BLS Exam Prep Free practice test →

Free BLS Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style Basic Life Support (BLS) (BLS) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free BLS practice test to study every exam domain.

Question 1

While performing CPR on an adult in cardiac arrest, at what rate should chest compressions be delivered?

  1. 60 to 100 compressions per minute
  2. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
  3. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
  4. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - 100 to 120 compressions per minute

Question 2

A rescuer finds an unresponsive adult who is taking occasional slow, gasping breaths. How should the rescuer interpret this finding?

  1. These are agonal gasps; treat the patient as in cardiac arrest and begin CPR
  2. The patient is breathing effectively and only needs to be monitored
  3. The patient is starting to recover; recheck breathing in 2 minutes
  4. This signals a foreign-body obstruction; deliver back blows immediately
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - These are agonal gasps; treat the patient as in cardiac arrest and begin CPR

Question 3

Which statement BEST reflects the 2025 AHA update to the Chain of Survival?

  1. Separate chains are maintained for adult and pediatric cardiac arrest
  2. One unified chain now spans all ages and both in- and out-of-hospital arrest
  3. The chain now applies only to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
  4. Recovery and survivorship has been removed as a formal link
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - One unified chain now spans all ages and both in- and out-of-hospital arrest

Question 4

A healthcare provider finds an unresponsive adult who is not breathing but has a definite carotid pulse. What is the MOST appropriate action?

  1. Begin high-quality CPR with cycles of 30 compressions to 2 breaths
  2. Attach an AED and deliver a shock as soon as the device is ready
  3. Give 1 rescue breath every 6 seconds and recheck the pulse every 2 minutes
  4. Give 1 breath every 3 seconds while beginning chest compressions
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Give 1 rescue breath every 6 seconds and recheck the pulse every 2 minutes

Question 5

A second trained provider arrives to help with an adult resuscitation. During two-rescuer adult CPR, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio?

  1. 15 compressions to 2 breaths
  2. 5 compressions to 1 breath
  3. Continuous compressions with no pause for breaths
  4. 30 compressions to 2 breaths
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - 30 compressions to 2 breaths

Question 6

When checking for a pulse in an unresponsive adult, which artery should be palpated, and for how long?

  1. Radial artery for no more than 10 seconds
  2. Carotid artery for no more than 10 seconds
  3. Carotid artery for at least 30 seconds
  4. Femoral artery for no more than 10 seconds
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Carotid artery for no more than 10 seconds

Question 7

A lone healthcare provider witnesses a 6-year-old child suddenly collapse and finds the child unresponsive and pulseless. What should the provider do FIRST?

  1. Activate the emergency response system and retrieve an AED
  2. Perform 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call for help
  3. Deliver 5 rescue breaths before starting chest compressions
  4. Check for a pulse for a full 30 seconds to confirm arrest
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Activate the emergency response system and retrieve an AED

Question 8

A child has a pulse of 50 beats per minute with signs of poor perfusion (mottled skin, weak pulses, altered responsiveness) despite effective oxygenation and ventilation. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Continue to monitor and reassess the pulse in 2 minutes
  2. Give rescue breaths at 1 breath every 6 seconds
  3. Begin chest compressions
  4. Withhold compressions because a pulse is present
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Begin chest compressions

Question 9

According to the 2025 AHA Guidelines, which technique is recommended for a single rescuer providing chest compressions to an infant?

  1. The two-finger technique applied to the lower sternum
  2. Two hands placed on the chest with the fingers interlaced
  3. The three-finger technique placed just below the nipple line
  4. The heel of one hand or the two-thumb encircling hands technique
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - The heel of one hand or the two-thumb encircling hands technique

Question 10

When performing chest compressions on an infant, how deep should each compression be?

  1. About 1.5 inches (4 cm), or one-third the depth of the chest
  2. At least 2 inches (5 cm), the same as for an adult
  3. About 1 inch (2.5 cm), to avoid injuring the infant
  4. As deeply as possible to maximize blood circulation
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - About 1.5 inches (4 cm), or one-third the depth of the chest

Ready for the real thing?

Practice hundreds more BLS questions with instant scoring, weak-area drills, and full exam simulations.

Start the free practice test See pricing