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10 Practice Tests updated for the latest ATLS version.
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Part 1: ATLS Practice Tests
Full-length ATLS practice tests that mirror the real Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) exam.
Each answer is explained in-depth to make the principles behind it crystal clear.
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What is the ATLS Exam?
The ATLS exam is a certification exam necessary for healthcare providers to become certified in trauma life support.
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An ATLS-certified provider is trained to rapidly assess and manage trauma patients by securing airways, stabilizing injuries, and prioritizing life-saving interventions.
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To become certified in ATLS, you must demonstrate a solid understanding of trauma care protocols and critical interventions for life-threatening injuries. The course and exam are administered by the American College of Surgeons, and passing it signifies competency in the essential skills needed for effective trauma care. Once certified, providers are equipped to deliver structured, evidence-based trauma support in emergency settings.
ATLS Exam Outline
The ATLS exam consists of two main components: a written test and a practical skills assessment. The written portion typically includes 40 multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge of trauma care algorithms and management protocols. It is a timed exam, and you need to achieve a passing score (usually 80%) to proceed to the next part.
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The practical skills assessment is oral and hands-on. During this portion, you'll demonstrate your ability to perform essential trauma life support tasks, such as airway management, assessing and stabilizing patients, and managing shock or trauma in different settings. This portion ensures you can apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
ATLS Exam Topics
Updated for 2025
Spine and Spinal Cord Trauma
Head Trauma
Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma
Thoracic Trauma
Shock
Airway and Ventilation
Introduction and Initial Assessment
Geriatric Trauma
Pediatric Trauma
Thermal Injuries
Musculoskeletal Trauma
Trauma in Pregnancy and Interpersonal Violence
Transfer to Definitive Care
The ATLS exam topics, as you can see above, are:
Introduction and Initial Assessment:
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Primary Survey (ABCDE: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) for identifying life-threatening injuries.
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Secondary Survey for detailed assessment after stabilization.
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Rapid identification and treatment of injuries to prevent deterioration.
Airway and Ventilation:
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Techniques for securing the airway (head-tilt-chin-lift, oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways, endotracheal intubation).
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Use of advanced techniques like cricothyrotomy when needed.
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Positive pressure ventilation and oxygenation monitoring using pulse oximetry and blood gas analysis
Shock:
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Types of shock: Hypovolemic, cardiogenic, neurogenic, distributive.
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Early recognition using vital signs (BP, HR) and physical signs (altered mental status, low urine output).
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Management: Fluid resuscitation (crystalloids, blood products), vasopressors, and addressing the underlying cause (e.g., bleeding, heart failure, infection).
​Thoracic Trauma:
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Diagnosis and treatment of pneumothorax, hemothorax, rib fractures, and flail chest.
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Needle decompression or chest tube insertion for pneumothorax/hemothorax.
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Stabilization of flail chest and pain control.
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Management of cardiac tamponade through pericardiocentesis.
Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma:
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Assessment for intra-abdominal injuries (rigid abdomen, guarding, hypotension).
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Imaging: FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma), CT scan.
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Pelvic fracture stabilization to control hemorrhage (pelvic binder).
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Surgical intervention for organ repair and angiography for pelvic hemorrhage.
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Head Trauma:
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Management of traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Prevent secondary brain injury, maintain cerebral perfusion.
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ICP monitoring for severe TBIs; interventions like mannitol or hypertonic saline to reduce swelling.
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Diagnosis of brain bleeds (epidural/subdural hematoma) using CT scans.
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Prevent hypotension to protect the brain.
Spine and Spinal Cord Trauma:
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Spinal immobilization using cervical collars and backboards.
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Imaging: CT or MRI to assess damage.
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Prevent secondary spinal cord injury by maintaining normal blood pressure and avoiding movement.
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Neurological assessments (motor/sensory function).
Musculoskeletal Trauma:
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Fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries require splinting and stabilization.
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Assess neurovascular compromise (blood flow, nerve injury).
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Treatment: Fracture reduction (e.g., ORIF), pain management, monitoring for compartment syndrome (requires surgical decompression).
