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!

When using an AED, what is the first step?

Apply the pads

Turn it on

Press the shock button

Check pulse

High-quality CPR includes minimizing interruptions in chest compressions.

True

False

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

Early CPR

Early Defibrillation

Calling 911

Post-cardiac arrest care

CPR should only be performed by medical professionals.

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

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 first step in CPR is checking for a pulse.

True

False

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

True

False

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

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

True

False

CPR should continue uninterrupted until EMS arrives or the victim recovers.

True

False

An AED should only be used by healthcare providers.

True

False

You should check the victim’s pulse every 10 seconds during CPR.

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 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

A person experiencing cardiac arrest will always stop breathing.

True

False

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

True

False

What is the first step in CPR?

Check for a pulse

Call 911

Give two rescue breaths

Start compressions

Defibrillation is the most effective way to restore a normal heart rhythm in cardiac arrest.

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

CPR should be stopped if the victim starts breathing normally.

True

False

What is the purpose of defibrillation?

Stop the heart

Restore a normal rhythm

Increase heart rate

Reduce pain

What does AED stand for?

Advanced Emergency Defibrillator

Automated External Defibrillator

Assisted Electrical Device

Automated Emergency Defibrillation

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

CPR should only be performed by medical professionals.

True

False

How often should you switch rescuers during two-rescuer CPR?

Every 30 compressions

Every 5 minutes

Every 2 minutes

Only when exhausted

The Heimlich maneuver is part of standard adult CPR.

True

False

Which artery is checked for a pulse in adult CPR?

Carotid

Brachial

Femoral

Radial

Which artery is checked for a pulse in adult CPR?

Carotid

Brachial

Femoral

Radial

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

Perform Heimlich maneuver

Do nothing

Begin CPR

Give rescue breaths only

What is the recommended ventilation rate for rescue breathing in adults?

1 breath every 3-4 seconds

1 breath every 5-6 seconds

1 breath every 10 seconds

1 breath every second

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

True

False

A person in cardiac arrest will always be unconscious.

True

False

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

True

False

A heart attack and cardiac arrest are the same thing.

True

False

An untrained rescuer should avoid giving CPR.

True

False

How deep should chest compressions be for a 12-year-old child?

1 inch

At least 2 inches

1.5 inches

3 inches

How often should you switch rescuers during two-rescuer CPR?

Every 30 compressions

Every 5 minutes

Every 2 minutes

Only when exhausted

Which of the following describes high-quality CPR?

Shallow compressions

Minimal interruptions

Stopping to check pulse frequently

Slow compression rate

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