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100+ Free AMCA ETC Practice Questions

Pass your AMCA EKG Technician Certification exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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A posterior STEMI is suggested by which EKG findings in leads V1–V2?

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AMCA ETC Exam

100

Exam Questions

AMCA ETC

2 hours

Time Limit

AMCA

70%

Passing Score

AMCA

36%

Electrocardiography

Largest domain

$119

Exam Fee

AMCA 2026

2 years

Certification Valid

10 CEU renewal

The AMCA ETC exam has 100 questions completed in 2 hours with a 70% passing score. Electrocardiography is the largest domain at 36%, covering 12-lead placement, waveform interpretation, arrhythmia recognition, and troubleshooting. The $119 exam fee is often covered by training program vouchers. Certification is valid for 2 years; recertification requires 10 CEUs.

Sample AMCA ETC Practice Questions

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

1Which node is considered the primary pacemaker of the heart?
A.Atrioventricular (AV) node
B.Sinoatrial (SA) node
C.Bundle of His
D.Purkinje fibers
Explanation: The SA node, located in the right atrium, is the heart's primary pacemaker. It normally fires at 60–100 bpm, initiating the electrical impulse that triggers each heartbeat.
2What is the normal intrinsic rate of the AV node when acting as a secondary pacemaker?
A.60–100 bpm
B.40–60 bpm
C.20–40 bpm
D.100–150 bpm
Explanation: The AV node has an intrinsic rate of 40–60 bpm. It serves as a backup pacemaker if the SA node fails, producing a junctional escape rhythm.
3The correct order of electrical conduction through the heart is:
A.SA node → Bundle of His → AV node → Purkinje fibers
B.SA node → AV node → Bundle of His → Bundle branches → Purkinje fibers
C.AV node → SA node → Bundle branches → Purkinje fibers
D.Purkinje fibers → Bundle of His → AV node → SA node
Explanation: The electrical impulse originates at the SA node, travels to the AV node (where it is delayed), then passes through the Bundle of His, right and left bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers to depolarize the ventricles.
4Which electrode placement is used for the V1 lead in a standard 12-lead EKG?
A.4th intercostal space, left sternal border
B.4th intercostal space, right sternal border
C.5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
D.5th intercostal space, left anterior axillary line
Explanation: V1 is placed at the 4th intercostal space on the right sternal border. It is paired with V2 on the left sternal border at the same level; together they are the septal leads.
5Where is the V4 precordial electrode placed?
A.4th intercostal space, left sternal border
B.5th intercostal space, anterior axillary line
C.5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
D.5th intercostal space, midaxillary line
Explanation: V4 is placed at the 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line. This landmark must be identified before placing V3 (midway between V2 and V4) and V5/V6.
6Which limb lead electrode is placed on the right leg (RL)?
A.Positive electrode for lead II
B.Ground electrode
C.Negative electrode for lead I
D.Positive electrode for lead III
Explanation: The right leg (RL) electrode is used as the ground (reference) electrode in the standard limb lead configuration. It reduces electrical interference and is not used as a measuring electrode.
7What does the P wave on an EKG represent?
A.Ventricular depolarization
B.Atrial repolarization
C.Atrial depolarization
D.Ventricular repolarization
Explanation: The P wave represents atrial depolarization — the electrical activation of both atria. Normal P wave duration is less than 0.12 seconds and amplitude is less than 2.5 mm.
8The QRS complex on an EKG represents:
A.Atrial depolarization
B.Ventricular depolarization
C.Ventricular repolarization
D.SA node firing
Explanation: The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization — the electrical activation of the ventricular muscle. Normal QRS duration is 0.06–0.10 seconds. Widening suggests bundle branch block or ventricular origin.
9The T wave on an EKG represents:
A.Atrial depolarization
B.Ventricular depolarization
C.Ventricular repolarization
D.Atrial repolarization
Explanation: The T wave represents ventricular repolarization — the recovery phase of the ventricles. Normally upright in most leads (except aVR), it can be inverted with ischemia or tall and peaked with hyperkalemia.
10What is the normal PR interval?
A.0.06–0.10 seconds
B.0.12–0.20 seconds
C.0.20–0.30 seconds
D.0.35–0.44 seconds
Explanation: The normal PR interval is 0.12–0.20 seconds (3–5 small squares on standard EKG paper). It represents AV conduction time from atrial depolarization to ventricular depolarization. Prolongation indicates AV block.

