AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
BLS Final Exam
Basic Life Support Certification
Official Practice Exam · 2026/2027 Edition
Questions: 25 Time: 45 Minutes Passing Score: 75% Recertification: Every 2 Years
Table of Contents
High-Quality CPR & Defibrillation (Questions 1-10)
Relief of Choking & Rescue Breathing (Questions 11-17)
BLS for Special Situations & Team Dynamics (Questions 18-25)
Instructions
This practice exam contains 25 multiple-choice questions divided into three sections. You have 45 minutes to
complete the exam. A score of 75% or higher (19 out of 25 correct) is required to pass. Each question has four
answer choices (A through D). Select the single best answer for each question. Read each scenario carefully
before selecting your response. Review the rationale provided after each answer to reinforce your understanding of
basic life support concepts and AHA guidelines.
Exam Content Areas:
Section 1: High-Quality CPR & Defibrillation - 10 questions (40%)
Section 2: Relief of Choking & Rescue Breathing - 7 questions (28%)
Section 3: BLS for Special Situations & Team Dynamics - 8 questions (32%)
BLS Final Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 1
, Section 1: High-Quality CPR & Defibrillation | 2026/2027
Q1. Question 1 of 25
Q1. A 55-year-old man suddenly collapses in the hospital lobby. A nurse arriving on scene confirms the patient is
unresponsive, is not breathing, and has no pulse. The nurse initiates CPR and calls for the crash cart. What is the
recommended chest compression depth for adult CPR?
A. At least 2 inches but not exceeding 2.4 inches (5-6 cm) during each compression
B. At least 1.5 inches (3-4 cm) to avoid causing rib fractures in adult patients
C. Between 2.5 and 3 inches (6-8 cm) to ensure adequate cardiac output is achieved
D. Exactly 2 inches (5 cm) with no variation permitted during the resuscitation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The AHA recommends a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm) for adult CPR to ensure
adequate perfusion while minimizing injury. Option B is too shallow and would not generate sufficient cardiac output, while Option C
exceeds the recommended upper limit and increases the risk of internal injury.
Q2. Question 2 of 25
Q2. A 68-year-old woman is found unresponsive in her home by a family member who calls 911. The paramedics
arrive and find the patient in cardiac arrest. They begin chest compressions and prepare the defibrillator. What is the
recommended compression rate during high-quality CPR?
A. 80 to 100 compressions per minute to allow adequate chest recoil time
B. 100 to 120 compressions per minute to maintain adequate perfusion pressure
C. 120 to 140 compressions per minute to maximize cardiac output during arrest
D. 60 to 80 compressions per minute to reduce provider fatigue during extended resuscitation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The AHA recommends a compression rate of 100-120 per minute for high-quality CPR, which balances adequate perfusion with
sufficient time for chest recoil. Option A is too slow and would not maintain adequate perfusion, while Option C is too fast and reduces
chest recoil and filling time.
BLS Final Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 2
BLS Final Exam
Basic Life Support Certification
Official Practice Exam · 2026/2027 Edition
Questions: 25 Time: 45 Minutes Passing Score: 75% Recertification: Every 2 Years
Table of Contents
High-Quality CPR & Defibrillation (Questions 1-10)
Relief of Choking & Rescue Breathing (Questions 11-17)
BLS for Special Situations & Team Dynamics (Questions 18-25)
Instructions
This practice exam contains 25 multiple-choice questions divided into three sections. You have 45 minutes to
complete the exam. A score of 75% or higher (19 out of 25 correct) is required to pass. Each question has four
answer choices (A through D). Select the single best answer for each question. Read each scenario carefully
before selecting your response. Review the rationale provided after each answer to reinforce your understanding of
basic life support concepts and AHA guidelines.
Exam Content Areas:
Section 1: High-Quality CPR & Defibrillation - 10 questions (40%)
Section 2: Relief of Choking & Rescue Breathing - 7 questions (28%)
Section 3: BLS for Special Situations & Team Dynamics - 8 questions (32%)
BLS Final Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 1
, Section 1: High-Quality CPR & Defibrillation | 2026/2027
Q1. Question 1 of 25
Q1. A 55-year-old man suddenly collapses in the hospital lobby. A nurse arriving on scene confirms the patient is
unresponsive, is not breathing, and has no pulse. The nurse initiates CPR and calls for the crash cart. What is the
recommended chest compression depth for adult CPR?
A. At least 2 inches but not exceeding 2.4 inches (5-6 cm) during each compression
B. At least 1.5 inches (3-4 cm) to avoid causing rib fractures in adult patients
C. Between 2.5 and 3 inches (6-8 cm) to ensure adequate cardiac output is achieved
D. Exactly 2 inches (5 cm) with no variation permitted during the resuscitation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The AHA recommends a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm) for adult CPR to ensure
adequate perfusion while minimizing injury. Option B is too shallow and would not generate sufficient cardiac output, while Option C
exceeds the recommended upper limit and increases the risk of internal injury.
Q2. Question 2 of 25
Q2. A 68-year-old woman is found unresponsive in her home by a family member who calls 911. The paramedics
arrive and find the patient in cardiac arrest. They begin chest compressions and prepare the defibrillator. What is the
recommended compression rate during high-quality CPR?
A. 80 to 100 compressions per minute to allow adequate chest recoil time
B. 100 to 120 compressions per minute to maintain adequate perfusion pressure
C. 120 to 140 compressions per minute to maximize cardiac output during arrest
D. 60 to 80 compressions per minute to reduce provider fatigue during extended resuscitation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The AHA recommends a compression rate of 100-120 per minute for high-quality CPR, which balances adequate perfusion with
sufficient time for chest recoil. Option A is too slow and would not maintain adequate perfusion, while Option C is too fast and reduces
chest recoil and filling time.
BLS Final Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 2