Thermal Injuries:
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Assess burns by depth (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree) and extent (rule of nines).
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Fluid resuscitation (Parkland formula) to prevent hypovolemic shock.
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Infection control, pain management, and monitoring for complications like burn shock.
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Early transfer to burn centers for specialized care.
Pediatric Trauma:
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Adjust treatment for size and physiological differences in children.
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Specialized techniques for pediatric airway management and fluid resuscitation.
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Modified pain management and immobilization techniques.
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Considerations for child-specific injuries (e.g., greenstick fractures).
Geriatric Trauma:
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Elderly patients have comorbidities, frailty, and decreased physiological reserve.
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Focus on polypharmacy and drug interactions.
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Increased risk of fractures, particularly hip fractures, requiring surgical intervention.
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Considerations for delirium, cognitive impairment, and altered pain responses.
Trauma in Pregnancy and Interpersonal Violence:
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Pregnancy: Prioritize both maternal and fetal well-being.
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Management of complications like placental abruption, preterm labor, and fetal monitoring.
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Interpersonal violence: Recognize signs of abuse (physical/emotional), ensure safety, and offer resources for counseling and legal support.
Transfer to Definitive Care:
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Criteria for transfer: Need for specialized treatment or further diagnostics.
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Transfer involves maintaining vital sign monitoring, airway management, and IV access.
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Continuous communication with receiving facility to ensure readiness for definitive care.
How should I prepare for the practical skills assessment?
The practical skills assessment in the ATLS exam is designed to evaluate how well you can apply trauma care protocols in real-life scenarios. This assessment typically involves scenarios where you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to manage airway, breathing, circulation, and other critical aspects of trauma care.
To prepare, it's essential to practice skills in a hands-on environment, ideally with a partner or a trained instructor.
Here are key steps to help you prepare:
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Master Key Skills: Ensure you're proficient in performing basic and advanced airway management (e.g., intubation, cricothyrotomy), establishing IV access, and performing CPR. You’ll also need to demonstrate your ability to assess trauma patients quickly and effectively.
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Familiarize Yourself with the Trauma Protocols: Be clear on the ATLS protocols for rapid trauma assessment, shock management, and treatment for specific injuries such as chest trauma, head trauma, and fractures.
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Practice Simulations: Many ATLS courses offer mock scenarios where you can practice in a simulated environment. Take advantage of these opportunities to work through various trauma situations, making sure to manage time effectively and remain calm under pressure.
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Review the "ABCDE" Approach: Focus on performing the Primary Survey (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure) in order, as this is a critical part of your assessment.
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Get Feedback: Practice with others who are familiar with the exam and seek feedback on your technique. Constructive criticism can help you fine-tune your skills before the actual exam.
Is there a time limit for the written portion, and how much time should I allocate for studying?
Yes, there is a time limit for the written portion of the ATLS exam. The written test typically consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you will usually have about one hour to complete it. Given the time constraints, it's important to work efficiently and not spend too much time on any one question.
When it comes to studying, you should aim to give yourself 4 to 6 weeks of preparation. This allows you to review the material thoroughly and gives you time to work on weak areas.
Here’s how you can break it down:
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Week 1-2: Familiarize yourself with the ATLS manual and core concepts. Focus on the primary trauma assessment protocols and shock management.
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Week 3-4: Begin taking practice exams to get a feel for the question format and to identify areas where you may need further study.
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Week 5-6: Focus on areas of weakness. Study specific topics in more detail, such as airway management or pediatric trauma, and keep practicing with timed mock exams.
Plan to balance reading the manual with hands-on practice and review of case scenarios. Also, include short breaks during your study sessions to stay fresh.
What are the most common mistakes made on the ATLS exam?
The most common mistakes on the ATLS exam often stem from misunderstandings or oversights related to the trauma management protocols, the time constraints of the exam, and the practical skills assessment. Here are a few mistakes to be aware of:
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Inadequate Primary Survey: The Primary Survey (ABCDE approach) is crucial for the initial assessment of trauma patients. Some candidates forget to perform it in order or fail to address life-threatening issues promptly. Ensure you always follow the ABCDE sequence and don’t skip steps.
