingness to facilitate learning and ensure students acquire necessary skills
• C) Possession of an advanced degree in education
• D) Completion of at least 10 PALS Provider courses
• Answer: B
• Rationale: Instructor candidates must be motivated to teach, facilitate learning, and ensure
students acquire skills; formal teaching degrees are not required .
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7. How long does an instructor candidate have to complete the monitored teaching session after the
initial instructor course?
• A) 3 months
• B) 6 months
• C) 12 months
• D) 24 months
• Answer: B
• Rationale: Most Training Centers require instructor candidates to complete their monitored
teaching session within 6 months of the initial instructor class .
8. Which document must be submitted to the Training Center BEFORE the instructor candidate can
enroll in PALS Instructor Essentials?
• A) Proof of malpractice insurance
• B) AHA Program Administration Manual receipt
• C) Completed Instructor Candidate Application
• D) Teaching portfolio with lesson plans
• Answer: C
• Rationale: The Instructor Candidate Application must be provided to the Course
Director/Training Center for approval before the Instructor Course .
9. A nurse practitioner wants to become a PALS Instructor but has never taken a PALS Provider course.
What is their first step?
• A) Complete the Instructor Essentials online course
• B) Take and successfully complete a PALS Provider course
• C) Apply directly to the AHA national office
• D) Shadow a current PALS Instructor for 3 months
• Answer: B
• Rationale: Candidates must hold a current AHA Provider certification BEFORE enrolling in an
Instructor Course .
10. Which of the following is NOT required for PALS Instructor certification completion?
• A) Successful completion of the PALS Instructor Exam
• B) Successful completion of the PALS skills test
PALS INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
PALS INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
POINT-FORM SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
• Instructor Candidate Pathway: Steps to becoming an AHA Instructor (Training Center
acceptance, Instructor Candidate Application, Instructor Essentials online, classroom session,
monitored teaching)
• AHA Instructor Core Competencies: Proficiency in PALS provider skills, ability to use AHA
teaching materials effectively, integrity, strong ethics, clear communication
• The AHA Instruction Cycle: Five steps—Prepare, Teach, Test & Remediate, Close, Keep Current
• Instructor Resources: Program Administration Manual (PAM), Instructor Manual, lesson maps,
course videos, skills testing checklists
• Course Formats: Instructor-led traditional course, HeartCode blended learning, update courses
• Precourse Requirements: Current PALS Provider card (less than 1 year old), completed
Precourse Self-Assessment, affiliation with Training Center
• Skills Testing & Remediation: Objective evaluation using AHA checklists, identifying
performance gaps, remediation protocols before retesting, peer-to-peer debriefing
• High-Quality BLS for PALS: Compression depth (infants ~4cm/1.5 inches, children ~5cm/2
inches), rate (100-120/min), full recoil, minimize interruptions (<10 sec), 30:2 ratio for lone
rescuer (infant/child), 15:2 for two rescuer pediatric BLS
• Systematic Approach: Initial impression (APPearance, work of Breathing, Circulation), primary
assessment (ABCDE), secondary assessment, diagnostic tests
• Respiratory Emergencies: Upper airway obstruction (stridor, retractions), lower airway
obstruction (wheezing, prolonged expiration), lung tissue disease (grunting, crackles),
disordered control of breathing
• Shock Recognition & Management: Compensated vs hypotensive shock, types (hypovolemic,
distributive, cardiogenic, obstructive), fluid resuscitation (20 mL/kg isotonic crystalloid boluses),
vasoactive agents
• Arrhythmia Management: Tachyarrhythmias (SVT, VT) with pulses vs unstable/pulseless,
bradycardia algorithm, synchronized cardioversion vs defibrillation
• Pharmacology: Epinephrine (every 3-5 minutes during arrest, IO/IV), Amiodarone (5 mg/kg
bolus for shockable rhythms), Adenosine (0.1 mg/kg rapid IV push for stable SVT, max 6 mg
initial)
• Defibrillation Dosing: Initial 2-4 J/kg, subsequent at least 4 J/kg (maximum 10 J/kg or adult
dose)
• Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Optimize oxygenation/ventilation, hemodynamic support,
identify/treat reversible causes (Hs and Ts), targeted temperature management
• Debriefing Skills: Structured, learner-focused, essential educational tool for performance
improvement and cognitive processing after simulations
• Training Center Policies: Instructor alignment/monitoring within 6 months, maintaining
instructor status (teaching requirements, renewal), TC-specific policies
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• Reversible Causes (Hs and Ts): Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis),
Hypo/hyperkalemia, Hypoglycemia; Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade (cardiac), Toxins,
Thrombosis (pulmonary/coronary)
• CPR Coach Concept: Measuring chest compression fraction (CCF), optimizing team
choreography, role in high-performance teams
• Pediatric Differences: Anatomical and physiological considerations (airway, circulation),
medication dosing (weight-based), equipment sizing
SECTION I: INSTRUCTOR CANDIDATE PATHWAY & PREREQUISITES (Questions 1-50)
1. A healthcare provider wishes to become a PALS Instructor. What is the correct first step in the
instructor candidate pathway?
