• 94 questions

ACLS Practice Test

Unofficial Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support questions, with megacode-style cases, written from the 2025 guidelines.

What chest compression fraction may it be reasonable to reach during adult cardiac arrest?

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the American Heart Association. Bank checked October 9, 2026.

Spotted a mistake? Report a wrong answer. Every question has this link under its explanation.

The real course, as the American Heart Association describes it

Before the course
Every student completes the online Precourse Self-Assessment (rhythm recognition, pharmacology, practical application) with a score of at least 70%.
Exam rules
Open resource: the provider manual, your notes and the Handbook of ECC may be used. Students may not interact with each other during the exam.
Question count and pass mark
Not given in the FAQ or on the course pages.
What is taught
Systematic approach; high-quality BLS; airway management; rhythm recognition; defibrillation; IV and IO access (information only); medications; cardioversion; t
Course length
Instructor-led course about 15.5 to 16.5 hours with breaks; update course about 8.5 to 9.5 hours. Video prework shortens the class time.
Card
An ACLS Provider Course Completion Card, valid for two years.

Checked October 9, 2026 against 2025 ACLS Provider Instructor-Led Training Course FAQ, American Heart Association, as of October 22, 2025. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

The Association's own ACLS course page

Next step BLS practice testEKG practice test

All 94 questions

High-quality BLS and assessment 9

  • A healthcare professional finds an unresponsive adult who is only gasping. How long, at most, should the pulse check take? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support, section 6.1, Recognition of Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, systematic approach (assessment).
  • A shock has just been delivered to an adult in cardiac arrest. What is reasonable to do next? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support, section 7.2, Chest Compression Fraction and Pauses. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, high-quality BLS.
  • Besides an abrupt rise in end-tidal CO2, which monitor may be used to detect ROSC during chest compressions? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 12, Adjuncts for Performance of CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, systematic approach (assessment).
  • By the first take-home message of Part 9, what is essential to direct the right advanced life support treatment? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, Top 10 Take-Home Messages. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, systematic approach (assessment).
Show all 94 questions (90 more)

High-quality BLS and assessment, continued

  • During CPR with continuous waveform capnography, the ETCO2 is low or decreasing. What does the adult cardiac arrest algorithm say to do? 2025 AHA Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, High-Quality CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, high-quality BLS.
  • Head-up CPR for adults in cardiac arrest is not recommended except in which setting? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 12, Adjuncts for Performance of CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, high-quality BLS.
  • How do the guidelines rate measuring arterial blood gases during CPR in adults? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 12, Adjuncts for Performance of CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, systematic approach (assessment).
  • What chest compression fraction may it be reasonable to reach during adult cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support, section 7.2, Chest Compression Fraction and Pauses. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, high-quality BLS.
  • Which physiological parameters may be used, when feasible, to monitor and optimize CPR quality in adults? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 12, Adjuncts for Performance of CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, high-quality BLS.

Airway management and ventilation 9

  • An adult has strong, easily felt pulses but is not breathing. How often is it reasonable to give a ventilation? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support, section 8.3, Ventilation of Adults With Spontaneous Circulation. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, airway management.
  • An advanced airway is in place during adult CPR. What ventilation rate may be reasonable while compressions continue? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 14, Advanced Airway Placement During Resuscitation. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, airway management.
  • An EMS system has a low endotracheal intubation success rate. If an advanced airway is used in out-of-hospital arrest, which can be acceptable? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 14, Advanced Airway Placement During Resuscitation. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, airway management.
  • In bag-mask ventilation by two rescuers, the first uses two hands to open the airway and seal the mask. What does the second do? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support, section 8.1, Fundamentals of Ventilation. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, airway management.
  • No advanced airway is in place. Which compression-to-ventilation ratio does the adult cardiac arrest algorithm give? 2025 AHA Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, High-Quality CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, airway management.
  • Placing an advanced airway would interrupt chest compressions. What should the team do? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 14, Advanced Airway Placement During Resuscitation. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, airway management.
  • Supplemental oxygen is available during CPR. What inspired oxygen concentration may be reasonable? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 12, Adjuncts for Performance of CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, airway management.
  • Which method is recommended, with clinical assessment, as the most reliable way to confirm and monitor endotracheal tube placement? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 14, Advanced Airway Placement During Resuscitation. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, airway management.
  • Which statement matches the guidelines on bag-mask ventilation and advanced airways during adult CPR? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 14, Advanced Airway Placement During Resuscitation. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, airway management.

