AMLS Practice Test : Free Exam Questions & Study Guide
The Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS) certification is the gold standard for emergency medical assessment. Obtaining your AMLS certification demonstrates advanced critical thinking skills and the ability to manage complex medical patients.
Our free AMLS practice test resources help you master the NAEMT AMLS curriculum. Whether you are taking an initial AMLS course or preparing for recertification, these AMLS exam questions will sharpen your diagnostic abilities.
The NAEMT AMLS course emphasizes the use of the AMLS assessment pathway, a systematic tool for assessing and managing medical patients with urgent needs.
Free AMLS Practice Questions
Our AMLS practice test modules cover every major medical emergency topic found in the NAEMT AMLS curriculum. Start with any topic below to test your knowledge.
AMLS Certification Flashcards
Quick review for the AMLS provider exam
AMLS Exam Study Guide
This AMLS study guide breaks down the essential information you need to know about the Advanced Medical Life Support program and certification process.
| What is the AMLS exam? | The AMLS exam is the final assessment for the NAEMT Advanced Medical Life Support course, designed for EMS practitioners. |
| Who needs to take the AMLS certification? | Paramedics, EMTs, nurses, and physicians seeking advanced training in medical assessment take the AMLS certification. |
| Is the AMLS test hard? | Many students find the AMLS test challenging because it requires strong critical thinking and differential diagnosis skills. |
| What does AMLS stand for? | AMLS stands for Advanced Medical Life Support, a leading prehospital medical education program. |
| How many questions are on the AMLS exam? | The AMLS exam typically consists of 50 multiple-choice questions in the post-test. |
| How long is the AMLS test? | You generally have 60 minutes to complete the written AMLS test portion of the course. |
| What topics are covered in AMLS? | The AMLS course covers assessment pathways, respiratory disorders, shock, neurological emergencies, and more. |
| Is there a practical component to the AMLS exam? | Yes, the AMLS certification requires passing both a written exam and practical skills stations. |
| How do I register for the AMLS exam? | You register for the AMLS exam by enrolling in an NAEMT-approved training center course. |
| What is the AMLS course cost? | The AMLS course cost varies by training center but typically ranges from $200 to $300. |
| Can I take the AMLS course online? | Yes, you can take a hybrid AMLS online course, but the practical skills must be completed in person. |
| What are the prerequisites for AMLS? | Most students are expected to be licensed EMTs, paramedics, or nurses before taking the AMLS course. |
| What is the passing score for the AMLS exam? | To pass the AMLS exam, you typically need a score of 76% or higher on the written post-test. |
| When do I get my AMLS results? | You usually receive your AMLS results immediately after completing the online or written post-test. |
| How long is the AMLS certification valid? | The AMLS certification is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. |
| Can I retake the AMLS test if I fail? | Yes, most training centers allow you to retake the AMLS test within 30 days if you fail the first attempt. |
| Does AMLS increase paramedic salary? | Yes, holding an AMLS certification can make you eligible for critical care roles with higher pay. |
| What is the average salary for an AMLS provider? | Paramedics with AMLS provider status often earn between $45,000 and $70,000 annually. |
| Do hospitals require AMLS? | Some emergency departments and ICUs prefer nurses and techs to have AMLS training for advanced assessment skills. |
| Is AMLS worth the cost? | Absolutely, the AMLS course provides invaluable skills that enhance patient care and career prospects. |
AMLS Test Format
The AMLS test structure is designed to evaluate your ability to use the AMLS assessment pathway effectively. The curriculum is divided into key medical modules.
The foundation of the entire course, focusing on systematic evaluation.
- Topics: Initial assessment, sick/not sick, differentials.
- Questions: ~15-20%
Evaluation and management of acute respiratory distress and failure.
- Topics: Airway management, ventilation, oxygenation.
- Questions: ~15%
Identifying and treating various etiologies of shock.
- Topics: Fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, recognition.
- Questions: ~15%
Assessment of altered mental status and neurological deficits.
- Topics: Stroke scales, seizure management, differential diagnosis.
- Questions: ~10-15%
Differentiating causes of acute abdominal pain and GI issues.
