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100+ Free AHA PALS Provider Practice Questions

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

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In the pediatric bradycardia algorithm, the dose of atropine for bradycardia due to increased vagal tone or primary AV block is:

A
B
C
D
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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AHA PALS Provider Exam

~50

Written Exam Questions

AHA

84%

Passing Score

AHA

100

Free Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

2 years

Certification Validity

AHA

2 J/kg

First Pediatric Defibrillation Dose

2025 AHA Guidelines

0.01 mg/kg

Pediatric Arrest Epinephrine Dose

2025 AHA Guidelines

15:2

Two-Rescuer Pediatric CPR Ratio

2025 AHA Guidelines

The AHA PALS Provider course is assessed by a written/online multiple-choice exam of approximately 50 questions with an 84% passing score, alongside a separate hands-on skills and megacode evaluation. This free practice bank contains 100 selected-response knowledge items aligned to the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC and current PALS science, covering pediatric assessment, respiratory emergencies, shock, cardiac arrest and rhythms, post-resuscitation stabilization, vascular access and pharmacology, and team dynamics. The certification is valid for 2 years and is required for many pediatric critical care, emergency, and prehospital roles.

Sample AHA PALS Provider Practice Questions

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

1What are the three components of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT)?
A.Appearance, work of breathing, circulation to skin
B.Airway, breathing, circulation
C.Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure
D.Disability, exposure, environment
Explanation: The Pediatric Assessment Triangle is a rapid, hands-off visual tool with three legs: appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to skin. It lets the rescuer form a general impression of the child within seconds before touching the patient.
2In PALS, what is the correct overall sequence for evaluating a seriously ill or injured child?
A.Identify, intervene, evaluate, repeat
B.Evaluate, identify, intervene, then repeat the cycle
C.Intervene, evaluate, identify, document
D.Evaluate, intervene, identify, transport
Explanation: PALS uses a continuous evaluate–identify–intervene sequence. You assess the child, identify the problem by type and severity, deliver an intervention, then re-evaluate, repeating the cycle as the child's condition changes.
3During the PALS primary assessment, what does the 'D' in the ABCDE approach stand for?
A.Defibrillation
B.Drug administration
C.Disability (neurologic status)
D.Drainage
Explanation: In the ABCDE primary assessment, D stands for Disability — a rapid neurologic evaluation using AVPU or the Glasgow Coma Scale plus pupil response and a glucose check. E is Exposure.
4A normal resting heart rate range for an awake healthy infant (under 1 year) is approximately:
A.60–100 beats/min
B.40–80 beats/min
C.180–220 beats/min
D.100–160 beats/min
Explanation: An awake infant younger than 1 year normally has a heart rate of about 100–160 beats/min. Rates progressively decline with age toward adult values by adolescence.
5Using the common formula, the minimum acceptable systolic blood pressure for a child aged 1–10 years is estimated as:
A.70 + (2 × age in years) mmHg
B.90 + (age in years) mmHg
C.60 + (age in years) mmHg
D.100 mmHg regardless of age
Explanation: For children 1–10 years, the lower limit of acceptable systolic BP is estimated as 70 + (2 × age in years) mmHg; below this value the child is hypotensive. For infants 1–12 months, hypotension is a systolic BP below ~70 mmHg.
6A toddler appears listless with poor eye contact and a weak cry, but breathing and skin color look normal. Which PAT leg is abnormal, and what does this suggest?
A.Work of breathing — primary respiratory problem
B.Appearance — possible brain perfusion or systemic problem
C.Circulation to skin — compensated shock
D.All three legs are abnormal — cardiopulmonary failure
Explanation: An abnormal appearance with normal breathing and circulation points to a problem affecting the brain or a systemic process (e.g., hypoglycemia, sepsis, intoxication, seizure, or poor cerebral perfusion). The TICLS mnemonic (Tone, Interactiveness, Consolability, Look/gaze, Speech/cry) assesses appearance.
7Which finding is part of the secondary assessment rather than the primary assessment in PALS?
A.Checking the airway for patency
B.Counting the respiratory rate
C.Obtaining a focused SAMPLE history
D.Assessing pulse and perfusion
Explanation: The secondary assessment includes a focused SAMPLE history (Signs/symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last meal, Events) and a more detailed physical exam. The primary assessment is the ABCDE evaluation of airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure.
8Which sign best distinguishes compensated shock from hypotensive (decompensated) shock in a child?
A.Presence of tachycardia
B.Delayed capillary refill
C.Cool extremities
D.A measured systolic blood pressure below the age-specific threshold
Explanation: Compensated shock maintains a normal blood pressure through tachycardia and vasoconstriction. Hypotensive (decompensated) shock is defined by a systolic blood pressure that has fallen below the age-specific threshold — a late and ominous finding in children.
9What is a normal respiratory rate range for a healthy toddler (1–3 years)?
A.24–40 breaths/min
B.12–20 breaths/min
C.50–70 breaths/min
D.6–10 breaths/min
Explanation: A healthy toddler aged 1–3 years normally breathes about 24–40 times per minute. Respiratory rates decline with age, approaching the adult 12–20 range by adolescence.
10The PAT leg 'circulation to skin' is primarily assessed by looking for:
A.Heart rate and rhythm
B.Pallor, mottling, or cyanosis
C.Level of consciousness
D.Respiratory effort
Explanation: Circulation to skin is a hands-off visual assessment of skin color — looking for pallor, mottling, or cyanosis that may indicate inadequate perfusion or oxygenation. Pulse and blood pressure are measured later during the hands-on primary assessment.

