CCLS Practice Test 2026 — Free CCLS Exam Prep Questions
The Child Life Professional Certification Examination is the exam candidates pass to earn the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential after completing their academic work and a clinical internship. Our practice set follows the ACLP content outline in effect from January 2024, with hospital scenarios on professional responsibility, psychosocial assessment and child life intervention.
A 14-year-old with relapsed cancer has chosen, with her family, to focus on comfort care. She tells the child life specialist, "I want my little brothers to remember me." Which response is BEST?
CCLS format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based at Prometric test centers during three testing windows a year (March, August and November). Fixed forms built to the 2024 Exam Content Outline; no calculator or reference materials are needed.
| Questions | 150 multiple choice (125 scored + 25 pretest), 4 options each |
|---|---|
| Time | 4 hours |
| Content outline | 2024 Exam Content Outline, effective January 1, 2024 (from the 2022-2023 Job Analysis) |
| Testing windows | March, August and November |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree, 10 qualifying courses (including a child life course taught by a CCLS) and a 600-hour supervised child life internship |
| Ethics code | Child Life Code of Ethics, effective October 1, 2023 |
| Pass rate | 56% of 689 exams administered in 2025 |
| Recertification | Every 5 years: 60 PDUs or re-examination |
Facts last verified Oct 21, 2026. Source: www.childlife.org/certification/become-certified/certification-exam. Always confirm details with ACLP before your exam.
When can you take the CCLS?
Offered three times a year in March, August and November, each with its own registration deadline. After paying, you schedule a seat with Prometric.
What the CCLS covers
Every PrepBanq CCLS test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Professional ResponsibilityEthical practice, continuous improvement and evidence-based practice, and collaboration and documentation with the interdisciplinary team. | 26% | ~39 | 39 questions → |
AssessmentPrioritizing by psychosocial risk and need, and assessing health care, developmental, family and cultural variables to build a plan of care. | 37% | ~56 | 56 questions → |
InterventionPatient- and family-centered care, play, education and psychological preparation, procedure and pain support, transitions of care, and grief and bereavement support. | 37% | ~56 | 55 questions → |
How to register for the CCLS
Retake policy
Up to 5 attempts; further attempts need approval from the Appeals Committee. Eligibility must be re-established if requirements have changed.
Score release
A preliminary score report is given at the test center; results are final once posted to your ACLP online profile.
Credential renewal
Certification runs on a 5-year cycle with annual maintenance fees in years 1-4; recertify with 60 PDUs or by retaking the exam.
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CCLS FAQ
How many questions are on the CCLS?
The CCLS has 150 questions and you have 4 hours to finish. Question types: Multiple choice with four answer options and one correct answer. 125 items are scored and 25 are unscored pretest items..
How long is the CCLS exam?
Testing time for the CCLS is 4 hours.
What is the passing score for the CCLS?
CCLS passing standard: Criterion-referenced cut score set by a standard-setting study. Passing candidates receive a pass notice; candidates who do not pass receive their scaled score and percent correct in each domain. Score range: Pass/fail.
How much does the CCLS cost?
The CCLS registration fee is $300 for ACLP members, $450 for non-members, after a one-time $80 Eligibility Assessment (fees subject to change). Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the CCLS?
The CCLS covers Professional Responsibility (about 26%), Assessment (about 37%), Intervention (about 37%).
Who administers the CCLS?
The Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) Exam is administered by ACLP. Delivery: Computer-based at Prometric test centers during three testing windows a year (March, August and November). Fixed forms built to the 2024 Exam Content Outline; no calculator or reference materials are needed..
Can you retake the CCLS?
Up to 5 attempts; further attempts need approval from the Appeals Committee. Eligibility must be re-established if requirements have changed.
Is there a free CCLS practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free CCLS practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real CCLS formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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