NHA Certified EKG Technician (CET) Exam practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q1Identify the heart rhythm shown in the following EKG strip: Lead I Lead II Lead III Normal P waves Normal P waves Normal P waves Regular QRS Wide QRS complexes Wide QRS complexes Regular T waves Inverted T waves
✓ Correct answer: D. Sinus rhythm progressing to ventricular tachycardia
Answer: Sinus rhythm progressing to ventricular tachycardia Ventricular tachycardia is characterized by wide, bizarre QRS complexes with an absence of any real rhythm. Prompt treatment is required to revert the patient to sinus rhythm.
Q2Which heart rhythms on an EKG strip show P-P intervals that are interrupted by a premature beat?
✓ Correct answer: A. Regular but interrupted rhythms
Answer: Regular but interrupted rhythms These types of rhythms are considered regular, interrupted by premature beats or pauses. They may look irregular at first, but a closer inspection will show one beat or a burst of several beats followed by a regular P-P interval. These premature beats can occur at any time during the rhythm.
Q3An EKG strip shows a QT interval measured from the beginning of the Q wave to the end of the T wave that spans 9 small squares. Using the standard conversion factor that each small square represents 0.04 seconds, determine the QT interval duration.
✓ Correct answer: C. 0.36 seconds
Answer: 0.36 seconds The QT interval is determined by counting the small squares between the beginning of the Q wave and the end of the T wave. With 9 small squares, the duration is calculated as 9 x 0.04 = 0.36 seconds.
Q4Which of the following is part of the criteria for recognizing ventricular tachycardia (VT) on an EKG?
✓ Correct answer: B. Wide QRS complexes
Answer: Wide QRS complexes The criteria for recognizing ventricular tachycardia (VT) on an EKG include the following: - The presence of wide QRS complexes (greater than 0.12 seconds). - The QRS complexes are typically broad and bizarre in appearance. - P waves are usually absent or not related to the QRS complexes. - There is usually a rapid heart rate, often between 100 and 250 bpm. - The rhythm is typically regular, but it can be slightly irregular. - The presence of capture beats or fusion beats can indicate VT.
Q5Which characteristic of cardiac cells enables them to generate electrical impulses spontaneously without external stimulus?
✓ Correct answer: D. Automaticity
Answer: Automaticity Automaticity is the cell's ability to generate electrical impulses spontaneously without needing any external stimulus. Contractility is the ability to contract the cardiac muscle. Conductivity is the ability to pass electrical impulses along neighboring cells. Excitability is the ability to respond to electrical impulses through depolarization.
Q6Identify the correct sequence of waves and intervals on a standard EKG tracing.
✓ Correct answer: C. P wave → PR interval → QRS complex → ST segment → T wave
Correct answer: P wave → PR interval → QRS complex → ST segment → T wave This sequence represents the standard progression of electrical activity during a normal cardiac cycle. The P wave signifies atrial depolarization, the PR interval includes atrial depolarization and AV nodal delay, the QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, the ST segment indicates the period before repolarization of the ventricles, and the T wave signifies ventricular repolarization.
Q7What is the correct method to determine if a rhythm on an EKG is regular or irregular?
✓ Correct answer: A. Compare the R-R intervals to see if they are consistent
To determine if a rhythm on an EKG is regular or irregular, you should compare the R-R intervals. If the intervals between R waves are consistent, the rhythm is regular. This is a critical step in EKG analysis and helps in identifying various arrhythmias.
Q8Which part of the EKG illustrates the duration of the ventricular depolarization?
✓ Correct answer: C. QRS complex
Answer: QRS complex The QRS complex represents the duration of ventricular depolarization. The P wave represents atrial depolarization, the PR interval represents the time between the start of atrial depolarization and the start of ventricular depolarization. The QT interval represents the time from the start of ventricular depolarization to the end of ventricular repolarization.
Q9How would you address the artifact shown below?
✓ Correct answer: A. Reposition the pacemaker catheter
Answer: Reposition the pacemaker catheter. Muscle tremors and baseline wander are typically resolved by asking the patient to lie still or ensuring they are warm and relaxed. However, a loss of capture due to a weak pacemaker signal often requires repositioning the pacemaker catheter.
Q10Which of the following is true regarding a left bundle branch block (LBBB)?
✓ Correct answer: B. The QRS complex is prolonged
Answer: The QRS complex is prolonged A left bundle branch block (LBBB) results in the delayed or blocked conduction through the left bundle branch. This leads to a widening of the QRS complex on an EKG, typically over 0.12 seconds. The PR interval remains normal, and LBBB is not characterized by ST segment changes specific to lead III. Mobitz II block is a type of second-degree AV block, not related to LBBB.
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