100+ Free AHA ACLS Provider Practice Questions

Pass your AHA Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Provider exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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For a STEMI patient who must be transferred from a non-PCI hospital to a PCI center, the recommended total first-medical-contact-to-device goal is:

240 minutes

60 minutes

Reperfusion is not time-sensitive

120 minutes or less

to track

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AHA ACLS Provider Exam

84%

Written Exam Passing Score

AHA

~50

Official Written Exam Questions

AHA

100

Free Practice Questions Here

OpenExamPrep

1 mg

Epinephrine Dose Every 3–5 Minutes in Arrest

2025 AHA Guidelines

100–120/min

Recommended Adult Compression Rate

2025 AHA Guidelines

2 years

ACLS Provider Card Validity

AHA

Practice Domains Covered

OpenExamPrep

The AHA ACLS Provider credential is earned through an AHA Training Center course that includes a written/online multiple-choice exam (about 50 questions, 84% to pass) and a separate hands-on megacode/skills test. ACLS covers BLS foundations, the adult cardiac arrest algorithm (VF/pVT and asystole/PEA), bradycardia and tachycardia algorithms, acute coronary syndrome, acute stroke, post–cardiac arrest care, airway and pharmacology, and high-performance team dynamics. This 100-question practice bank is aligned to the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC and is study material only — it is not the official AHA exam, and the certification requires the in-person AHA course and skills evaluation. The credential is renewed every 2 years.

Sample AHA ACLS Provider Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AHA ACLS Provider exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1During adult CPR, what is the recommended chest compression rate per the 2025 AHA Guidelines?

A.100–120 compressions per minute

B.80–100 compressions per minute

C.60–80 compressions per minute

D.120–140 compressions per minute

Explanation: The AHA recommends a compression rate of 100–120 per minute for adults. Rates faster than 120/min reduce coronary perfusion and compression depth, while rates below 100/min reduce cardiac output.

2What is the recommended chest compression depth for an average adult during CPR?

A.At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)

B.At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)

C.At least 2 inches (5 cm) and no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)

D.At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)

Explanation: For an average adult, compress at least 2 inches (5 cm) but avoid exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm), where injury risk rises without added benefit. Adequate depth generates the perfusion pressure needed during arrest.

3To optimize the chest compression fraction during a resuscitation, rescuers should aim to keep the fraction at what minimum target?

A.At least 40%

B.At least 60% (ideally 80% or higher)

C.At least 50%

D.Exactly 100%

Explanation: Chest compression fraction (the proportion of arrest time spent doing compressions) should be at least 60%, with a goal of 80% or higher. Minimizing interruptions preserves coronary and cerebral perfusion.

4How often should compressors switch roles during a prolonged resuscitation to limit fatigue?

A.Every 30 seconds

B.Every 5 minutes

C.Every 2 minutes (or sooner if fatigued)

D.Only when visibly exhausted

Explanation: Rescuers should rotate the compressor role about every 2 minutes (coinciding with rhythm checks) or sooner if fatigued. Fatigue degrades depth and rate within minutes, often before the rescuer perceives it.

5For an adult in cardiac arrest with NO advanced airway, what compression-to-ventilation ratio should a two-rescuer team use?

A.15:2

B.30:2

C.10:1

D.Continuous compressions with no ventilations

Explanation: With no advanced airway, the adult compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2 for one or two rescuers. Once an advanced airway is placed, compressions become continuous with ventilation every 6 seconds.

6What is the single most important factor for survival in witnessed adult ventricular fibrillation arrest?

A.Early epinephrine administration

B.Early advanced airway placement

C.Early amiodarone administration

D.Early defibrillation with high-quality CPR

Explanation: For VF/pVT, the chance of survival declines roughly 7–10% per minute without defibrillation; early defibrillation combined with high-quality CPR is the strongest determinant of survival. Drugs are adjuncts, not substitutes.

7After delivering a shock for VF, what should the team do immediately?

A.Resume chest compressions immediately for 2 minutes

B.Check the pulse for up to 10 seconds

C.Reanalyze the rhythm immediately

D.Administer epinephrine before resuming CPR

Explanation: Immediately after a shock, resume CPR starting with compressions for 2 minutes without a pulse or rhythm check. This minimizes the post-shock pause and supports perfusion until the next rhythm analysis.

8When using an AED on an adult with a hairy chest that prevents pad adhesion, what is the best action?

A.Do not use the AED

B.Pour water on the chest before applying pads

C.Press firmly, and if needed remove hair by quickly pulling off a set of pads or shaving the area

D.Place pads over clothing

Explanation: Excess chest hair prevents pad contact. Press the pads firmly first; if they will not adhere, rip off the first set of pads to remove hair or shave the area, then apply a new set. Never delay defibrillation unnecessarily.

9Allowing complete chest recoil between compressions is important primarily because it:

A.Reduces rescuer fatigue

B.Allows venous return and ventricular refilling, improving perfusion

C.Prevents rib fractures

D.Increases compression rate

Explanation: Full recoil lets the heart refill by allowing venous return; leaning on the chest raises intrathoracic pressure and reduces coronary perfusion. Incomplete recoil is a common, correctable quality defect.

10A high-quality CPR rescuer should limit interruptions in compressions to no more than what duration?

A.Less than 60 seconds

B.Less than 30 seconds

C.Less than 10 seconds

D.Interruptions do not matter if compressions are deep

Explanation: Interruptions in chest compressions should be kept to less than 10 seconds, except for specific interventions such as advanced airway placement or defibrillation. Each pause drops coronary perfusion pressure, which takes time to rebuild.

