Getting certified in CPR is an advantage knowing you can assist someone in case of an emergency. Getting your certification means passing a CPR exam which may be stressful for some candidates.
Nothing will give you as much confidence in your exam as being well-prepared. Learners can be visual, auditory, or kinesthetic (they learn by performing a task). Some people learn by reading/writing. Think about how you learn best and employ the best-suited tactics to your learning type. For example, practicing using a dummy at home may help you retain the information best if you are a kinesthetic learner. If you are a visual learner, watching informational videos may be best.
If you are getting CPR certified in Greensboro, you may be looking for tips for passing a written CPR exam and what to expect. In this article, we’ll give you essential tips to help you excel on your CPR written exam in Greensboro, review the information you need to know, and study techniques that may help.
Essential Knowledge and Skills for CPR
Your CPR certification will require having some basic knowledge as part of your training. Tests are generally multiple choice or True/False and designed for people to succeed. Let’s look at some topics you should be well versed in.
Basic Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
Whether you are obtaining certification for adults, children, or infants, you should have some basic understanding of the body. This helps to reduce the risks of complications during CPR. Also, you should understand the terminology used in the classes. If your instructor tells you to be mindful of pneumothorax, you need to understand what that means.
Signs and Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
Performing CPR on someone who does not need it can cause more harm than good. You need to know the physical signs of cardiac arrest and how to identify them.
Steps for Performing CPR
Performing the steps properly and in order will determine the overall effectiveness of the procedure. Test questions will include queries such as:
- What is the rate of compressions one should deliver?
- How many compressions to how many breaths should be used?
- What are the ABCs of CPR, when should they be performed, and in which order?
Different CPR Types and Levels
There are variations of CPR according to the victim’s age (infant, child, or adult). There are also basic CPR courses for lay people and advanced CPR courses for medical professionals. Performing CPR includes administering chest compressions or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Familiarize yourself with the different types of CPR as outlined by your instructor and find the one most suitable to what you need.
The Use of an Automated External Defibrillator
AEDs are devices covered during CPR courses and learning how to use them during emergencies is essential. Today’s AEDs are rather easy to use as they are semi- or fully automatic, so they will guide you through the steps.
Those that need more in-depth knowledge of AED use can take a separate course. Some professions may require you to have a certificate in AED use.
Structure of the Written CPR Exam
The structure of exams may vary slightly from one institution to the next and may also depend on the type of certification you seek. For example, if you are trying to obtain a certification for infant CPR only, the exam will differ from the one for obtaining adult CPR certification. With this said, there are basic factors that will be consistent across providers.
CPR exams are designed for you to pass – not to fail. The formats are clear and easily understood. The number of questions vary depending on the provider, but generally, there are about 30 questions in total. To pass the exam, you must have a pass score of 70, 80%, or 85%, depending on the provider.
There are a multitude of practice tests you can take online to help you prepare and familiarize yourself with the material.
Types of Questions Typically Asked
1. For any victim, the correct compression rate is:
Mark one answer:
- At least 120 per minute
- At least 80 per minute
- At least 90 per minute
- 100 to 120 per minute
2. If you are alone and come along a person who may need CPR, the FIRST thing you should do is:
Mark one answer:
- Activate the emergency response system
- Begin CPR
- Go for an AED
- Make sure the scene is safe
These are examples of questions you may find on the practice or actual CPR test.
Multiple-choice questions such as these will help you recall important information that you learned during your course.
Multiple Choice and True/False Questions
Questions generally come in the form of multiple choice or true/false. Sometimes essential skills and knowledge will be evaluated by a scenario-based question.
Topics Covered
You should expect the exam to question your knowledge of the steps of CPR and how to use essential equipment (AEDs – Automatic external defibrillators and PPE – Personal protective equipment). You will also be questioned on how and when to use the Heimlich maneuver and how to respond in an emergency such as a drowning.
Time Allocation for the Exam
The time duration will vary depending on the course you are taking and they usually take around 60 – 90 minutes.
Scoring and Passing Criteria
The passing score for CPR certifications depends on the provider. Some will require as low as 70% or 80%, while others, like AHA, will not let you pass unless you receive 84%. It’s best to check the specifics with your provider before taking the test.
Possible Retakes
If unsuccessful in passing the exam, most providers will allow you to retake the exam. The number of retakes is not limited, and you can give the test another try whenever you feel prepared.
Whether taking the CPR exam for the first time or retaking it, it is always a best practice to consult with your Greensboro provider on the exam criteria. It may vary between providers.
Effective Study Techniques for the Written CPR Exams
We have compiled some study techniques to help you practice and retain the pertinent information for your written exam.
- Understand the material: Nothing can replace being well-versed and prepared in the material you are about to be questioned on. If you encounter aspects of the information you are unclear on, always consult with your instructor prior to taking the exam.
- Create study guides: Just as you would prepare for any other exam, you can create a guide detailing all the information you have learned. Learning by reading/writing may be especially helpful for you.
- Flashcards: Create and practice with flashcards. Often making flashcards is sufficient to cement the information in your memory.
- Watch videos online: Review the procedures for CPR and adjust your techniques accordingly. This is especially useful for those who are visual learners.
- Practice tests: Take online tests to practice. The options are numerous and will build your knowledge and confidence. After completing a test, you’ll learn your score and the correct answers for any you missed.
- Practice at home: Perform the steps for CPR at home. Some organizations loan dummies, or you can find a suitable substitute.
- Expand your knowledge: Supplement your course with an additional online course to reinforce the knowledge.
- Consult with instructors: Talk to your instructor and seek their assistance on what you still need clarification on.
- Understand acronyms: Many acronyms are used, so you should be very familiar with RICE, SAMPLE, ABC, FAST, and CSM.
- Manage anxiety: The best way to manage anxiety regarding an exam is to be prepared. Beyond this, you can ensure you get a good night’s sleep, eat well and use positive self-talk and relaxation methods, such as yoga or meditation.
Final Thoughts
CPR classes in Greensboro are for everyone. You do not need formal knowledge before attending a class, just the desire to learn. If you have prepared well and consulted with your instructor/coach on any uncertainties, you can master the test easily. The provider will allow you to retake the exam if you do not pass the first time.
Manage anxiety with a good night’s sleep, a healthy meal, and some relaxation techniques that work well for you. You are taking an all-important step in serving your community of Greensboro!