Are you a medical professional preparing to take the ACLS certification exam? You might be wondering how hard is the ACLS exam? Don’t worry––we’ve put together this guide to help you learn how to pass ACLS class with flying colors.
Intro to ACLS
First, what is ACLS certification? Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) prepares healthcare professionals to respond to cardiovascular emergencies. Many healthcare roles require the certification, especially any personnel who might treat cardiovascular patients. ACLS certification for nurses, doctors, and more is a great way to enhance your resume and sharpen your life-saving skills.
ACLS courses cover a variety of topics, including how to recognize and treat respiratory and cardiac arrest, airway management, and ACLS pharmacology. SureFire CPR’s ACLS course also includes a review of Basic Life Support (BLS) and advice for working on a resuscitation team.
ACLS helpful hints
When you take an ACLS certification course, your instructor will cover all of the information that you need to pass the exam. However, it’s always a good idea to prepare in advance to make sure you know how to pass ACLS on the first try!
Read through these ACLS tips to learn how to ace the exam like a boss.
Review your ECG rhythms
Many students struggle with ECG rhythm recognition during ACLS, so if you want to ace your ACLS exam, it’s highly recommended that you take an ECG course. Having a little bit of ECG experience will take a lot of pressure off when you’re going through the ACLS class. ECG rhythms can sometimes be a little overwhelming, so reviewing the basic rhythms will allow you to start out on the right foot and help you absorb more of the material in the class overall.
Study ACLS algorithms
One of the most important things to memorize for the exam is the algorithms associated with ACLS. It’s essential to have these memorized––after all, knowing the proper treatment and procedure during an emergency could be the difference between life and death. Do some research and start learning the algorithms before the certification course so that you’re prepared to use them on the exam.
You’ll want to review the following algorithms:
- Acute Coronary Syndrome Algorithm
- Adult BLS Algorithm
- Adult Bradycardia Algorithm
- Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm
- Adult Suspected Stroke Algorithm
- Adult Tachycardia Algorithm
- Intermediate Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Algorithm
- Opioid-Associated Life-Threatening Emergency Algorithm
- Unstable Tachycardia Algorithm
Memorize medications and doses
The ACLS exam will also test your knowledge of medications and dosages. Many students find this to be the most difficult component of the exam, so the earlier you can start studying, the better. Commit them to memory using whatever study method works best for you. You might want to try writing out flashcards, creating mnemonic devices, or using online quiz games.
These are some of the medications you might need to know:
- Adenosine
- Amiodarone
- Atropine
- Dopamine
- Epinephrine
- Lidocaine
- Magnesium
If you’re able to recall the medications and dosages quickly, you’ll be in great shape to pass your exam.
Take practice exams
Taking a practice exam before your certification is another great way to prepare. You’ll be able to test your knowledge and ensure that you’ve studied everything that you need to know. Plus, it will give you a feel for how the exam is structured and what types of questions you might see on the real exam or get best coursework writing service. This will help you know how to study for ACLS. There are lots of practice tests available online that will help you find out what to know for ACLS.
Set yourself up for success
It’s important to arrive at your certification course prepared, relaxed, and ready to focus. It’s hard to concentrate on an empty stomach! So, to make sure you have the best chance at success, be sure to…
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Stay hydrated
- Eat beforehand
- Reduce anxiety and stay calm
ACLS Exam FAQ’s
Just like any medical certification, there is a lot of information you’ll need to memorize and skills to master. However, studying beforehand can help you prepare and pass your exam on the first try.
Just like any medical certification, there is a lot of information you’ll need to memorize and skills to master. However, studying beforehand can help you prepare and pass your exam on the first try.
To pass ACLS and get your certification, you’ll need to take a certification course (like SureFire CPR’s ACLS Certification class) and pass the exam.
Yes, the ACLS test is multiple choice. The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions.
If you don’t pass the ACLS exam on your first try, you’ll be able to retake the exam.
Ready to take the ACLS exam? There’s no better way than learning from the experts at SureFire CPR. Our fantastic team of nurses, EMTs, first responders, firefighters, and more deliver effective and engaging training so that you can pass your ACLS exam with ease.
Getting ACLS certification has never been easier than with our online course. We offer a hybrid class in which you can take a self-paced series of online training modules. Then, just head to our office for a brief skills practice. It’s a great way to fit training into your busy schedule as a healthcare professional and learn from the comfort of home.
If you’d prefer to learn in-person, we also offer traditional classroom courses. We have multiple convenient locations in Southern California and a variety of course time slots to make getting certified as simple as possible.
We’re here to help you get certified, so feel free to reach out. Contact us via our online form or give us a call at (888) 277-3143.
