Is there a written exam for BLS?

Yes, a written exam is a required component for Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, typically alongside a hands-on skills test, to ensure you understand the cognitive knowledge for CPR, AED use, and choking relief, with most major providers like the American Heart Association (AHA) requiring an 84% score to pass. The exam is usually multiple-choice and tests your grasp of life-saving techniques before or after the practical session, with multiple retakes often allowed if needed.

Is there a written test for BLS?

To receive a course completion card, students in the Basic Life Support (BLS) Course must pass both skills tests and an online exam with a score of at least 84%. The BLS exam measures the mastery of cognitive knowledge and is administered at the conclusion of an instructor-led BLS Course.

Is the BLS an open book test?

AHA BLS Course Completion

Students must pass an open-book written exam and skills test in order to qualify for a Basic Life Support Course Completion Card.

How many questions are on the BLS exam?

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.

Is the BLS written exam hard?

Passing the Basic Life Support (BLS) exam from the American Heart Association (AHA) doesn't have to be stressful. With proper preparation and the right study approach, you can confidently earn your BLS certification on your first attempt.

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

Is the CPR test open book?

Yes, there is a written test at the end of the BLS class. It is 25 questions. You may use your book for reference, i.e. open book.

What is the passing score 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. Through AHA, students who successfully complete the course(s) become certified for two years.

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.

Why 30 compressions to 2 breaths?

The 30 compressions help maintain blood flow throughout the body, while the 2 breaths provide additional oxygen. This balance is key to effective CPR.

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.

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.
 

Do you do 20 or 30 compressions for CPR?

CPR for adults: Give 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. This is known as “30:2”. Aim for 5 sets of 30:2 in about 2 minutes (if you are only doing compressions, aim for about 100 to 120 compressions per minute).

How long does a BLS test take?

How long does it take to get BLS certification? Our instructor-led BLS courses takes approximately 4-5 hours, providing ample time to learn the latest techniques and information. Our blended learning BLS courses combine online learning (approximately 1-2 hours) with an in-person skills session (2-3 hours).

Can you fail BLS training?

A passing grade is 70% or higher. Just a reminder, if you happen to fail don't worry there's unlimited Testing. Just re-examine & retry.

What if someone has a pulse but isn't breathing?

In adults, call 911 first and do the following: If the person is not breathing but has a pulse, give 1 rescue breath every 5 to 6 seconds or about 10 to 12 breaths per minute.

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.

Why is CPR no longer mouth-to-mouth?

In 2008, the American Heart Association updated its guidelines. They removed rescue breaths to encourage Hands-Only CPR. This change was based on research about public attitudes and bystander responses. It aimed to cut down on hesitation during emergencies and boost lifesaving actions.

What are the 3 R's of CPR?

The 3 Rs of CPR are Recognize, Respond, and Resuscitate, providing a simple framework for bystanders during cardiac emergencies: first, Recognize the signs of cardiac arrest (unresponsiveness, no normal breathing); next, Respond by calling emergency services (like 911) and getting an AED; and finally, Resuscitate by performing chest compressions and rescue breaths until help arrives. Mastering these steps ensures swift, effective action, significantly improving survival chances.
 

Should I stop CPR if the person vomits?

Recommended Procedure: “For these reasons, we believe it is appropriate to recommend the following: in case of vomiting, turn the victim onto their side, perform a finger sweep if needed, return the victim to their back, and restart CPR with chest compressions, beginning a new cycle regardless of the number of ...

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. 

What is the 3 C's in CPR?

The 3 Cs of CPR (and first aid) are Check, Call, and Care (or Compress for Hands-Only CPR), a simple mnemonic to guide emergency response: first, Check the scene and victim for safety and responsiveness; then, Call 911 (or your local emergency number) and get an AED; and finally, Care for the person by giving CPR (chest compressions) until help arrives.
 

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.

Can I get my BLS for free?

No, official BLS certification usually costs money for the card and official recognition, but you can often take the training material for free from providers like American BLS and the Disque Foundation, with some organizations charging a fee for the physical/digital card or accredited certification (around $15-$20). Some non-profits offer free training and certification, while others provide free access to course content but require payment for the official credential. 

What are the two types of BLS?

They are:

• Hands-only CPR. Involves calling for help and then pushing on the chest in a rapid motion ie chest compressions. ...
• Traditional CPR with breaths. Also called CPR with breaths, this alternates chest compressions with mouth-to-mouth breaths.

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.