Adult CPR & AED Certification Exam – FirstAidWeb Certifications

Certification Exam: What to Expect

You’ve completed the training for Adult CPR & AED, including how to perform chest compressions, provide rescue breaths, and use an Automated External Defibrillator. The certification exam is your final step—it’s designed to ensure
you’re ready to respond when it matters most.

After passing, you’ll receive an official Adult CPR & AED certification card confirming your successful completion. Before starting, take a moment to review the exam format and expectations below.

Exam Overview

40 Questions – A mix of multiple-choice and true/false covering all core CPR & AED topics.
Every Exam is Unique – Questions are randomized each time.
60-Minute Time Limit – You’ll need to complete the exam in one sitting.
All Questions Required – You must answer every question before submitting.
Immediate Feedback – Each answer includes a brief explanation to support your learning.
Passing Score: 75% – That’s the benchmark to earn your certification.
Three Attempts – You get up to three tries before a short review break is required.

What to Keep in Mind

Work Solo – No notes or external help. Rely on what you’ve learned.
One Sitting – Once you begin, plan to finish. There’s no save and return option.
Tech Check – Use a stable internet connection and a fully charged device.
Stay Focused – You can revisit and revise answers before submitting.
Submit with Confidence – Review carefully, then click submit when you’re ready.

What Happens Next?

Passed? You’ll be eligible to receive your official certification card—congrats!
Didn’t pass? No worries. You can try again up to three times before a review pause is required.

Need Help?

If you experience technical issues or need assistance, reach out to support@firstaidweb.com and we’ll get you taken care of.

You're ready—let’s get started!

Rescue breaths should be given regardless of whether the victim has a pulse.

True

False

An untrained rescuer should avoid giving CPR.

True

False

What does AED stand for?

Advanced Emergency Defibrillator

Automated External Defibrillator

Assisted Electrical Device

Automated Emergency Defibrillation

The Heimlich maneuver is part of standard adult CPR.

True

False

Rescue breaths are no longer needed in CPR.

True

False

What is the universal sign for choking?

Holding the chest

Clutching the throat

Pointing to the mouth

Waving arms

What should you do if the victim is submerged in water and needs an AED?

Skip AED use

Dry the chest before applying pads

Press the shock button anyway

Wait until EMS arrives

If someone collapses but is still breathing, what should you do?

Begin CPR

Monitor and place in recovery position

Give rescue breaths

Wait for them to wake up

Compressions should be stopped while giving rescue breaths.

True

False

Why should rescuers avoid excessive ventilation during CPR?

It causes low oxygen levels

It increases survival rates

It can reduce cardiac output

It speeds up heart rhythm

For single-rescuer CPR on an adult, the ratio of compressions to breaths is 30:2.

True

False

If an AED is not available, you should wait for help before doing anything.

True

False

An AED can be used on a wet surface.

True

False

It is safe to use an AED on a person with a pacemaker.

True

False

Rescue breaths should be given regardless of whether the victim has a pulse.

True

False

If someone collapses, you should first call for emergency help before starting CPR.

True

False

If a person is gasping but has no pulse, what should you do?

Perform Heimlich maneuver

Do nothing

Begin CPR

Give rescue breaths only

Which of the following describes high-quality CPR?

Shallow compressions

Minimal interruptions

Stopping to check pulse frequently

Slow compression rate

When giving compressions to an adult, what should your arms be like?

Bent at the elbows

Straight and locked

Crossed over each other

Relaxed

If someone collapses but is still breathing, what should you do?

Begin CPR

Monitor and place in recovery position

Give rescue breaths

Wait for them to wake up

High-quality CPR includes minimizing interruptions in chest compressions.

True

False

Why should rescuers avoid excessive ventilation during CPR?

It causes low oxygen levels

It increases survival rates

It can reduce cardiac output

It speeds up heart rhythm

An untrained rescuer should avoid giving CPR.

True

False

A heart attack and cardiac arrest are the same thing.

True

False

What is the purpose of defibrillation?

Stop the heart

Restore a normal rhythm

Increase heart rate

Reduce pain

Where should AED pads be placed on an adult victim?

One on the chest, one on the back

Both on the lower abdomen

One upper right chest, one lower left side

Both pads on the left side

The recommended compression rate for adult CPR is 100-120 per minute.

True

False

When giving compressions to an adult, what should your arms be like?

Bent at the elbows

Straight and locked

Crossed over each other

Relaxed

What should you do if the AED advises no shock?

Continue CPR

Stop compressions

Reanalyze immediately

Check for breathing

Which of the following is the first step in the Chain of Survival?

Early CPR

Early Defibrillation

Calling 911

Post-cardiac arrest care

If a victim has a hairy chest and you need to use an AED, what should you do?

Ignore the hair

Press harder

Shave the area or use extra pads

Do not use AED

CPR should not be performed on drowning victims.

True

False

Where should your hands be placed during adult chest compressions?

Upper chest

Lower half of the breastbone

Left side of the chest

Abdomen

A person in cardiac arrest will always be unconscious.

True

False

What is the recommended hand placement for two-rescuer infant CPR?

Two thumbs encircling the chest

Two fingers in the center of the chest

One hand on the chest, one on the head

Palm of one hand

What is the first step in CPR?

Check for a pulse

Call 911

Give two rescue breaths

Start compressions

What is the compression-to-breath ratio for a single rescuer in infant CPR?

15:2

20:2

30:2

10:1

An AED can be used on a wet surface.

True

False

An AED should only be used by healthcare providers.

True

False

What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR?

1 inch

At least 2 inches

3 inches

Half an inch