How many questions are on a BLS test?

The typical Basic Life Support (BLS) exam, especially from the American Heart Association (AHA), has around 25 multiple-choice questions, often part of a blended learning course, requiring an 84% score to pass, along with a hands-on skills test. While some online providers or practice tests might offer different numbers (like 12 or 35), the standard in-person certification exam for healthcare providers is generally 25 questions.

What is the passing score for the BLS exam?

The BLS Certification Exam requires a passing score of 80%.

After passing the final exam, you will receive a copy of your BLS provider card and continuing education certificate via email. You can also access your digital card and certificate in your account under the “My Documents” tab.

How hard is the BLS exam?

No, the BLS (Basic Life Support) test isn't inherently hard, but it requires focus because it's more technical than layperson CPR, testing knowledge on CPR for adults, children, and infants, AED use, and airway management, with a written (multiple-choice) and hands-on skills component, designed to be passed if you pay attention in class and practice the simple, precise steps. Most people pass easily if they learn the material, as the skills are straightforward and instructors guide you, with the main challenge being increased info compared to basic first aid.
 

Can you fail a BLS skills test?

Upon completion of the BLS Instructor-led Course, including all cognitive content and all hands-on skills practice and testing, students need to pass this online final exam with a minimum score of 84%.

How many questions can you miss on a CPR test?

So naturally, failing a CPR test is possible. The passing score depends on the institution. The American Heart Association requires candidates to have a score of 84% to pass the test. This means that you can answer four questions incorrectly and pass the test.

🫀 2025 BLS Practice Test | CPR & AED Practice Test with Detailed Answers

Is it hard to pass the CPR exam?

No, the CPR test isn't inherently hard if you pay attention in class and practice, but it requires focus because it tests critical life-saving knowledge, with components including a written exam and a hands-on skills check, often with specific passing scores (like 84% for AHA) and potentially tricky question wording, but most people pass, and retakes are usually allowed if you don't. The key is understanding the steps, practicing compression depth/rate (using music like "Staying Alive" can help), and reading questions carefully, as it's about competency, not trickery.
 

How many times can you take the BLS exam?

Unlimited Exam Retakes with Rationale

It is much less important that you pass the exam the first time. That is why you can take the exam as many times as you need until you pass.

Is the BLS test open book?

What does the BLS certification exam look like? The exam typically includes a 25-question open-book quiz and a hands-on skills test. You need about 84% to pass.

How to pass the BLS exam?

Helpful Tips for Passing BLS Certification Exams

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Format. Understanding what to expect is half the battle. ...
2. Invest in a High-Quality Training Course. ...
3. Master Key BLS Skills. ...
4. Use Mnemonics To Remember CPR Steps. ...
5. Take Practice Tests. ...
6. Prepare for Renewal in Advance.

How long is a BLS test?

The BLS exam length varies, but the written portion is often a 25-question test with about an hour allotted (though many finish in 20-30 mins), while the hands-on skills test takes roughly 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on experience, with total certification time ranging from 2-5 hours for blended courses or 4-5 hours for in-person classes. 

Is there a written test for BLS?

To pass the AHA BLS course, a score of 84% or higher is required. Students must pass a skills test and a written exam. Prior to the test, students will receive a course handbook.

What to study for a BLS test?

The BLS written test is part of the American Heart Association's Basic Life Support certification process. It evaluates your knowledge of CPR techniques, AED use, choking relief, and team-based resuscitation. Most BLS courses follow a blended learning format.

How often should you give breaths in CPR?

Give two breaths after every 30 chest compressions. If two people are doing CPR, give 1 to 2 breaths after every 15 chest compressions. Continue CPR until you see signs of life or until medical help arrives.

How many questions can you miss on the BLS exam?

AHA BLS Exam Outline

The AHA BLS exam you'll take in class consists of a total of 25 questions. You need to score at least an 84% to pass, meaning you can miss a total of 4 questions.

Can I get my BLS for free?

BLS certification is often not entirely free, but many organizations offer the training course content at no cost, allowing you to learn the skills, with a fee required only if you want the official, valid certification card (usually $15-$30) or if you opt for in-person, hands-on classes from providers like the Red Cross. You can find free online courses through providers like American BLS and the Disque Foundation that cover CPR, AED, and choking relief, but getting the card for two years of validity usually costs money. 

How long does BLS take to complete?

A Basic Life Support (BLS) certification course typically takes 4 to 5 hours for a full instructor-led class, while blended learning (online + in-person skills) takes about 1-2 hours online plus 2-3 hours for the skills session, and renewal courses can be shorter, around 3 hours, with total time depending on your experience and pace. 

What are the 3 C's of BLS?

The three emergency action steps are often represented as the three Cs: check, call, care. Examples of the 3 Cs of first aid are to check the scene and the victim, call the local emergency number, and provide care.

What are the 7 steps of BLS?

The 7 steps of Basic Life Support (BLS) generally follow a sequence: 1. Check Scene Safety, 2. Check Responsiveness, 3. Call 911/Get AED, 4. Open Airway, 5. Check Breathing, 6. Perform Chest Compressions, and 7. Give Rescue Breaths, then repeat the cycle until help arrives, focusing on C-A-B (Compressions, Airway, Breathing) after the initial assessment.
 

Is BLS hard to pass?

No, Basic Life Support (BLS) certification isn't considered hard; it's designed to be practical and manageable, but requires focus because it covers more detailed techniques than basic CPR, with a hands-on skills assessment and a written exam (often needing an 84% score for American Heart Association), though it's very achievable with attention in class and practice, and most people pass easily. 

Is BLS harder than CPR?

Yes, BLS (Basic Life Support) is generally considered more demanding and comprehensive than standard CPR training because it's designed for healthcare professionals, covering more complex skills, teamwork, and equipment use (like Bag Valve Masks) in addition to core CPR for adults, children, and infants, whereas basic CPR is for the general public and focuses on fundamental compression/breath techniques. BLS involves more in-depth scenarios, longer training, and a broader knowledge base for managing cardiac and respiratory emergencies in clinical settings.
 

Are BLS classes online?

Yes, you can do much of Basic Life Support (BLS) online through blended learning, completing the cognitive/written part at home at your own pace and then finishing with an in-person skills session for hands-on practice with an instructor, though some providers offer 100% online options. Reputable organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and Red Cross offer these flexible options, providing digital certificates that meet many employer requirements, but always check with your employer for specific provider acceptance. 

Is the BLS exam multiple choice?

Typically, the AHA BLS certification exam consists of approximately 25 multiple-choice questions along with a hands-on skills assessment.

How long is the BLS skills test?

Time to complete the hands-on skills session varies from 60 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the experience of the student. HeartCode BLS Online is WCAG 2.1 AA compliant. Contact your Training Center to inquire about their facility's accommodations.

Can I work with expired BLS?

Working in a healthcare setting with an expired BLS certification can lead to compliance violations. Organizations, particularly hospitals and clinics, often face audits to ensure staff qualifications. Your expired certification could result in penalties for your employer and jeopardize your reputation.

Are BLS and CPR the same thing?

No, BLS (Basic Life Support) and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) are not the same, though BLS training includes CPR; CPR is a fundamental technique, while BLS is a more comprehensive certification for healthcare professionals, adding advanced skills like team dynamics, barrier device use, and care for all ages (infants, children, adults) for cardiac arrest and respiratory distress, making it more robust for medical settings. Think of CPR as a core component, while BLS is an extended, professional-level version.