About the AHA ACLS Provider Exam

The AHA Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Provider course includes a written/online multiple-choice exam of about 50 questions requiring 84% to pass, plus a separate hands-on megacode and skills test. This free practice bank provides 100 knowledge questions aligned to the 2025 AHA Guidelines.

Assessment

Written/online multiple-choice exam (~50 Q, 84% to pass) plus a separate hands-on megacode/skills test (official AHA); this practice bank is 100 selected-response knowledge items aligned to the 2025 AHA Guidelines

Time Limit

Course-dependent

Passing Score

84%

Exam Fee

Varies by AHA Training Center (American Heart Association (AHA))

AHA ACLS Provider Exam Content Outline

10%

BLS & High-Quality CPR Foundation

Compression rate 100–120/min, depth 2–2.4 in, full recoil, compression fraction, 2-minute compressor switches, AED use, and minimizing interruptions

22%

ACLS Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm

VF/pVT vs asystole/PEA, biphasic defibrillation energy, epinephrine 1 mg every 3–5 minutes, amiodarone 300 then 150 mg or lidocaine, and the H's and T's

10%

Bradycardia Algorithm

Symptomatic bradycardia, atropine 1 mg every 3–5 minutes to a 3 mg maximum, transcutaneous pacing, and dopamine or epinephrine infusions

15%

Tachycardia Algorithm

Stable vs unstable, synchronized cardioversion energies, adenosine 6 then 12 mg, vagal maneuvers, and antiarrhythmics

10%

Acute Coronary Syndrome

12-lead ECG within 10 minutes, STEMI recognition, chewed aspirin 160–325 mg, and reperfusion time goals

10%

Acute Stroke

Stroke scales, last-known-well time, non-contrast CT, fibrinolytic window, blood pressure targets, and time goals

Post–Cardiac Arrest Care

Targeted temperature management, SpO2 92–98%, normocapnia, hemodynamic support, and emergent PCI

Airway Management & Pharmacology

Bag-mask ventilation, advanced/supraglottic airways, waveform capnography/ETCO2, and ventilation rate with an advanced airway

High-Performance Team Dynamics

Closed-loop communication, role assignment, constructive intervention, the team leader role, and debriefing

How to Pass the AHA ACLS Provider Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 84%
Assessment: Written/online multiple-choice exam (~50 Q, 84% to pass) plus a separate hands-on megacode/skills test (official AHA); this practice bank is 100 selected-response knowledge items aligned to the 2025 AHA Guidelines
Time limit: Course-dependent
Exam fee: Varies by AHA Training Center

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AHA ACLS Provider Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the core arrest numbers cold: compressions 100–120/min at 2–2.4 in depth, epinephrine 1 mg every 3–5 minutes, amiodarone 300 then 150 mg, and biphasic defibrillation per device (use the maximum if unknown)

2Drill the four ACLS algorithms (cardiac arrest, bradycardia, tachycardia, post–cardiac arrest) until you can recite each branch point without prompts

3Know the synchronized cardioversion energies by rhythm: narrow regular 50–100 J, narrow irregular (AF) 120–200 J, monomorphic VT 100 J — and that unstable polymorphic VT gets unsynchronized high-energy shocks

4Lock in the time goals: ECG within 10 minutes, door-to-balloon 90 minutes, door-to-needle 30 minutes, and the 3–4.5 hour stroke fibrinolytic window from last known well

5Practice the H's and T's mnemonic so you can pause and treat reversible causes during PEA/asystole, and complete all 100 practice questions reviewing every miss with the AI tutor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the AHA ACLS exam?

The official AHA ACLS written/online multiple-choice exam requires 84% to pass and has about 50 questions. Candidates must also pass a separate hands-on megacode and skills test. Our free practice bank of 100 questions is aligned to the 2025 AHA Guidelines and is study material to prepare for both components.

Is this 100-question bank the official AHA ACLS exam?

No. This is free practice and study material aligned to the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC. The official ACLS credential is earned only through an AHA Training Center course that includes the written/online exam and an in-person megacode and skills evaluation. Use this bank to master the algorithms, drug doses, and energies before your course.

What topics does the AHA ACLS exam cover?

ACLS covers high-quality BLS/CPR, the adult cardiac arrest algorithm (VF/pVT and asystole/PEA), the bradycardia and tachycardia algorithms, acute coronary syndrome, acute stroke, post–cardiac arrest care, airway management and pharmacology, and high-performance team dynamics. This practice bank distributes 100 questions across all nine of these domains.

How much does the AHA ACLS course cost and how long is it valid?

Cost varies by AHA Training Center, typically about $200-350, and includes the exam. The ACLS Provider card is valid for 2 years, after which a renewal course is required to stay current with the AHA Guidelines.

What are the prerequisites for AHA ACLS?

There is no formal certification prerequisite, but current BLS provider knowledge is strongly recommended, and familiarity with basic ECG rhythm recognition and ACLS pharmacology will make the course much easier. ACLS builds directly on high-quality BLS skills.

Is this free AHA ACLS prep as good as paid prep?

Our 100 practice questions are aligned to the 2025 AHA Guidelines and cover every ACLS domain — arrest algorithms, exact drug doses, defibrillation and cardioversion energies, ACS, stroke, post-arrest care, airway, and team dynamics. Every question includes a teaching explanation plus 10 free AI tutor interactions daily, free forever.