Cardiac arrest: shocks, access and drugs 19

  • The adult cardiac arrest algorithm lists lidocaine as the alternative to amiodarone. What is its first dose? 2025 AHA Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Drug Therapy. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • During chest compressions, what may an abrupt increase in end-tidal CO2 be used to detect? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 12, Adjuncts for Performance of CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, rhythm recognition.
  • For an adult in cardiac arrest with a nonshockable rhythm, when is it reasonable to give epinephrine? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 10, Vasopressor Medications in Adult Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • For an adult in cardiac arrest with a shockable rhythm, when is it reasonable to give epinephrine? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 10, Vasopressor Medications in Adult Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • For which arrest rhythms may amiodarone or lidocaine be considered? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 11, Nonvasopressor Medications During Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • How do the guidelines rate vasopressin as a substitute for epinephrine in adult cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 10, Vasopressor Medications in Adult Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • Initial attempts at intravenous access fail during an adult cardiac arrest. Which route is reasonable next? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 9, Vascular Access in Cardiac Arrest Management. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, IV and IO access.
  • On the adult cardiac arrest algorithm, what are the first and second IV/IO doses of amiodarone? 2025 AHA Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Drug Therapy. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • Routine administration of which three drugs is not recommended for adults in cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 11, Nonvasopressor Medications During Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • VF persists after 3 or more consecutive shocks. What do the guidelines say about double sequential defibrillation? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 7, Vector Change and Double Sequential Defibrillation. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation.
  • What do the guidelines say about routine electrical pacing during an established adult cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 8, Nondefibrillation Electrical Therapies for Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, transcutaneous pacing.
  • What dose and interval of epinephrine is reasonable for adults in cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 10, Vasopressor Medications in Adult Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • What shock energy does the adult cardiac arrest algorithm give for a monophasic defibrillator? 2025 AHA Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Shock Energy for Defibrillation. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation.
  • When may experienced professionals consider point-of-care ultrasound during cardiac arrest to diagnose reversible causes? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, Top 10 Take-Home Messages. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, systematic approach (assessment).
  • Which defibrillation waveform is preferred for treating tachyarrhythmias in adult cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 5, Defibrillation. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation.
  • Which of these is on the adult cardiac arrest algorithm's list of reversible causes? 2025 AHA Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Reversible Causes. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, systematic approach (assessment).
  • Which route should professionals attempt first for drug administration in adult cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 9, Vascular Access in Cardiac Arrest Management. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, IV and IO access.
  • Which shock strategy is preferred for adults in cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 5, Defibrillation. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation.
  • Which two rhythms does the adult cardiac arrest algorithm send down the shock pathway? 2025 AHA Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), boxes 1, 2 and 9. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, rhythm recognition.

