The ACLS exam should not be too difficult after you have completed all of the rigorous preparation that the two-day Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) class requires before you even arrive. The exam consists of a written test at the end of the second and final day, as well as a practical exam that requires demonstrations of proper technique and procedure on a medical mannequin. A copy of the pretest is usually provided by the school where you registered or can be found easily online. It’s a lot like the actual ACLS exam. You must also demonstrate the correct procedure for a single-person intervention on a patient using an automated electronic defibrillator as part of the course requirements (AED).
You should expect to stoop, carry, bend, and kneel as needed because one component of your ACLS exam will be practical, and you will be expected to participate in a variety of scenarios designed to mimic real medical emergencies. As a result, dress appropriately, as if you were going to work for a shift. To be admitted to the first day of class, you must also bring your ACLS Provider Manual and your completed Pre-Course Assessment. Examine your school’s specific policies. Many schools require you to attend class with a study guide designed specifically for them.
The ACLS exam will be administered on the second day of the two-day course. One hour is allotted for the practicum exam, which is a code blue or cardiac arrest simulation. The test is usually preceded by a class practice and review of the material on which you will be tested in most facilities. During the class practice, pay close attention to what information is emphasized. Your communication skills, physical demonstrations enacting required procedures, and adherence to the memorized ACLS algorithms all factor into your practical test score.
The two-day ACLS training and certification concludes with a one-hour written ACLS exam. A one-hour class review session precedes this test as well. Pay close attention to the specific material that has been reviewed and emphasized once more. It may also be beneficial for you to recall the results of the pre-course written assessment test that you took prior to the class. Expect to answer at least 30 multiple-choice questions and 10 write-in answers for identifying specific cardiac rhythms on an answer sheet.