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Failure to Understand Rationale: It's important not only to memorize protocols but also to understand the reasoning behind them. For instance, why certain medications or procedures (e.g., epinephrine in cardiac arrest or thoracostomy for a pneumothorax) are used. Candidates often focus too much on rote memorization, which can lead to mistakes in practical application.
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Overlooking Airway Management: Airway management is one of the most crucial skills in trauma care. A common error is neglecting to secure the airway early enough or using improper techniques. Practice intubation, bag-valve-mask ventilation, and suctioning to become comfortable with these techniques.
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Not Communicating Clearly in the Practical Exam: The practical exam often involves team scenarios. Poor communication, either with instructors or other candidates (if in a group setting), can lead to delays in treatment and errors. Make sure to clearly articulate your actions and decisions.
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Time Management: The ATLS written and practical exams have time limits. Some candidates spend too much time on difficult questions in the written exam or become overwhelmed during the hands-on assessment. Practice pacing yourself so that you don’t run out of time during either portion.
How do I register for the ATLS exam?
To register for the ATLS exam, you will need to sign up for an ATLS provider course through the American College of Surgeons (ACS) or an authorized provider in your region.
Here’s the general process:
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Find a Course: Visit the ACS website or the ATLS website for a list of authorized course providers. Many hospitals, medical schools, and trauma centers offer ATLS courses.
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Choose Your Location and Date: Select a course based on your availability and location. Some courses may be offered as full two-day sessions or in compressed formats.
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Register and Pay: Complete the registration process through the provider's website, including payment for the course and exam. Some courses may offer online registration and payment options.
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Confirm Your Enrollment: After registering, confirm your spot and review any materials that may be sent to you beforehand, such as the ATLS manual, pre-course materials, or online study resources.
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Prepare for the Exam: Attend the course, participate in both the didactic and practical portions, and take the written exam at the end of the course. Upon passing, you’ll receive your ATLS certification.
What happens if I fail the exam?
If you fail either the written or practical portion of the ATLS exam, you will typically be given an opportunity to retake the failed portion.
Here’s what to expect:
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Written Exam: If you do not pass the written exam, you may be allowed to retake it at a later date. Depending on the provider, you may be given a chance to review the areas where you struggled and prepare before retaking the test.
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Practical Skills Assessment: If you fail the practical exam, you may be offered a chance to retake it after additional practice or training. Some providers may require you to attend a refresher course or participate in a skills lab before attempting the practical exam again.
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Retesting Fees: There may be a fee for retaking either portion of the exam. Check with your course provider for their retesting policy and any associated costs.
If you fail the exam, don’t be discouraged. Review your mistakes, focus on improving your skills, and give yourself enough time to prepare before retaking the exam.
How long is the ATLS certification valid?
ATLS certification is typically valid for 4 years from the date you successfully complete the course and exam. After this period, you will need to complete a recertification course to renew your certification. The recertification process generally involves:
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Renewal Course: You will need to complete a re-certification course that includes both a written exam and a skills assessment. This is typically shorter than the initial course.
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Review of Updates: During the recertification course, you’ll review updates and changes to trauma care protocols that have occurred since your last certification.
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Requirements for Recertification: In some cases, you may be required to demonstrate your involvement in trauma care during the certification period or provide proof of continuing education.
How to Study for the ATLS Exam:
A Comprehensive Guide
Preparing for the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) exam can be demanding, but with the right approach and tools, you can enter the exam with confidence and succeed. This guide provides essential study strategies, resources, and practical tips to help you master the critical trauma care concepts and pass the ATLS exam with ease.
1. Understand the Exam Format
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Written Exam: You’ll take a multiple-choice test with about 40 questions covering various trauma care topics. This test assesses your theoretical knowledge and understanding of the core principles of trauma management.
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Practical Skills Assessment: You’ll demonstrate your ability to perform trauma care skills, including airway management, resuscitation, and trauma assessments. This part is hands-on and requires you to show competence in real-life trauma situations.
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Preparation: Familiarize yourself with the content and structure of both portions. Know what topics will be tested and how the practical scenarios will unfold.
