Learning CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is an essential step toward becoming prepared for emergencies. While online theory courses provide foundational knowledge, the in-person CPR skills test is where your competency is truly verified. This assessment ensures you can perform life-saving techniques accurately, confidently, and safely under real-world conditions.

If you’re preparing for your BLS, ACLS, PALS, or standard CPR certification, understanding the skills test and how to excel is crucial. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: the structure of the skills test, essential techniques, common mistakes, tips for confidence, and strategies for passing on your first attempt.

1. Understanding the CPR Skills Test

1.1 Purpose of the Skills Test

The skills test is designed to evaluate your ability to:

  • Recognize cardiac and respiratory emergencies
  • Perform CPR correctly on adults, children, and infants
  • Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) effectively
  • Respond to choking emergencies

It ensures that you are not only knowledgeable but competent in practical performance, which is critical for real-life emergencies.

1.2 What Instructors Are Looking For

During the assessment, instructors evaluate:

  • Hand placement and compression technique – Correct hand position, compression depth, and rate.
  • Ventilation skills – Proper rescue breaths and airway management.
  • AED use – Applying pads correctly and following voice prompts.
  • Sequence and timing – Following the correct steps in the proper order.
  • Safety and assessment – Checking the scene, responsiveness, and pulse before starting CPR.

Understanding these criteria helps you focus on the key skills that instructors are observing.

1.3 Duration and Format

Most in-person CPR skills tests take 10–30 minutes per participant, depending on the course type (BLS, ACLS, PALS, or standard CPR).

You will:

  • Perform CPR on manikins (adult, child, and infant models)
  • Demonstrate AED usage
  • Execute choking relief techniques
  • Be observed and scored based on accuracy and technique

2. Preparing for Your Skills Test

2.1 Review the CPR Guidelines

Before your in-person test, refresh your knowledge using current guidelines:

  • Adult CPR: 2 inches deep, 100–120 compressions per minute, allow full chest recoil
  • Child CPR: 2 inches deep, one or two hands depending on size
  • Infant CPR: 1.5 inches deep, two fingers
  • Rescue breaths: 1 second per breath, watch chest rise

Ensure you know the differences in technique between adult, child, and infant CPR.

2.2 Practice with a Manikin

If possible, practice on a CPR manikin before your test. Pay attention to:

  • Compression depth and rate
  • Proper hand or finger placement
  • Ensuring full chest recoil
  • Performing two rescue breaths after 30 compressions

Hands-on practice builds muscle memory, making the test much easier.

2.3 Use Visual Aids and Guides

Many learners benefit from:

  • Step-by-step diagrams
  • Instructional videos
  • Flashcards for AED steps and choking procedures

These visual aids help reinforce the correct sequence and timing.

3. Key Skills to Master

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the essential skills evaluated during your in-person CPR assessment.

3.1 Adult CPR Skills

  • Scene Assessment – Ensure safety, check responsiveness, call 911.
  • Compressions:
    • Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, the other hand on top
    • Depth: 2–2.4 inches (5–6 cm)
    • Rate: 100–120 per minute
    • Allow full chest recoil after each compression
  • Rescue Breaths:
    • Tilt head, lift chin, pinch nose
    • Deliver 2 breaths, 1 second each, watch chest rise
  • Cycle: 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, repeat until help arrives or patient shows signs of life.
  • AED Usage:
    • Power on the AED, attach pads correctly, follow prompts
    • Ensure no one touches the patient during analysis or shock

3.2 Child CPR Skills (Ages 1–8)

  • Compressions: 2 inches deep using one or two hands depending on child size
  • Rate: 100–120 per minute
  • Rescue Breaths: 2 breaths, watching chest rise
  • AED: Use pediatric pads if available; adult pads if not
  • Single Rescuer vs. Two Rescuer: Sequence may vary slightly, know both methods

3.3 Infant CPR Skills (Under 1 Year)

  • Compressions: Two fingers on the center of the chest, depth 1.5 inches
  • Rate: 100–120 per minute
  • Rescue Breaths: Cover mouth and nose with your mouth, 1 second per breath
  • Cycles: 30 compressions, 2 breaths (single rescuer), 15 compressions, 2 breaths (two rescuers)
  • Choking Relief: Back blows and chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts

3.4 Choking Relief

  • Adults & Children: Heimlich maneuver/abdominal thrusts
  • Infants: 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts
  • Demonstrate correct sequence and positioning during the assessment

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Skills Test

Even small errors can impact your score. Avoid:

  • Incorrect compression depth or rate
  • Not allowing full chest recoil
  • Incorrect hand placement
  • Excessive or insufficient ventilation
  • Skipping safety checks or 911 call
  • Improper AED pad placement
  • Panicking or hesitating

Practice these skills thoroughly to prevent mistakes under observation.

