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PALS Practice Exam & Required Pre-Test

Everything you need to pass the AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support course: the Required Pre-Test (the Precourse Self-Assessment you must pass at 70% before attending), a 100-question Prep Exam, and three written-exam style Real Test versions (A, B & C) — all with answers, explanations, and rationale.

⚠️ The Pre-Test is a real requirement. The American Heart Association requires every PALS student to pass the Precourse Self-Assessment with at least 70% before the provider course begins. Take the Required Pre-Test first — then drill the Prep Exam and the Real Test versions to lock in the algorithms and drug doses.

REQUIRED PRE-TEST

PALS Required Pre-Test

The official AHA Precourse Self-Assessment format — rhythm identification, pharmacology, and practical application.

52 questions · ~45 min · pass 70%

Take the Pre-Test → PREP EXAM

PALS Prep Exam — 100 Questions

Full-coverage prep: high-quality CPR, respiratory distress & failure, shock, arrest algorithms, and PALS pharmacology.

100 questions · ~90 min · pass 70%

Start the Prep Exam → REAL TEST — VERSION A

PALS Real Test — Version A

Written-exam style bank modeled on the official PALS provider exam. Rhythm ID, drug doses, and megacode scenarios.

50 questions · ~45 min · pass 70%

Practice Version A → REAL TEST — VERSION B

PALS Real Test — Version B

A second written-exam style version with fresh questions — newborn care, toxicology, and advanced scenarios.

50 questions · ~45 min · pass 70%

Practice Version B → REAL TEST — VERSION C

PALS Real Test — Version C

A third written-exam style version — congenital heart disease, electrolytes, sepsis, and rhythm interpretation.

50 questions · ~45 min · pass 70%

Practice Version C →

What the PALS Pre-Test Covers

The AHA Precourse Self-Assessment has three sections — exactly what this page's pre-test follows.

Rhythm Identification (13 questions): Name pediatric rhythms — sinus tach vs SVT, wide-complex VT, VF, torsades, PEA, asystole. The pre-test here uses real ECG strip images.
Pharmacology (10 questions): Core PALS drug doses — epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg, amiodarone 5 mg/kg, adenosine 0.1 → 0.2 mg/kg, atropine 0.02 mg/kg, magnesium 25–50 mg/kg.
Practical Application (29 questions): High-quality BLS, respiratory failure, shock, arrest algorithms, and team scenarios.
Passing bar: 70% — same as the official online self-assessment. Unlimited retakes until you pass.

PALS Study Tips (AHA 2020 / 2025 Updates)

The most-tested concepts on the PALS course exam.

Respiratory failure is the #1 cause of pediatric arrest — recognize distress vs failure early; give oxygen, support ventilation before the heart stops.
Bradycardia = hypoxia until proven otherwise. Oxygenate and ventilate FIRST; epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO if it persists with poor perfusion.
Shockable arrest: defibrillate 2 J/kg, then 4 J/kg; epinephrine every 3–5 min; amiodarone 5 mg/kg or lidocaine 1 mg/kg for shock-refractory VF/VT.
Compensated vs hypotensive shock: BP can be normal in compensated shock — treat the perfusion signs (cap refill, pulses, mental status).
Post–cardiac arrest: target SpO2 94–99%, maintain normocapnia, and avoid hypotension.
2025 update emphasis: early recognition of respiratory failure and shock, high-quality CPR metrics, and structured post-arrest care.

PALS materials follow AHA 2020 guidelines and 2025 focused updates. The Required Pre-Test mirrors the official AHA Precourse Self-Assessment format; the AHA's actual online assessment and proctored provider exam are secure and are not reproduced here. These free exams are for study purposes only and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the American Heart Association.