Free ACLS Practice Test with Study Guide PDF [2025 Updated]

Free ACLS Practice Test with Study Guide PDF [2025 Updated] Prepare for the American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) official online exam with our comprehensive practice quiz. This resource is designed to help you master the skills needed for handling severe cardiovascular emergencies, including cardiac arrest, stroke, and myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Download our free Cardiac Life Support Exam practice test with a handbook in PDF format to enhance your study and test-taking abilities. Use these resources to ensure you are well-prepared for the ACLS exam and increase your confidence in managing critical cardiac emergencies.

These ACLS protocols have been developed through research, patient case studies, clinical studies, and the opinions of experts in the field. The gold standard in the United States and other countries is in the course curriculum published by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR).

ACLS Practice Test 2025

The current ACLS guidelines are divided into several ” algorithms ” groups- instructions followed to standardize treatment and increase its effectiveness. These algorithms usually take the form of a flowchart, incorporating ‘yes/no’ type decisions, making them easier to memorize.

FREE SELF-ASSESSMENT FOR ACLS
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SELF-ASSESSMENT FOR ACLS

SELF-ASSESSMENT FOR ACLS
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Test Type: Mock Test
Total Items: 20
Explanation: Yes

1 / 20

During ACLS, which rhythm requires immediate defibrillation?

2 / 20

What is the initial joule setting for biphasic defibrillation of ventricular fibrillation?

3 / 20

What is the primary purpose of capnography during CPR?

4 / 20

Which of the following is NOT a shockable rhythm?

5 / 20

What is the role of sodium bicarbonate in cardiac arrest?

6 / 20

Which drug is indicated for torsades de pointes?

7 / 20

In the management of ventricular fibrillation, after the first shock and CPR, what is the next recommended medication?

8 / 20

What is the recommended initial dose of atropine for treating symptomatic bradycardia?

9 / 20

Which drug is used to treat symptomatic bradycardia if atropine is ineffective?

10 / 20

What is the primary purpose of defibrillation in the context of ACLS?

11 / 20

What is the primary action of amiodarone when used during cardiac arrest?

12 / 20

In ACLS, what is the recommended dose of epinephrine during cardiac arrest?

13 / 20

Which of the following rhythms is most likely to benefit from synchronized cardioversion?

14 / 20

A patient with ACS is given aspirin. What is the primary benefit of this medication in this context?

15 / 20

Which of the following is the correct initial dose of adenosine for treating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?

16 / 20

What is the first-line treatment for ventricular fibrillation (VF) during ACLS?

17 / 20

Which of the following is indicated in the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS)?

18 / 20

A patient in cardiac arrest with asystole is not responding to initial treatment. What is the next step?

19 / 20

During ACLS, which drug is recommended for the treatment of stable monomorphic ventricular tachycardia?

20 / 20

A patient presents with pulseless electrical activity (PEA). What is the most appropriate initial treatment?

Your score is

Download the PDF files available on our site to enrich your study sessions further and ensure you are thoroughly prepared for any challenges you might face during the ACLS certification process.

Free

Official ACLS Handbook Study Guide 2025

ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) is a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening medical emergencies. It includes algorithms for properly managing such conditions, based on the latest guidelines provided by health authorities.

  1. Basic Life Support (BLS): The foundation for ACLS includes CPR and AED use.
  2. Advanced Airway Management: Techniques to ensure an open airway, such as endotracheal intubation.
  3. Cardiac Rhythms: Recognizing and interpreting different cardiac rhythms.
  4. Pharmacology: Medications used in ACLS, such as epinephrine, amiodarone, and adenosine.
  5. ACLS Algorithms: Step-by-step protocols for managing various emergencies, such as ventricular fibrillation (VF), pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), asystole, and bradycardia.
  6. Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Stabilization and ongoing treatment of patients who have regained a pulse after cardiac arrest.

Download the Official ACLS Handbook Provider Handbook By Dr. Karl Disque

Official Practice Tests (Printable PDF)

The following link contains ACLS Practice Test questions and answers in a quiz format. You can either download it or participate in FREE ACLS Test Prep online. We have added both an Editable Doc File and a Printable PDF File for test preparation. Each pretest consists of ten multiple-choice questions.

ACLS Practice Test Questions Answers

Sample Mock Test

Basic Life Support

Question 1: What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing CPR on an adult?

(A) 15:2
(B) 30:2
(C) 30:1
(D) 15:1

Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is (B) 30:2. For adult CPR, a single rescuer should use a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2.

Cardiac Rhythms

Question 2: Which of the following rhythms is shockable in ACLS?

(A) Asystole
(B) Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
(C) Sinus Bradycardia
(D) Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA)

Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is (B) Ventricular Fibrillation (VF). VF is a shockable rhythm, whereas asystole and PEA are not.

Pharmacology

Question 3: What is the first-line drug administered during a cardiac arrest for VF or pulseless VT?

(A) Amiodarone
(B) Epinephrine
(C) Atropine
(D) Lidocaine

Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is (B) Epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line drug used during a cardiac arrest for VF or pulseless VT.

