Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) is a program designed to train healthcare professionals in advanced techniques for managing and responding to cardiovascular emergencies, including cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening cardiac events. This certification builds on Basic Life Support (BLS) skills, adding advanced knowledge in assessing and intervening in critical cardiac scenarios through effective communication, team coordination, and medication management.
Why is Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) important?

• Essential for handling cardiac and respiratory emergencies in medical settings.
• Provides advanced skills in life-saving protocols, including airway management, IV access, and emergency pharmacology.
• Recognized as a standard credential for healthcare providers in emergency and critical care units.
• Ensures preparedness for high-stakes, life-threatening situations requiring quick, informed decisions.
• Enhances teamwork and communication skills in emergency response settings.

Who should take the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Exam?

• Physicians and Surgeons
• Registered Nurses (RNs) in critical care and emergency departments
• Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
• Anesthesiologists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) Staff
• Emergency Room (ER) Physicians and Nurses
• Advanced Practice Providers (e.g., Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants)
• Cardiology Technicians

Skills Evaluated

Candidates taking the certification exam on the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is evaluated for the following skills:

• Recognizing and managing respiratory and cardiac arrest.
• Handling arrhythmias, including drug and electrical therapies.
• Advanced airway management and IV access techniques.
• Team dynamics and effective communication during resuscitation.
• Emergency pharmacology and algorithm-based treatment protocols.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification Course Outline

 The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification covers the following topics -

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