About the AHA PALS Provider Exam

The AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Provider course includes a written/online multiple-choice exam of about 50 questions requiring 84% to pass, plus a separate hands-on skills and megacode test. PALS is a professional healthcare credential required for many PICU, emergency department, and pediatric nursing, paramedic, and physician roles.

Assessment

Written/online multiple-choice exam (~50 Q, 84% to pass) plus a separate hands-on skills/megacode 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 PALS Provider Exam Content Outline

15%

Pediatric Assessment

Pediatric Assessment Triangle, evaluate–identify–intervene, primary and secondary assessment, and normal vital signs by age

15%

Respiratory Emergencies

Respiratory distress vs failure, upper- vs lower-airway obstruction (croup, anaphylaxis, asthma, bronchiolitis), and oxygenation/ventilation management

14%

Shock

Hypovolemic, distributive/septic, cardiogenic, and obstructive shock; isotonic 10–20 mL/kg fluid bolus and reassessment; septic shock pathway

25%

Pediatric Cardiac Arrest & Rhythms

Pediatric BLS ratios, VF/pVT, asystole/PEA, bradycardia with poor perfusion, SVT vs sinus tach vs VT, and weight-based dosing and energies

10%

Post-Resuscitation Stabilization

Post-arrest glucose, temperature, blood pressure, oxygenation/ventilation targets, and transport

11%

Vascular Access & Pharmacology

Intraosseous access, epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO, and pediatric amiodarone and adenosine dosing

10%

Resuscitation Team Dynamics

Team roles, closed-loop communication, constructive intervention, and clear role assignment

How to Pass the AHA PALS 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 skills/megacode 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 PALS Provider Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize weight-based numbers cold: epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO every 3–5 min, defibrillation 2 J/kg then 4 J/kg, synchronized cardioversion 0.5–1 then 2 J/kg, amiodarone 5 mg/kg arrest bolus, adenosine 0.1 then 0.2 mg/kg
2Drill the CPR ratios: 30:2 single-rescuer and 15:2 two-rescuer for infants and children, rate 100–120/min, depth at least one third the chest (about 1.5 in infant, 2 in child)
3Master the bradycardia algorithm — oxygenate and ventilate first; start CPR if HR under 60/min with poor perfusion despite adequate oxygenation
4Practice distinguishing SVT from sinus tachycardia and from VT, and stable vs unstable management (vagal/adenosine vs synchronized cardioversion)
5Complete all 100 practice questions, review every miss with the AI tutor, and confirm you can score well above 84% before the written exam

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AHA PALS exam passing score?

The AHA PALS written/online multiple-choice exam requires 84% to pass and has approximately 50 questions. In addition to the written exam, you must successfully complete a separate hands-on skills and megacode test to earn the PALS Provider card.

How many questions are on the AHA PALS exam?

The official AHA PALS written/online exam has roughly 50 multiple-choice questions, with an 84% passing standard. This free practice bank provides 100 selected-response questions aligned to the 2025 AHA Guidelines so you can over-practice every domain before test day.

Is PALS just a written test?

No. PALS certification has two parts: a written/online multiple-choice exam (about 50 questions, 84% to pass) and a separate hands-on evaluation including high-quality CPR skills and a megacode scenario. This practice bank prepares you for the written knowledge portion.

Are these PALS practice questions aligned to current guidelines?

Yes. Every question is written against the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC and current PALS science, with verified weight-based doses, defibrillation and cardioversion energies, and CPR ratios and rates so you study clinically accurate content.

How much does the AHA PALS course cost?

Cost varies by AHA Training Center, typically around $200-350 depending on format (classroom, blended HeartCode, or skills session) and location. The PALS Provider credential is valid for 2 years before renewal is required.

Is this free PALS prep as good as paid courses?

These 100 practice questions cover the full PALS content outline — assessment, respiratory, shock, arrest and rhythms, post-resuscitation, pharmacology, and team dynamics — each with a teaching explanation, plus free AI tutor help. All content is free forever and updated for 2026.