Last Updated on May 3, 2025
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Download Our free PALS Practice Test 2025 with Official Study Guide [PDF]. In addition, you can download the American Heart Association(AHA) and NHCPS PALS PreTest with answer keys in a printable PDF.
The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Provider Course is designed for healthcare providers who directly or participate in managing respiratory and/or cardiovascular emergencies and cardiopulmonary arrest in pediatric patients.
PALS Practice Test 2025
The following PALS Practice Test consists of 13 questions on ECG Rhythm Identification, 11 multiple-choice questions on Pharmacology, and 19 multiple-choice questions on Practical Application.
Test Structure
- Multiple-choice questions (typically 50 questions).
- Time: Approximately 1-2 hours.
- Content: Covers PALS algorithms, pharmacology, patient assessment, and clinical scenarios.
- Passing Score: Usually 80% or higher (varies by training center).
Topics:
- Basic Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Resuscitation Tools
- Respiratory Distress/Failure
- Bradycardia
- Tachycardia
- Shock
- Cardiac Arrest
- Pediatric Post-Resuscitation Care
Recertification
- PALS certification is valid for 2 years.
- Complete a PALS renewal course, which includes a shorter written test and skills evaluation.
- Review AHA guideline updates (typically every 5 years) to ensure knowledge aligns with current standards.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Course
Precourse preparation, didactic instruction, and active participation in skill stations and simulated cases will enhance the recognition of and intervention for respiratory emergencies, shock, and cardiopulmonary arrest.
During the course, you will actively participate in a series of case scenario practices with a simulation. These simulations are designed to reinforce essential concepts, including
- Identification and treatment of problems that place the child at risk for cardiac arrest.
- Application of a systematic approach to pediatric assessment.
- Use of the evaluate-identify-intervene sequence.
- Use of PALS algorithms and flowcharts.
- Demonstration of effective resuscitation team dynamics
Goal of the PALS Provider Course
The PALS Provider Course aims to improve pediatric patient outcomes by preparing healthcare providers to effectively recognize and intervene in patients with respiratory emergencies, shock, and cardiopulmonary arrest using high-performance team dynamics and high-quality individual skills.
The PALS Provider Course does not include detailed instructions on performing basic CPR or using an automated external defibrillator (AED). You must know this in advance. Consider taking a BLS course if necessary. Before taking the PALS Provider Course, review the following resources in the PALS Provider Manual to prepare for the BLS tests.
Rhythm Disturbances
What You Will Be Expected to Do In the Rhythm Disturbances/Electrical Therapy Skills Station, you will be able to practice and demonstrate competency in rhythm identification and operation of a cardiac monitor and manual defibrillator. Skills include
- Correct placement of electrocardiographic (ECG) leads.
- Correct paddle/electrode pad selection and placement/positioning.
- Identification of rhythms that require defibrillation.
- Identification of rhythms that require synchronized cardioversion.
- Operation of a cardiac monitor
- Safe performance of manual defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion
ECG Rhythm Identification
You must be able to identify and interpret the following core rhythms during case scenario practice with simulations and case scenario tests:
- Normal sinus rhythm
- Sinus bradycardia
- Sinus tachycardia
- Supraventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Asystole
The ECG rhythm identification section of the Precourse Self-Assessment will help you evaluate your ability to identify these core rhythms and other common Pediatric arrhythmias. If you have difficulty identifying pediatric rhythm, improve your knowledge by studying the “Rhythm Recognition Review” section in the Appendix. The AHA also offers self-directed online courses on rhythm recognition. These courses can be found at heart.org
Official Study Guide PDF
- AHA PALS Provider Manual: Available through the AHA website or training centers.
- Online Courses: Platforms like ACLS.com or ProMedCert offer PALS practice tests and simulations.
- Mobile Apps: Apps like “PALS Pocket” or “AHA Guidelines” provide quick references for algorithms and dosages.
https://ebooks.heart.org/product/pediatric-advanced-life-support-provider-manual-ebook50160971