About the AMCA ETC Exam

The AMCA EKG Technician Certification (ETC) validates competency in performing and interpreting electrocardiograms in clinical settings. The 100-question, 2-hour exam covers six domains: Electrocardiography (36%), Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart (20%), Diseases/Disorders of the Heart (14%), General Patient Care (12%), Medical Terminology (10%), and Pharmacology (8%). NCCA-accredited since 2025, the ETC is recognized in all 50 states and is frequently required or preferred for EKG technician roles in hospitals, clinics, and cardiology offices.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$119 (American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) / PSI Testing Centers)

AMCA ETC Exam Content Outline

36%

Electrocardiography

12-lead placement (V1–V6 anatomical landmarks, limb leads), waveform interpretation (P, QRS, T, U waves; PR, QRS, QT intervals), normal sinus rhythm, rate calculation, rhythm strip analysis, atrial rhythm analysis, ventricular rhythm analysis, STEMI pattern localization, pacemaker spikes, and common tracing problems (artifact troubleshooting)

20%

Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart

Cardiac anatomy (chambers, valves, great vessels), electrical conduction system (SA node, AV node, Bundle of His, bundle branches, Purkinje fibers), blood flow through the heart, cardiac cycle, heart sounds, heart rate regulation, cardiac output, and intercostal space landmarks

14%

Diseases and Disorders of the Heart

Sinus arrhythmias (bradycardia, tachycardia), atrial arrhythmias (PACs, AFib, AFlutter, SVT, MAT), junctional rhythms, ventricular arrhythmias (PVCs, VT, VFib, torsades), AV heart blocks (1°, 2° Mobitz I/II, 3°), STEMI localization, electrolyte effects (hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia), and coronary artery disease basics

12%

General Patient Care

Patient identification (two-identifier safety standard), informed consent, patient positioning (supine), skin and electrode site preparation, electrode placement, standard precautions, hand hygiene, infection control, single-use electrode disposal, HIPAA and PHI protection, professional scope of practice, and emergent response (recognizing critical findings and notifying clinicians)

8%

Pharmacology

Cardiac medications affecting EKG: antiarrhythmics (amiodarone, lidocaine, sotalol, adenosine), ACLS drugs (epinephrine, atropine), digitalis effects, QT-prolonging medications, and electrolyte replacement rationale

10%

Medical Terminology

Cardiac and circulatory prefixes (brady-, tachy-, cardio-, angio-), suffixes (-arrhythmia, -cardia, -gram), root words, abbreviations common in EKG and cardiology documentation

How to Pass the AMCA ETC Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours
  • Exam fee: $119

Keys to Passing

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

AMCA ETC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize all 10 electrode positions for the standard 12-lead EKG and their anatomical landmarks
2Learn the P-QRS-T waveform components with normal duration/amplitude values before advancing to arrhythmias
3Practice calculating heart rate using both the 300-rule (regular rhythms) and the 6-second method (irregular rhythms)
4Create a systematic approach: rate → regularity → P waves → PR interval → QRS → rhythm classification
5Drill all major arrhythmias with real EKG strips: AFib, AFlutter, VT, VFib, asystole, PEA, and all heart block degrees
6Know the STEMI localization table: inferior (II/III/aVF), anterior (V1–V4), lateral (I/aVL/V5/V6), posterior (V1–V2 reciprocal changes)
7Study electrolyte effects: hyperkalemia = peaked T → wide QRS; hypokalemia = U waves; hypocalcemia = long QT
8Review artifact troubleshooting: somatic tremor, AC interference, wandering baseline, and lead reversal patterns
9Understand the EKG technician scope of practice: perform and recognize, then report — never diagnose or treat independently
10Memorize ACLS fundamentals: CPR 30:2, shockable rhythms (VF/VT), non-shockable (PEA/asystole), atropine for bradycardia, amiodarone for VF

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AMCA EKG Technician Certification (ETC)?

The AMCA ETC is a nationally recognized certification for EKG technicians offered by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA). It demonstrates competency in performing 12-lead EKGs, interpreting cardiac rhythms, Holter monitoring, and telemetry. The certification received NCCA accreditation on September 1, 2025, and is recognized in all 50 states.

How many questions are on the AMCA ETC exam?

The AMCA ETC exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam. The passing score is 70% (70 correct out of 100). The exam is administered at PSI Testing Centers or at your school with live remote proctoring.

What does the AMCA ETC exam cover?

The exam covers six content areas: Electrocardiography (36%), Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart (20%), Diseases/Disorders of the Heart (14%), General Patient Care (12%), Medical Terminology (10%), and Pharmacology (8%). Electrocardiography — covering 12-lead placement, waveform interpretation, and arrhythmia recognition — is the largest domain.

What are the eligibility requirements for the AMCA ETC exam?

AMCA requires a high school diploma or equivalent and recommends a minimum of 10 successful EKG recordings before attempting the exam. Completing an AMCA-recognized EKG training program is strongly recommended. Individual state requirements may apply, so verify your state's specific prerequisites.

How much does the AMCA ETC exam cost?

The AMCA ETC exam fee is $119. Many EKG technician training programs include an exam voucher that covers this cost. The recertification fee is $15 plus CEU costs every 2 years.

How long is AMCA ETC certification valid?

The AMCA ETC certification is valid for 2 years. Recertification requires 10 continuing education units (CEUs). CEUs can be earned through AMCA-approved courses or outside accredited programs. Certifications expired for more than one year require retesting.

How should I prepare for the AMCA ETC exam?

Focus your preparation on the highest-weight domain: Electrocardiography (36%), which covers 12-lead placement, waveform intervals, and arrhythmia recognition. Then master cardiac anatomy and conduction (20%), disease patterns including STEMI and electrolyte effects (14%), and patient care/HIPAA (12%). Use AMCA's official study guide and practice questions aligned to the blueprint.