If you are preparing for an AHA BLS certification course in New York, you may be wondering how difficult the exam will be. Many healthcare professionals want to know what the online assessment covers and how much preparation is needed before completing the course.
The AHA BLS course assesses your knowledge of basic life support and your ability to apply BLS skills during an emergency. The current course follows the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC and covers CPR, AED use, ventilation, choking emergencies, and team-based resuscitation.
This guide covers the AHA BLS exam format, skills assessment, course requirements, common challenges, and practical steps to prepare for certification.
What Is the AHA BLS Exam?
The AHA BLS exam is the knowledge assessment required for the BLS certification process. The test confirms that you understand the essential principles and procedures you learnt during your BLS training.
For a blended BLS course, you complete the online exam before moving on to the hands-on skills session.
In an instructor-led BLS course, you take the exam during the scheduled class after the instructor has taught the required course material. The instructor also guides you through the required BLS skills session during the same class.
What Does the AHA BLS Exam Cover?
The AHA BLS exam contains 25 questions, with a minimum passing score of 84%, meaning you need at least 21 correct answers to pass. Questions may include emergency scenarios that require you to identify the patient’s condition and determine the appropriate next action.
The exam tests your understanding of the BLS principles and actions taught throughout the course, including:
- Recognizing cardiac arrest and determining when CPR is needed
- Understanding the appropriate CPR sequence for adults, children, and infants
- Knowing when and how to use an AED
- Understanding rescue breathing, ventilation, and severe choking response
- Applying single rescuer and team-based BLS concepts
- Applying current recommendations from the 2025 AHA BLS guidelines
Is the AHA BLS Exam Hard?
The AHA BLS exam can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with CPR procedures or have not reviewed the course material. Most questions are based on the information covered in the BLS Provider Course.
Some questions present emergency scenarios and ask you to determine the appropriate next action. Understanding the correct sequence of BLS actions is more useful than simply memorizing individual facts.
Does the AHA BLS Exam Have a Time Limit?
The AHA does not require a specific time limit to complete the BLS exam. The exam may take about one to two minutes per question, although some students may need additional time. The instructor or Training Center can determine the appropriate time allowed for the exam.
Take enough time to read each question carefully and identify the information that affects your answer. Focus on the patient’s condition and the information provided to determine the appropriate BLS response rather than rushing through the questions.
Can You Use Resources During the AHA BLS Exam?
The AHA BLS exam is an open-resource assessment, allowing you to use approved course resources during the exam. These resources may include the BLS Provider Manual and other materials provided as part of the course.
Although resources are available during the exam, you should still prepare in advance and know the key BLS concepts and sequence of actions.
What Should You Expect During the BLS Skills Test?
The BLS skills test is a hands-on assessment where you demonstrate that you can perform the required techniques correctly. In both formats, the assessment includes Adult CPR and AED Skills and Infant CPR Skills, with scenarios that evaluate your response, communication, and teamwork. The assessment allows you to demonstrate your ability to perform the required skills in realistic emergency scenarios. The assessment process depends on the BLS course format.
Instructor-Led BLS
During an instructor-led course, you perform the required skills on a manikin while an AHA Instructor observes your performance. The instructor evaluates your technique using the required skills testing criteria.
Self-Guided BLS
For self-guided BLS, you complete the online coursework before attending your skills session at an approved CPR Verification Station. Bring proof of your completed online coursework to the session, then complete the assessment using a voice-assisted manikin that provides real-time feedback.
What Makes the AHA BLS Exam Difficult?
The AHA BLS exam can be challenging when questions require you to apply your knowledge to different emergencies. Several factors can make the exam more difficult for test takers.
Scenario-Based Questions
Some questions require you to apply BLS knowledge to an emergency rather than recall a simple definition. The wording may require you to identify the appropriate response based on the circumstances presented.
Remembering the Correct Sequence
BLS follows a specific sequence of actions. Confusing the order of assessment, CPR, AED use, or ventilation can result in an incorrect answer.
Recognizing Patient Age Differences
BLS procedures vary for adults, children, and infants, and these age-specific differences can make some questions more challenging.