ACLS Algorithms

Question 4: According to the ACLS algorithm for VF/pulseless VT, what is the next immediate step after the first shock is delivered?

(A) Give Amiodarone
(B) Start CPR for 2 minutes
(C) Administer Epinephrine
(D) Check for a pulse

Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is (B) Start CPR for 2 minutes. After delivering the first shock, the next immediate step is to resume CPR for 2 minutes.

Advanced Airway Management

Question 5: When should you consider advanced airway placement in an ACLS scenario?

(A) Immediately upon arrival
(B) After the first round of CPR
(C) When basic airway management is ineffective
(D) Only in a hospital setting

Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is (C) When basic airway management is ineffective. Advanced airway placement should be considered when basic airway management is ineffective.

Post-Cardiac Arrest Care

Question 6: What is the target range for post-resuscitation oxygen saturation (SpO2) in a patient who has regained a pulse after cardiac arrest?

(A) 70-75%
(B) 85-90%
(C) 94-99%
(D) 100%

Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is (C) 94-99%, which is the target range for post-resuscitation oxygen saturation.

Additional Practice Questions

Question 7: What is the recommended dose of adenosine for treating stable narrow-complex supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?

(A) 1 mg
(B) 3 mg
(C) 6 mg
(D) 12 mg

Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is (C) 6 mg. The recommended initial dose of adenosine for treating stable narrow-complex SVT is 6 mg, followed by a second dose of 12 mg if needed.

Question 8: During CPR, how often should you switch chest compressors to avoid fatigue?

(A) Every 1 minute
(B) Every 2 minutes
(C) Every 3 minutes
(D) Every 5 minutes

Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is (B) Every 2 minutes. To avoid fatigue and maintain high-quality compressions, chest compressors should switch every 2 minutes.

Question 9: In a bradycardia algorithm, if atropine is ineffective, what is the next recommended treatment?

(A) Defibrillation
(B) Transcutaneous pacing
(C) Amiodarone
(D) Magnesium sulfate

Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is (B) Transcutaneous pacing. If atropine is ineffective for treating bradycardia, transcutaneous pacing is the next recommended treatment.

Question 10: Which of the following is a primary treatment for asystole or PEA?

(A) Defibrillation
(B) Immediate chest compressions
(C) Amiodarone
(D) Synchronized cardioversion

Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is (B) Immediate chest compressions. For asystole or PEA, the primary treatment is immediate chest compressions and administration of epinephrine.

Question 11: What is the initial recommended dose of amiodarone for a patient in refractory VF or pulseless VT?

(A) 150 mg IV push
(B) 300 mg IV push
(C) 1 mg/kg IV push
(D) 1 gram IV push

Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is (B) 300 mg IV push. The initial recommended dose of amiodarone for a patient in refractory VF or pulseless VT is 300 mg IV push.

Question 12: What is the appropriate action if a patient is in stable bradycardia with a heart rate of 50 bpm but is asymptomatic?

(A) Start CPR
(B) Administer atropine
(C) Observe and monitor the patient
(D) Administer epinephrine

Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is (C) Observe and monitor the patient. If a patient is in stable bradycardia and asymptomatic, observation and monitoring are appropriate.

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 Types of algorithms 

ACLS protocols assume that the provider may not have all of the information needed from the individual or all of the resources needed to use ACLS in all cases properly

  • Cardiac Arrest Algorithm
  • Acute Coronary Syndromes Algorithm
  • Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA)/Asystole Algorithm
  • Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)/Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) Algorithm
  • Bradycardia Algorithm
  • Tachycardia Algorithms
  • Respiratory Arrest Algorithm
  • Opioid Emergency Algorithm
  • Post-Cardiac Arrest Algorithm
  • Suspected Stroke Algorithm

 1. ACLS Certification by NHCPS 

In partnership with the Disque Foundation, NHCPS proudly offers the most comprehensive FREE online ACLS course. If you wish to obtain ACLS Certification, ACLS Recertification, or ACLS For Life, please check nhcps.com

Course Fees

  • ACLS Certification: $159
  • ACLS Recertification: $159

You can buy the above certification courses using the link https://nhcps.com/acls-online-certification-renewal/

 2. ACLS course Certification by the American Heart Association (AHA). 

The AHA’s ACLS course builds on the foundation of lifesaving BLS skills, emphasizing the importance of continuous, high-quality CPR. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Course Content

  • Basic life support skills, including effective chest compressions, use of a bag-mask device, and use of an AED
  • Recognition and early management of respiratory and cardiac arrest
  • Recognition and early management of peri-arrest conditions such as symptomatic bradycardia
  • Airway management
  • Related pharmacology
  • Management of ACS and stroke
  • Effective communication as a member and leader of a resuscitation team

Course Fee

After completing the online portion of this course, you must complete a hands-on session (sold separately) with an AHA Training Center to obtain a course completion card.

  • $168.00

View Official Course details: https://shopcpr.heart.org/heartcode-acls