- Topics: Assessment quadrants, referred pain, treatment.
- Questions: ~10%
Recognition and management of sepsis and communicable diseases.
- Topics: SIRS criteria, isolation, antibiotic therapy.
- Questions: ~10%
Focus heavily on the AMLS assessment pathway. Unlike other courses that jump to treatment, AMLS emphasizes the "why" and "how" of diagnosis. Review your AMLS book chapters on differential diagnosis for respiratory and shock patients.
AMLS Score Calculator
Calculate your potential score on the AMLS post test
AMLS Salary Information
Holding an AMLS certification often qualifies EMS professionals for higher-paying critical care roles.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Monthly Income | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level EMT | $38,000 | $3,166 | 0-2 Years |
| Paramedic | $48,000 | $4,000 | 2-5 Years |
| AMLS Provider | $55,000 | $4,583 | 3-7 Years |
| Flight Paramedic | $75,000 | $6,250 | 5-10 Years |
| EMS Supervisor | $85,000 | $7,083 | 10+ Years |
Earning your AMLS certification opens doors to specialized roles like Critical Care Transport and Flight Medicine, which offer significantly higher compensation.
How to Become AMLS Certified
The journey to AMLS certification involves advanced training and validation of medical assessment skills. Many professionals take an AMLS online hybrid course for flexibility.
- Obtain EMS Licensure - Ensure you hold a valid EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, or Physician license.
- Find an AMLS Course - Locate an NAEMT training center offering the AMLS course near you.
- Register for Class - Sign up for either a traditional classroom or AMLS online hybrid course.
- Complete Pre-Course Work - Study the AMLS book and complete any required pre-tests.
- Attend Practical Training - Participate in hands-on skills stations and scenarios.
- Pass the AMLS Exam - Successfully complete the written post-test and practical assessment.
- Receive Certification - Get your AMLS provider card, valid for 4 years.
AMLS Certification Costs
Understanding the AMLS course cost is essential for budgeting. Fees can vary based on the training center and whether you choose an online AMLS course format.
Expect to spend approximately $350-$400 total for your AMLS certification, including the course, textbook, and fees.
AMLS Career Opportunities
Specialized roles for AMLS providers
AMLS Testing Contacts
Official resources for the AMLS exam
Use your AMLS certification to search for specialized EMS jobs. Look for "Critical Care Paramedic" or "Flight Medic" listings that require advanced credentials.
AMLS Test Day Checklist
Ace Your AMLS Exam
Get instant access to free AMLS practice test questions and study guides. Prepare for your AMLS certification with confidence.
START FREE PRACTICE TESTAMLS Renewal Requirements
Keeping your AMLS certification active requires regular renewal every 4 years. You can take a refresher AMLS course to update your credentials.
Don't let your card expire! Schedule your AMLS refresher course at least 6 months before your expiration date to ensure continuous certification.
AMLS Exam Questions and Answers
To find an AMLS course near me, visit the NAEMT website's "Locate a Course" feature. You can search by state and date to find approved training centers in your area.
PHTLS vs AMLS: PHTLS (Prehospital Trauma Life Support) focuses on trauma patients, while AMLS (Advanced Medical Life Support) focuses on medical patients and differential diagnosis.
Yes, NAEMT offers a hybrid AMLS online course where you complete the didactic portion online and then attend a hands-on skills session at a training center.
You need the current edition of the AMLS book: Advanced Medical Life Support: An Assessment-Based Approach, published by Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Generally, the final AMLS exam is closed book. However, during the course modules and pre-tests, you are encouraged to use your AMLS study guide and textbook.
You can perform an AMLS login on the NAEMT or CAPCE website to view your course completion records and print your AMLS provider card.
While AMLS training includes some pediatric assessment concepts, the primary focus is on adult medical emergencies. EPC (Emergency Pediatric Care) is the pediatric equivalent.
The AMLS course curriculum is updated approximately every 4 years to reflect the latest medical guidelines and evidence-based practices.
Failing the AMLS pretest does not disqualify you. It identifies areas where you need to focus your study before the final AMLS test.
AMLS certification is not federally mandated for all paramedics, but many agencies and flight services require it for employment and advancement.