Rushing Through Questions
Online exam questions may include details that affect the appropriate answer. Moving through questions too quickly can lead to missed information or misinterpretation.
Preparing for Both Exam and Skills Assessment
The BLS course requires you to complete both an exam and a hands-on skills assessment. Preparing for both parts helps ensure you are ready to complete all course requirements.
Using Outdated Information
Changes in BLS recommendations can affect the information covered in the course and assessment. Older materials may not reflect current AHA recommendations.
How to Prepare for and Pass the AHA BLS Exam
To prepare effectively, review the BLS topics covered in the exam and practice the skills you will need to demonstrate. Spend more time reviewing topics you find difficult and practice the required skills until you can perform them correctly.
Study the BLS Algorithms
Focus on understanding the order of actions in the major BLS algorithms rather than memorizing isolated information.
Practice the Required Skills
Practice adult CPR, infant CPR, ventilation, AED use, and other techniques included in the skills assessment. Review key CPR measurements, including a compression rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults and children, and about 1.5 inches (4 cm) for infants.
Understand Age-Specific Differences
Learn how BLS care differs for adults, children, and infants. Pay attention to differences in CPR techniques, compression depth, hand placement, ventilation, and choking response for each age group.
Work Through Scenario Questions
Practice emergency scenarios and determine the appropriate BLS response at each stage, from recognizing the emergency to providing the required care.
Strengthen Your Weak Areas
Spend additional time on topics that remain unclear or require more practice before completing the exam and skills assessment.
Use Current AHA Materials
Prepare with current AHA BLS course materials to ensure the information you study reflects the latest recommendations.
What Happens If You Fail the AHA BLS Exam?
If you do not pass the exam or meet the requirements during the hands-on skills assessment, you may have an opportunity to receive remediation and retake the failed portion. The requirements for another attempt may differ by training provider, so check with your course provider for specific details.
However, you have a low chance of failing the AHA BLS course when you complete the required learning and practice the skills beforehand. The online exam is an open-resource exam, so you can refer to approved course materials while answering questions. During the hands-on assessment, you perform the required techniques in a realistic setting with guidance from an AHA Instructor or a voice-assisted manikin, depending on the course format.
What Happens After You Pass the AHA BLS Course?
Passing the 25-question online exam alone does not complete the BLS course. You must also complete the required skills assessments and meet the other course requirements.
After successfully completing both parts, you receive an AHA BLS Provider card. The credential remains valid for two years and is recognized throughout New York and the United States.
Complete Your BLS Skills Test With New York CPR Classes
The AHA BLS exam tests your knowledge and ability to apply essential lifesaving skills in emergencies. Preparing for both the exam and skills assessment can help you complete your certification requirements with confidence.
New York CPR Classes offers AHA BLS certification with convenient training options for healthcare professionals throughout New York. Our self-guided training station uses voice-assisted manikins that guide you through each step and provide real-time feedback as you demonstrate your skills. Complete your BLS skills test with New York CPR Classes and receive your AHA BLS Provider Card the same day after you complete the required course components.
Frequently Asked Questions About the AHA BLS Exam
Can I take the AHA BLS course if I am not a healthcare professional?
Yes. The AHA BLS course is available to healthcare professionals and other individuals who need basic life support training. You do not need to work in healthcare to take the course, although some employers or organizations may have specific certification requirements.
How long does the AHA BLS course take to complete?
The total time depends on the course format. Instructor-led courses are generally longer, with the learning, practice, and skills testing completed during a scheduled training session. Blended and self-guided options allow you to complete the learning portion online before attending the hands-on skills session.
What should I bring to my BLS skills session?
For a self-guided skills session, bring proof that you completed the required online coursework. Your training provider may also have additional requirements, so check the instructions provided after registration.
Can I retake the AHA BLS course if my certification expires?
Yes. You can take a BLS renewal course after your current certification expires. If your certification is still valid, you can renew it before it expires.
Does AHA BLS certification include First Aid?
No. AHA BLS and First Aid are separate courses. If your employer requires both credentials, you may need to complete a First Aid course in addition to BLS.