Bradycardia and pacing 10

  • At what heart rate does the adult bradycardia algorithm say a bradyarrhythmia typically is? 2025 AHA Adult Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), box 1. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, rhythm recognition.
  • Atropine is ineffective for bradycardia with cardiopulmonary compromise. Which options does the algorithm list next? 2025 AHA Adult Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), box 5. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, transcutaneous pacing.
  • In an unstable adult with high-degree AV block, when might immediate pacing be considered? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 19, Initial Management of Bradycardia. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, transcutaneous pacing.
  • Unstable bradycardia persists and is refractory to medical therapy. What is reasonable to increase heart rate and improve symptoms? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 19, Initial Management of Bradycardia. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, transcutaneous pacing.
  • What epinephrine infusion rate does the adult bradycardia algorithm give? 2025 AHA Adult Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses/Details. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • What is the first IV dose of atropine on the adult bradycardia algorithm? 2025 AHA Adult Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses/Details. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • What is the maximum total dose of atropine on the adult bradycardia algorithm? 2025 AHA Adult Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses/Details. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • What is the usual dopamine infusion rate on the adult bradycardia algorithm? 2025 AHA Adult Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses/Details. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • Which drug group is on the bradycardia algorithm's list of possible toxicologic causes? 2025 AHA Adult Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Possible Causes. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, systematic approach (assessment).
  • Which finding does the adult bradycardia algorithm count as cardiopulmonary compromise? 2025 AHA Adult Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), box 2. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, systematic approach (assessment).

Tachycardia and cardioversion 17

  • At what heart rate does the adult tachyarrhythmia algorithm say a tachyarrhythmia typically is? 2025 AHA Adult Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), box 1. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, rhythm recognition.
  • For a stable adult with a regular narrow-complex tachycardia, which two treatments carry a class 1 recommendation? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 17, Regular Narrow-Complex Tachycardia. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • For stable wide-QRS tachycardia, what first dose of amiodarone does the adult tachyarrhythmia algorithm give? 2025 AHA Adult Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses/Details. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • For which rhythm may magnesium be considered? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 16, Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • How wide is a 'wide QRS' on the adult tachyarrhythmia algorithm? 2025 AHA Adult Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), box 4. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, rhythm recognition.
  • In which wide-complex tachycardia should adenosine not be given? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 15, Wide-Complex Tachycardia. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • On the electrical cardioversion algorithm, above what ventricular rate should the team prepare for immediate cardioversion? 2025 AHA Electrical Cardioversion Algorithm (accessible version), box 2. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, cardioversion.
  • On the electrical cardioversion algorithm, what energy is listed for monomorphic VT with a pulse? 2025 AHA Electrical Cardioversion Algorithm (accessible version), box 5. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, cardioversion.
  • Synchronization is delayed and the patient's condition is critical. What does the electrical cardioversion algorithm say to do? 2025 AHA Electrical Cardioversion Algorithm (accessible version), box 5. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, cardioversion.
  • What are the first and second IV doses of adenosine on the adult tachyarrhythmia algorithm? 2025 AHA Adult Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses/Details. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • What initial energy setting is reasonable for synchronized cardioversion of atrial fibrillation with a biphasic defibrillator? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 18.1, Electrical Therapies for Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, cardioversion.
  • What is recommended for acute treatment of a hemodynamically unstable wide-complex tachycardia? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 15, Wide-Complex Tachycardia. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, cardioversion.
  • What is recommended for an adult with sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 16, Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation.
  • What maximum dose of procainamide does the adult tachyarrhythmia algorithm give for stable wide-QRS tachycardia? 2025 AHA Adult Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses/Details. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • Which IV drugs are recommended to slow the ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and no preexcitation? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 18.2, Medical Therapies for Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • Which two drugs should not be given to adults with wide-complex tachycardia? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 15, Wide-Complex Tachycardia. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • Why should digoxin, nondihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists, beta blockers and IV amiodarone be avoided in preexcitation atrial fibrillation? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 18.2, Medical Therapies for Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.

