The written CPR exam is a test that evaluates a person’s knowledge when giving first aid. The examination is part of the training, and no person can receive CPR certification without passing the whole test – the skills and the written part.
As the written CPR test is preliminary, it adds stress and pressure to the test takers, which may result in poor scores. Therefore, to reduce the panic around the test and have a broader perspective of it, this article communicates the main tips on how to pass the written part of the CPR test effortlessly and what kind of questions you can expect.
How Does the Written CPR Exam Look?
The CPR exam consists of 2 parts: a written exam and a skills test. Each of them is tailored to best showcase the trainee’s knowledge that they have gained over the CPR course. Below we’ll elaborate shortly on both sections so you know what you can expect from each.
The Written Test
The written CPR test has approximately 30 multiple-choice questions that are from the material covered over the entire training. This part of the CPR exam covers all basic things from a theoretical aspect of this technique so that people know the essentials, such as when you need to perform CPR, how you need to perform it for optimal results, what “type” (compressions-only or a combination with rescue breaths) of CPR you need to give, and more.
It is common for these questions to involve made-up situations that are fairly possible to happen. This is so that the test examiner can see whether or not the test taker can act correctly and quickly in real-life situations of that kind, meaning that the examination board will have a bigger picture of who understands CPR and who learned it by heart.
Needless to say, there are also questions that are technical, meaning they require stating definitions or facts.
The Skills Test
This part of the test is the practical exam where the test taker can present the CPR skills they’ve learned during the course. They are given a dummy on which they need to do CPR while an examiner follows the procedure and grades it. This part of the CPR exam shows if you know how to properly perform CPR, with all the needed details like hand position, the strength of the compressions, etc.
5 Tips to Prepare You Best for the Written CPR Exam
The skills exam of the CPR test can be stressful as well, but the written part is the first step that doesn’t allow for any mistakes, seeing that it decides whether or not you proceed to the skills test. This is the reason why there is a bigger emphasis on studying for the written exam.
Similarly to any other exam, the contestant must not go unprepared on the exam day or underestimate the multiple-choice questions. One of the best ways to prepare for this test is to pay attention to the details of the CPR methods, especially when it comes to using a defibrillator.
Below you will find several tips that can help prepare you for your written CPR exam.
1. Try Taking the Online Tests
One of the best ways to secure a CPR pass in the written component is by taking some online tests. These will also help you learn what to expect on the exam, as the online tests are similar to the ones you will get on your exam day.
Namely, various online CPR tests cover adult CPR, infant and children CPR tests, and proper ways to use the defibrillator. You can choose the appropriate test depending on the CPR level you are taking.
2. Take an Online Course
Taking (additional) online CPR courses are recommended for all those who cannot attend all lectures. In these online courses, the tutors cover the theoretical part of CPR, so you don’t miss out on anything important for the test.
3. Watch Videos and Revise Your Techniques
Watching videos of certified experts performing CPR before taking the exam can be helpful. The videos will help you visualize what you’ve learned in theory, and they can help in finding some mistakes that you otherwise didn’t know you were making.
You can find plenty of videos on YouTube or other social platforms where people share their knowledge and skills. However, since the nature of CPR is delicate and may cost someone’s life, you should always check the background of the channel and the person performing it.
4. Practice the Exercises
Repetition is the mother of learning, and the same applies to this matter. The only thing that can improve your CPR skills and lift your chances of passing the exam is a revision or practicing CPR repeatedly.
Firstly, you must ensure that you remember all the steps by heart without any left outs or mistakes. Carrying the task should come intuitively, not as a drill. The best way to practice and make sure you pass is to find a doll and put into practice everything you have learned in theory.
5. Consult With Your Coach
Many applicants, before taking the Written CPR Exam, feel uncertain about their CPR skills. Fear of failure or the fear of losing someone’s life in your hands could be crippling for your development. However, you should never, by any chance, allow them to overcome you.
Therefore, it is always an option to consult with the coach that gave you the initial CPR lessons and go over the steps or even do a mock exam if needed. By reassuring that you are executing CPR correctly, you will become more independent and confident.
What Happens if Someone Fails the Written CPR Exam?
To pass the written CPR test, the applicant must have at least an 80% score. Anything below 80% means that you’ve failed. If someone fails the test, there is nothing to be afraid of because they may retake the test when they feel more confident.
Remember that without passing the written part, you cannot get a CPR certificate. So to make sure you don’t fail, you may ask your tutor for help. However, make sure to pay attention to all the technical details, such as relevant numbers of pushes or hands position. Usually, the majority of the questions are composed of queries that assess your general knowledge about first aid overall.
Wrapping Up The Tips For Passing the Written CPR Exam
Providing CPR can save people’s lives. America has more than 356,000 outside-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases, which is why CPR is really important. Regardlessly if you are a doctor, first responder, or simply someone that wants to be skilled with CPR, getting the CPR certificate means that you must pass the test.
The written CPR exam is composed of technical questions that assess applicants’ general knowledge of providing first aid in case of choking or cardiac arrest. To pass the test, i.e., correctly answer at least 80% of the questions, you need to prepare well and not take the exam for granted.
The best tips to keep up with that score and improve your skills involve constant practice and deep knowledge of the material. For any difficulties understanding parts of the process, experts recommend watching CRP exercises from certified workers. Visualizing the exercises helps with memorizing the steps and encourages your confidence and independence when doing CPR.