How Long Is the ATLS Exam? (2025 Guide)

When planning for your Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certification, it’s important to know how long the course and exams actually take. Many participants are surprised to find out that it’s not just a quick written test — it’s a comprehensive two-day experience designed to simulate the pace and pressure of real trauma care.

Here’s a full breakdown of the course timeline, exam duration, and how to manage your energy during those two intense days.

👉 Check out our ATLS Practice Questions + Study Guide — updated for 2025, with trauma-focused scenarios and evidence-based algorithms reflecting the latest Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines.

Course Overview

The ATLS course is a two-day training program that includes lectures, video instruction, skills labs, and final testing sessions. You’ll spend time both learning and demonstrating the core ATLS protocols.

How Long Is the Written Exam?

The written exam is typically scheduled for the morning or early afternoon on Day 2 and takes about 1 hour to complete.

You’ll answer 40 multiple-choice questions, most based on short clinical vignettes.

The test is closed book, and you’ll have enough time to review your answers before submission, but pacing yourself is still key.

How Long Is the Practical Exam?

After the written portion, you’ll proceed to your practical skills test — a hands-on evaluation of trauma management using mannequins or simulated patients. This portion usually takes:

• 15–20 minutes per participant, depending on the complexity of the scenario.
  
• Instructors will observe your sequence, reasoning, and communication.
  

You’ll be given one or more scenarios and asked to assess, manage, and verbalize your actions following the ATLS ABCDE sequence.

Managing Energy During the Course

The ATLS course can be mentally and physically demanding. You’ll be on your feet during skill labs, constantly reviewing information, and handling simulated stress situations.
To stay sharp:

• Get proper rest before Day 2.
  
• Stay hydrated and eat light meals.
  
• Review your notes the night before instead of cramming.
  
• Bring a notepad for jotting down tips from instructors — many are tested directly.
  

Certification Validity

Once you complete both exams successfully, your ATLS certification is valid for four years. After that, you’ll need to renew it through a recertification course (often one day shorter).

Study Tip

Use the evening of Day 1 wisely. That’s your best opportunity to review algorithms and ask clarifying questions before the test day.

👉 Check out our ATLS Practice Questions + Study Guide — updated for 2025, with trauma-focused scenarios and evidence-based algorithms reflecting the latest Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines.

Final Thought:

The ATLS exam itself doesn’t take long — about an hour written and 15–20 minutes practical — but the overall course is an intense, two-day commitment. Come well-rested, stay engaged, and by the end, you’ll walk away with one of the most respected trauma certifications in medicine.