Post-cardiac arrest care 11

  • After cardiac arrest of suspected cardiac cause, which ECG finding calls for emergent coronary angiography even in a comatose patient? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 11: Post-Cardiac Arrest Care, section 10, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.
  • For at least how long is it reasonable to maintain temperature control in adults who stay unresponsive after ROSC? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 11: Post-Cardiac Arrest Care, section 7, Temperature Control. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.
  • In which range should PaCO2 generally be kept in adults who remain comatose after ROSC? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 11: Post-Cardiac Arrest Care, section 4.2, Ventilation Targets. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.
  • Once oxygen saturation can be measured reliably after ROSC, which target range is reasonable? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 11: Post-Cardiac Arrest Care, section 4.1, Oxygenation Targets. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.
  • The post-cardiac arrest algorithm asks for multimodal prognostication with delayed impressions. How long after ROSC or achieving normothermia? 2025 AHA Adult Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Continued Management. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.
  • Until oxygen saturation or PaO2 can be measured reliably after ROSC, what inspired oxygen is recommended? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 11: Post-Cardiac Arrest Care, section 4.1, Oxygenation Targets. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.
  • What minimum mean arterial pressure should be maintained in adults after ROSC? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 11: Post-Cardiac Arrest Care, section 5, Blood Pressure Targets. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.
  • Which glucose values may it be reasonable to avoid in adults after ROSC? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 11: Post-Cardiac Arrest Care, section 8, Additional Treatments. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.
  • Which test is recommended promptly to diagnose seizures in adults who do not follow commands after ROSC? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 11: Post-Cardiac Arrest Care, section 13.1, Seizure and Other Epileptiform Activity. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.
  • Which test should be obtained as soon as feasible for all adult patients after ROSC? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 11: Post-Cardiac Arrest Care, section 6, Diagnostic Studies. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.
  • Within which range is temperature kept in adults unresponsive to verbal commands after ROSC? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 11: Post-Cardiac Arrest Care, section 7, Temperature Control. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.

Teams and ending resuscitation 8

  • In a nonintubated adult, how may an end-tidal CO2 cutoff be used to decide when to end resuscitation? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 13, Termination of Resuscitative Measures. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, systematic approach (assessment).
  • In a tiered EMS system with both ALS and BLS professionals, which termination of resuscitation rule is reasonable for adult OHCA? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 13, Termination of Resuscitative Measures. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, systematic approach (assessment).
  • In an intubated adult, failure to reach what end-tidal CO2 after 20 minutes of ALS resuscitation may be one component of a decision to end efforts? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9: Adult Advanced Life Support, section 13, Termination of Resuscitative Measures. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, systematic approach (assessment).
  • What can improve the quality of a post-event debriefing? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 4: Systems of Care, section 13, Clinical Debriefing. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, high-performance teams.
  • What kind of debriefing after a cardiac arrest can be effective for resuscitation improvement programs? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 4: Systems of Care, section 13, Clinical Debriefing. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, high-performance teams.
  • What training should the members of an in-hospital code team have? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 4: Systems of Care, section 15, In-Hospital Code Team Composition and Training. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, high-performance teams.
  • Which features of designated code teams can be beneficial for outcomes after in-hospital cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 4: Systems of Care, section 15, In-Hospital Code Team Composition and Training. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, high-performance teams.
  • Which teams can be effective in reducing the incidence of cardiac arrest, particularly in general care wards? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 4: Systems of Care, section 6, Prevention of IHCA. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, high-performance teams.

