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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Academic Testing
Exam Format
50
84%
Advanced Provider
Registration
AHA Training Centers, Hospitals, Community Training Sites
Validity
2 years
ACLS Renewal Course; HeartCode ACLS Renewal; Full ACLS Provider Course
ACLS Exam Topics and Domains
ACLS is organized into 8 weighted domains. Expect to work with Advanced airways, Cardiac catheterization, EMS, IV access, and more.
1
Systems of Care
10%
Chains of Survival
In-Hospital Chain of SurvivalOut-of-Hospital Chain of Survival
- Describe the links in the Adult In-Hospital and Out-of-Hospital Chains of Survival
- Recognize the impact of early CPR and defibrillation on survival
- Understand the new Recovery link added in 2020 guidelines
Rapid Response and Emergency Teams
Rapid Response Teams (RRT)
- Identify criteria for RRT activation
- Understand the role of RRTs in preventing cardiac arrest
Quality Improvement in Resuscitation
Performance Metrics
- Describe methods for measuring resuscitation quality
- Understand the importance of continuous quality improvement
2
High-Quality CPR and BLS
20%
CPR Quality Parameters
Compression TechniqueVentilation During CPR
- Demonstrate high-quality CPR with correct depth, rate, and recoil
- Apply appropriate compression-ventilation ratios
Team CPR and Dynamics
Team Roles
- Describe effective team dynamics during resuscitation
- Understand the importance of clear role assignment
Early Defibrillation
Defibrillator Use
- Integrate early defibrillation into cardiac arrest management
- Minimize interruptions in chest compressions for shock delivery
3
Cardiac Arrest Algorithm
25%
Shockable Rhythms (VF/pVT)
VF/pVT ManagementReversible Causes - H'sReversible Causes - T's
- Apply the Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm for shockable rhythms
- Administer medications at appropriate times during resuscitation
- Identify and treat reversible causes of cardiac arrest
Non-Shockable Rhythms (Asystole/PEA)
Asystole/PEA Management
- Apply the Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm for non-shockable rhythms
- Understand medication timing differences from shockable rhythms
- Systematically search for reversible causes
Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)
Post-ROSC Care
- Recognize return of spontaneous circulation
- Initiate appropriate post-cardiac arrest care
4
Bradycardia Management
10%
Symptomatic Bradycardia Algorithm
Recognition and Initial TreatmentTranscutaneous PacingChronotropic Infusions
- Apply the Adult Bradycardia Algorithm
- Administer atropine at correct doses
- Initiate transcutaneous pacing when indicated
- Use chronotropic infusions appropriately
5
Tachycardia Management
15%
Stable vs Unstable Tachycardia
Unstable TachycardiaStable Tachycardia
- Differentiate stable from unstable tachycardia
- Perform synchronized cardioversion safely
- Classify tachycardias by QRS width and regularity
Narrow-Complex Tachycardia
Regular Narrow-ComplexIrregular Narrow-Complex
- Manage regular narrow-complex tachycardia with adenosine
- Provide rate control for irregular narrow-complex tachycardia
Wide-Complex Tachycardia
Stable Wide-Complex RegularIrregular Wide-Complex
- Treat stable wide-complex tachycardia appropriately
- Recognize dangerous wide-complex irregular rhythms
- Avoid harmful interventions in pre-excitation syndromes
6
Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS)
10%
Recognition and Initial Management
12-Lead ECG and STEMI RecognitionInitial Treatment (MONA)
- Perform timely 12-lead ECG acquisition
- Recognize STEMI on ECG
- Initiate appropriate initial ACS treatment
Reperfusion Strategies
Primary PCIFibrinolytic Therapy
- Apply appropriate reperfusion strategy based on resources and timing
- Understand time-critical goals for ACS treatment
- Recognize contraindications to fibrinolytic therapy
7
Suspected Stroke
5%
Stroke Recognition and Assessment
Prehospital Stroke ScalesEmergency Evaluation
- Use stroke assessment tools effectively
- Understand critical early diagnostic steps
- Recognize time-sensitive nature of stroke care
Stroke Treatment
Fibrinolytic Therapy for Ischemic StrokeBlood Pressure Management
- Apply fibrinolytic therapy criteria for ischemic stroke
- Manage blood pressure appropriately in stroke patients
- Differentiate treatment approaches for ischemic vs hemorrhagic stroke
8
Airway Management
5%
Basic Airway Techniques
Airway AdjunctsBag-Valve-Mask Ventilation
- Select and insert appropriate airway adjuncts
- Perform effective bag-valve-mask ventilation
Advanced Airway Management
Endotracheal IntubationSupraglottic AirwaysWaveform Capnography
- Place advanced airways with minimal CPR interruption
- Confirm endotracheal tube placement using multiple methods
- Interpret waveform capnography during resuscitation
Post-Intubation Management
Ventilation with Advanced Airway
- Provide appropriate ventilation after advanced airway placement
- Avoid complications of hyperventilation
How do I earn this certification?
Passing ACLS earns the ACLS Provider certification. It sits in the Emergency Cardiovascular Care track.
Current Level Exams
ACLS-EP - ACLS Experienced Provider Enhanced course for experienced ACLS providers focusing on interpretation and decision-making
Next Level Options
- ACLS-I - ACLS Instructor Become certified to teach ACLS courses
- Training Center Faculty Advanced instructor role with program oversight responsibilities
Alternative Paths
- European Resuscitation Council ALS European equivalent to ACLS with similar scope
- Resuscitation Council UK ALS UK-based advanced life support certification
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for ACLS.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2020-10-21
- Announcement date: 2020-10-21
Updates
- Waveform Capnography Continuous PETCO2 monitoring Emphasized as gold standard for ETT confirmation and CPR quality monitoring
- Mechanical CPR Devices LUCAS, AutoPulse systems Acknowledged but not recommended over high-quality manual CPR in most settings
- Point-of-Care Ultrasound Cardiac arrest ultrasound Emerging tool but not required in basic ACLS, mentioned in advanced courses
- Extracorporeal CPR (ECPR) ECMO during cardiac arrest Mentioned as option for refractory arrest in specialized centers
Who should take this exam?
Current BLS Provider certification from AHA
- Basic understanding of ECG rhythm interpretation
- Basic pharmacology knowledge
- Healthcare provider background
- Completion of ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment (mandatory 70% passing score)