• A) Complete the PALS Instructor Essentials online course independently
• B) Purchase and study the PALS Instructor Manual
• C) Contact an AHA Training Center for acceptance and complete an Instructor Candidate
Application
• D) Schedule a monitored teaching session with a Training Center Faculty
• Answer: C
• Rationale: The instructor path begins with acceptance by an AHA Training Center (TC), which
must have an Instructor Candidate Application on file before the candidate can enroll in
Instructor Essentials .
2. Which of the following is NOT a prerequisite for enrollment in a PALS Instructor Course?
• A) Hold a current AHA PALS Provider certification
• B) Be proficient in all skills of the PALS discipline
• C) Hold a current BLS Instructor certification
• D) Be accepted by an AHA Training Center
• Answer: C
• Rationale: BLS Instructor certification is not a prerequisite for PALS Instructor; candidates need
only current PALS Provider status and acceptance by a Training Center .
3. A candidate has a PALS Provider card that expired 3 months ago. What must they do before attending
a PALS Instructor Course?
• A) They can still attend as long as they have documentation of prior certification
• B) Complete a current PALS Provider course and obtain a valid Provider card
• C) Request a waiver from the Training Center Coordinator
• D) Take only the Instructor Essentials online without Provider renewal
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• Answer: B
• Rationale: Candidates must hold a current AHA Provider certification in the discipline of the
Instructor Course; expired cards are not acceptable .
4. An instructor candidate asks whether hybrid course cards (e.g., blended learning without hands-on
session) are accepted for instructor eligibility. What should the Training Center Coordinator advise?
• A) Yes, all AHA course completion cards are accepted equally
• B) Only instructor-led traditional course cards are accepted
• C) Hybrid course cards are not accepted for instructor eligibility
• D) Hybrid cards are accepted only if completed within 6 months
• Answer: C
• Rationale: Certain training centers specify that hybrid course cards are not accepted for
instructor candidacy; candidates must complete standard Provider courses .
5. An instructor candidate has completed the PALS Instructor Essentials online course. What is the NEXT
required step?
• A) Immediately begin teaching PALS courses independently
• B) Attend the hands-on classroom Instructor Essentials session
• C) Purchase the PALS Instructor Manual
• D) Submit a letter of recommendation to the AHA national office
• Answer: B
• Rationale: Instructor Essentials is blended learning; completion of the online portion must be
followed by a classroom session to demonstrate skills and teaching ability .
6. A Training Center Faculty member is reviewing an Instructor Candidate Application. According to AHA
guidelines, which quality is essential for a successful instructor candidate?
• A) Prior teaching experience in any field
• B) Willingness to facilitate learning and ensure students acquire necessary skills
• C) Possession of an advanced degree in education
• D) Completion of at least 10 PALS Provider courses
• Answer: B
• Rationale: Instructor candidates must be motivated to teach, facilitate learning, and ensure
students acquire skills; formal teaching degrees are not required .
, Page 4 of 72
7. How long does an instructor candidate have to complete the monitored teaching session after the
initial instructor course?
• A) 3 months
• B) 6 months
• C) 12 months
• D) 24 months
• Answer: B
• Rationale: Most Training Centers require instructor candidates to complete their monitored
teaching session within 6 months of the initial instructor class .
8. Which document must be submitted to the Training Center BEFORE the instructor candidate can
enroll in PALS Instructor Essentials?
• A) Proof of malpractice insurance
• B) AHA Program Administration Manual receipt
• C) Completed Instructor Candidate Application
• D) Teaching portfolio with lesson plans
• Answer: C
• Rationale: The Instructor Candidate Application must be provided to the Course
Director/Training Center for approval before the Instructor Course .
9. A nurse practitioner wants to become a PALS Instructor but has never taken a PALS Provider course.
What is their first step?
• A) Complete the Instructor Essentials online course
• B) Take and successfully complete a PALS Provider course
• C) Apply directly to the AHA national office
• D) Shadow a current PALS Instructor for 3 months
• Answer: B
• Rationale: Candidates must hold a current AHA Provider certification BEFORE enrolling in an
Instructor Course .
10. Which of the following is NOT required for PALS Instructor certification completion?
• A) Successful completion of the PALS Instructor Exam
• B) Successful completion of the PALS skills test