5. Tips for Confidence and Success

5.1 Practice, Practice, Practice

The more hands-on practice you do, the more muscle memory you develop, making your performance automatic during the test.

5.2 Stay Calm and Focused

  • Take a deep breath before starting
  • Remember the sequence you’ve practiced
  • Don’t rush; precision is more important than speed

5.3 Visualize the Process

  • Mentally walk through scene assessment, CPR cycles, AED use
  • Visualization improves recall and reduces stress

5.4 Listen to Instructor Feedback

  • Pay attention to corrections during practice sessions
  • Implement feedback immediately
  • Instructors are there to help, not penalize

5.5 Time Management

  • Follow the sequence efficiently without rushing
  • Ensure compressions, breaths, and AED steps are performed smoothly and correctly
  • Manage your time wisely during scenario-based simulations

6. The Role of Instructors During the Skills Test

Your instructor evaluates:

  • Technical proficiency – Are compressions and breaths performed correctly?
  • Knowledge of emergency sequence – Did you call 911 and check responsiveness?
  • Use of equipment – AED pads, face shields, barriers
  • Scenario response – How well you handle simulated emergencies

Instructors may provide immediate feedback, but the skills test also measures your ability to perform independently and accurately.

7. How Skills Are Scored

  • Each CPR component has a pass/fail criteria
  • Commonly scored areas:
    • Chest compression depth and rate
    • Hand placement
    • Ventilation technique
    • AED operation
    • Choking relief technique
    • Overall sequence adherence
  • Partial credit may be given for minor errors, but critical mistakes may result in test failure
  • Passing requires both knowledge and hands-on skill competency

8. Preparing Mentally for the Assessment

8.1 Overcoming Anxiety

  • Remind yourself that mistakes during practice are normal
  • Focus on what you can control: technique, rhythm, and safety
  • Positive self-talk: “I am prepared and capable”

8.2 Scenario Simulation

  • Practice real-life scenarios with friends, family, or instructors
  • Simulate adult, child, and infant emergencies
  • Include AED use, choking, and teamwork elements

8.3 Breathing Techniques

  • Deep, controlled breaths help reduce stress and maintain focus
  • Helps maintain a steady compression rate and proper rescue breaths

9. Day of the Skills Test: What to Expect

  • Arrive early with any required materials (ID, online course completion certificate)
  • Wear comfortable clothing suitable for kneeling and chest compressions
  • Listen carefully to instructions and scenarios
  • Perform CPR confidently on manikins, demonstrating all required skills
  • Complete the AED and choking scenarios accurately
  • Receive feedback from the instructor at the end

10. What to Do If You Don’t Pass on the First Attempt

Don’t panic — many students require a second attempt.

  • Review areas of difficulty identified by the instructor
  • Practice hands-on with a manikin or simulator
  • Retake the skills test after additional preparation
  • Remember: the goal is competency, not just certification

11. Tips for Long-Term Retention

  • Practice skills periodically, even after certification
  • Watch refresher videos to reinforce technique
  • Attend annual or biannual skills refresher sessions
  • Keep up-to-date with AHA guideline changes

Consistent practice ensures you’re ready when a real emergency occurs.

12. Key Takeaways

  • Hands-on skills matter — CPR cannot be learned by theory alone
  • Preparation is critical — review guidelines, practice, and visualize scenarios
  • Stay calm under pressure — confidence improves performance
  • Follow the sequence — check scene, call 911, compressions, breaths, AED
  • Instructor feedback is your friend — correct mistakes immediately
  • Practice multiple scenarios — adult, child, infant, choking, AED
  • Renew and refresh — skills decay over time, so periodic practice is essential

13. Additional Resources

American Heart Association (AHA) CPR Guidelines

  • Red Cross CPR Training Materials
  • Hands-on manikin practice kits for home review
  • Blended CPR courses for flexibility and comprehensive learning

14. Conclusion

The in-person CPR skills test is not just a requirement — it’s a lifesaving checkpoint. By practicing thoroughly, understanding the evaluation criteria, and approaching the test with confidence, you can pass your assessment successfully and gain the skills to save lives in real emergencies.

Remember, effective CPR is a combination of knowledge, technique, and confidence. Use the resources available, practice regularly, and approach the skills test as an opportunity to demonstrate your readiness to respond when it truly matters.