Megacode-style cases 11

  • Case: a monitored adult is in VF. One shock, 2 minutes of CPR with IV access, then a second shock. What does the algorithm add during the next 2 minutes of CPR? 2025 AHA Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), boxes 3 to 6. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • Case: a stable adult has a regular narrow-complex tachycardia at 180 per minute. Vagal maneuvers fail. What is given first? 2025 AHA Adult Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), box 5 and Doses/Details. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.
  • Case: after 2 minutes of CPR for asystole, the rhythm check shows VF. What comes next on the algorithm? 2025 AHA Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), boxes 10 and 5. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation.
  • Case: after ROSC the 12-lead ECG shows persistent ST-segment elevation. What does the post-cardiac arrest algorithm say to consider? 2025 AHA Adult Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Continued Management. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.
  • Case: an adult has a heart rate of 38 per minute, hypotension and new confusion. Atropine 1 mg has no effect. Which next step fits the algorithm? 2025 AHA Adult Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), boxes 2 to 5. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, transcutaneous pacing.
  • Case: an adult with a wide-complex tachycardia at 170 per minute becomes hypotensive with acute heart failure. What does the algorithm call for? 2025 AHA Adult Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), boxes 3 and 6. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, cardioversion.
  • Case: just after ROSC, the pulse oximeter reads a reliable 100% on 100% oxygen. What does the algorithm say to do with the FIO2? 2025 AHA Adult Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Initial Stabilization After ROSC. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.
  • Case: ROSC is obtained. Off sedation, the patient does not follow commands. Which step does the post-cardiac arrest algorithm call for? 2025 AHA Adult Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Algorithm (accessible version), boxes 5 to 8. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest care.
  • Case: the monitor shows an organized rhythm, but the adult has no pulse. What does the algorithm give as soon as possible? 2025 AHA Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), box 9. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, rhythm recognition.
  • Case: the team has a biphasic defibrillator and nobody knows the manufacturer's recommended dose. What energy does the algorithm give? 2025 AHA Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Shock Energy for Defibrillation. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation.
  • Case: VF persists and a third shock is delivered. Which drugs does the algorithm add during the next 2 minutes of CPR? 2025 AHA Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), boxes 7 and 8. Outline: AHA 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, use of medications.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the topics the American Heart Association publishes for its ACLS Provider Course (2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, as of October 22, 2025, linked from https://cpr.heart.org/en/courses/advanced-cardiovascular-life-support-course-options, and https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/healthcare-professional/acls, both read 2026-10-09): systematic approach, high-quality BLS, airway management, rhythm recognition, defibrillation, IV and IO access, use of medications, cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, high-performance teams and post-cardiac arrest care. Every fact was read on 2026-10-09 in the 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care on cpr.heart.org (Part 4, Part 7, Part 9 and Part 11, published October 22, 2025) or in the accessible text versions of the 2025 adult algorithms; each question names its source and section. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This free ACLS practice test has 94 questions of our own on the topics of the ACLS Provider Course, 11 of them megacode-style cases. It is unofficial and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the American Heart Association.

Read the full guide

What it covers

The bank follows the topics in the Association's 2025 ACLS Provider Course FAQ, read October 9, 2026. It holds 9 questions on high-quality BLS and assessment, 9 on airway management, 19 on cardiac arrest, 10 on bradycardia and pacing, 17 on tachycardia and cardioversion, 11 on post-cardiac arrest care, 8 on teams and 11 cases.

What it leaves out

Stroke and acute coronary syndromes, which the course also teaches, are outside the guideline parts this bank was written from and are not asked. No rhythm strip is shown: each question names its rhythm in words.

  • Many cases turn on one split in the arrest algorithm: VF and pulseless VT are shocked; asystole and PEA are not.
  • Adult doses that come in pairs: adenosine 6 mg then 12 mg; amiodarone in cardiac arrest 300 mg then 150 mg.

Questions and answers

Is this an American Heart Association ACLS practice test?

No. This page is unofficial and the Association had no part in it. Every question was written for this site from the public guidelines; the course exam, the Precourse Self-Assessment and the provider manual were not used.

Are these AHA ACLS practice test questions on the 2025 guidelines?

Yes. They follow the 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, published October 22, 2025. Each question shows where its answer was read, such as Part 9 for adult advanced life support or the bradycardia algorithm.

Is there an ACLS practical test?

Yes, in the course itself. The Association's course page describes hands-on sessions with megacode cases and skills testing with an Instructor. A quiz cannot stand in for that or earn a card; the megacode-style cases here rehearse the decisions in words.

How many questions are on the ACLS exam?

The Association's 2025 course FAQ and course pages give no question count, time limit or pass mark, so none is stated here. Exam mode asks 25 of ours and reports the number right.

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