If you are looking for a CPR test you may have already had CPR certification in the past and are now simply looking to refresh your knowledge. Other people may need a CPR certificate for a new job so want to take a quick online CPR exam. Often these people do not even look at the course material but simply sit and re-sit the questions until they achieve a pass. But while this may get them the job it is not going to be much use if someone nearby suffers a cardiac arrest and needs their help.
When should you do your CPR test?
You should only sit your CPR test when you have reviewed the course material properly and know that you have sufficient knowledge to begin cardiac pulmonary resuscitation should it be required. You can build up your knowledge in steps. For instance you could decide to study adult CPR first followed by pediatric or infant CPR when you are confident you have a handle on the basics.
Should you look at online CPR certification or attend a class?
The answer to this question depends a lot on your learning style. Every individual is different. Some learn better when reviewing course material on videos while others prefer to have an instructor available to ask questions to on a face to face basis. Some people can learn the theory knowing they would be able to apply it in the event of an emergency. Others prefer the facility of practicing on CPR manikins under the close supervision of a trainer.
You can combine both learning styles in your CPR test. For example the American Heart Association offers their Heartsaver CPR training and AED course which is initially an online CPR course followed by a hands on practice session with an AHA instructor. This would be an excellent way to study as you can make sure that you are able to put the theory into practice without having to wait to deal with an emergency situation to test your knowledge. It really doesn’t matter how you learn CPR, what is important is that you take this step. Too many people are dying from cardiac arrest that may have survived if only the general public had intervened in a positive way.
How long does a CPR test take?
Again the answer to this depends to a large extent on your knowledge and confidence levels. Most CPR tests are available in a multiple choice format and can be completed in under an hour. If you do not pass the first time you can re-sit. If you are a member of the emergency medical services you will be expected to know a lot more than the average Joe public. The type of test you take will also have an impact on the time scale. For example, a basic CPR test will be done much quicker than one covering the use of AED devices.
Will you get a valid CPR certificate when you pass?
It all depends on who you take your CPR test with but don’t get too hung up on CPR certification or wallet cards, they are not important. What is vital is the fact that Americans are dying today because ordinary people do not have sufficient knowledge of basic life saving skills. They may be afraid to do CPR on a stranger for fear of catching something. If that is the case with you then you need to watch the video on continuous chest compression CPR!
More people die every three days in the USA from cardiac arrests than died in total on 9-11. Don’t you want to improve those statistics? With the rise in obesity rates it stands to reason that more people are going to suffer heart problems than ever before. The question is are you going to be proactive and pass your CPR test or are you just going to do nothing and let these people, who could include your family and friends, die!
John Furst
JOHN FURST is an experienced emergency medical technician and qualified first aid & CPR instructor. John is passionate about first aid and believes everyone should have the skills and confidence to take action in an emergency situation.
In order to download your certificate you need to make sure you have marked all the units as ‘completed’. They should all appear with a green tick next to them on the course homepage.
Once you’ve marked all the units as completed you will be emailed a link to download your certificate. Please note this email may take a couple of minutes to arrive. If you do not receive an email then please check your ‘spam’ or ‘junk’ box.
If you continue to have problems please let us know and we will do our best to help
Please, how do I get my certificate after the quiz?
Hello,
In order to download your certificate you need to make sure you have marked all the units as ‘completed’. They should all appear with a green tick next to them on the course homepage.
Once you’ve marked all the units as completed you will be emailed a link to download your certificate. Please note this email may take a couple of minutes to arrive. If you do not receive an email then please check your ‘spam’ or ‘junk’ box.
If you continue to have problems please let us know and we will do our best to help
John