2. Gather the Right Study Materials
To ensure a comprehensive study experience, invest in high-quality study materials:
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Exam Prep Apps: Choose study guides with practice tests, clear explanations, and key ATLS topics. We recommend our ATLS Exam Prep Apps for interactive features, progress tracking, and flexible, on-the-go study. Our app’s structured approach makes mastering the material easier and review sessions more effective.
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Online Practice Tests: Many websites offer free and paid practice tests to help you get familiar with the exam’s format and timing. With our ATLS Exam Prep Apps, you can access 10 free tests for 7 days, giving you a risk-free way to practice and build confidence before the exam.
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Flashcards: Flashcards are excellent for memorizing key terms and medical abbreviations. You can create your own or use ATLS-specific flashcard sets available online.
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Video Tutorials: Watching tutorials on key ATLS skills, like airway management and trauma assessments, helps improve your practical exam performance.
3. Master the Core Concepts
The ATLS exam is based on key trauma management principles. Focus your study on these areas:
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Primary Survey (ABCDE): Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure are critical to assess life-threatening injuries quickly.
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Shock Recognition and Management: Understand the types of shock (hypovolemic, cardiogenic, etc.) and the steps to manage them.
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Airway Management: Master both basic and advanced airway techniques like intubation, cricothyrotomy, and bag-valve-mask ventilation.
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Trauma Protocols: Learn the specific management protocols for different types of trauma, such as chest, head, abdominal, and musculoskeletal injuries.
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Resuscitation Techniques: Be familiar with fluid resuscitation, blood product administration, and drug therapies like epinephrine.
4. Practice Hands-On Skills
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Simulate Real-Life Scenarios: Use simulations or practice with a partner to rehearse trauma assessments and interventions. This helps you build confidence and improve your performance in the practical portion.
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Focus on Key Skills: Be sure you can perform the ABCDE trauma assessment efficiently, secure airways under time pressure, and make critical decisions swiftly.
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Repetition is Key: Practice the skills until they become second nature, especially the techniques for airway management, IV access, and CPR.
5. Take Practice Exams Regularly
Practice exams are one of the most effective ways to prepare:
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Timed Practice Tests: Simulate real exam conditions by timing yourself. This can improve your pacing and manage test-day anxiety.
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Analyze Your Results: After each practice test, review your incorrect answers to identify your weaknesses. Focus on these areas in your future study sessions.
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Set Goals: Aim to improve your score with each practice test, working toward a passing score for your state.
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Start your free 7-day trial with our ATLS Exam Prep App and get 10 realistic tests to track your progress and build confidence. Practice regularly, focus on key areas, and be ready for test day! Try it now at (link)
6. Create a Study Schedule
Staying organized is crucial for ATLS exam success. Create a study schedule that:
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Allocates Time by Topic: Break sessions into specific areas, such as airway management, shock treatment, and trauma assessment.
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Mixes Learning Methods: Alternate between reading the ATLS manual, practicing skills, and taking practice exams to keep your sessions engaging.
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Includes Breaks: Take short breaks during study sessions to stay refreshed and avoid burnout.
Aim for at least 4-6 weeks of preparation to ensure you cover all the material at a comfortable pace.
7. Prepare for the Practical Skills Assessment
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Work Under Pressure: The practical assessment tests your ability to perform under time constraints. Practice working quickly but efficiently, ensuring you don’t overlook important steps in the trauma care process.
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Stay Calm and Communicate: In the practical portion, clear communication with the examiner and any team members is crucial. Describe your actions and decisions clearly, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if needed.
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Review the Trauma Scenarios: Go over common trauma scenarios you might encounter, such as head trauma, spinal injuries, or chest trauma, and practice responding to them with the proper protocols.
Take a ATLS Practice Test
Conclusion
To prepare for the ATLS exam, the best approach is a mix of studying key trauma care concepts and practicing with exam-like questions. Regular practice helps you get comfortable with the exam format, time limits, and types of questions, boosting your confidence on test day.
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With practice exams and simulations, you can track your progress, focus on areas that need improvement, and reinforce your trauma management skills. Get ready for success—practice and review consistently to feel confident heading into your ATLS exam!
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