Ham Radio License Practice Tests

ARRL offers an online resource that allows users to take randomly generated practice exams using questions from the actual FCC examination question pool. ARRL Exam Review for Ham Radio™ is free, and users do not need to be ARRL members. The only requirement is that users must first set up a site login (this is a different and separate login from your ARRL website user registration).

ARRL Exam Review includes all of the questions for all three of the current FCC exam pools and provides different review options, so you can choose to review by chapter of the ARRL study manual or by question pool topic.  Short explanations are provided to help you understand the correct answer.  The software also provides the option to produce—and print—as many practice exams as you would like.

Practice exams are for those people who would like to study for a new US amateur radio license class.   The questions contained within are provided by the ARRL Organization and are selected from the same sub-elements that would be used for an official license examination. The Volunteer Examiner committee is responsible for the creation and maintainance of the question pool.

The complete question pools are available on the ARRL website.

If you are interested in becoming an amateur radio operator, we suggest you start by visiting the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) or the ARRL's introduction to ham radio page.  The ARRL also has information on where you can take your official test at their Amateur Radio Examination Opportunities page.  FCC application forms can be found at the FCC web site or at their FTP site.

Why Get a Ham Radio Technician License?

To operate a ham radio, a person must have a license. Using a ham radio allows you to contact others during natural disasters or emergencies, interrupting internet services.

The technician exam is considered the entry-level license exam. Still, with that entry-level license, you can broadcast on VHF and UHF amateur bands. The license allows you to broadcast on Amateur Radio frequencies above 30 megahertz. You will also have the right to broadcast over a limited number of HF or “shortwave” bands. These are regulated to the 80, 40, and 15-meter bands for individuals using CW.

Eligibility

Meeting the eligibility requirements for this exam is relatively easy. To take the test, you must have the following:

• A valid United States mailing address
• Proof of identity
• A social security number or another approved taxpayer identification number
  • An FCC registration number will be accepted if you do not have your social security number or other taxpayer identification number.

  • Exam Outline Review

  • The Ham Radio Technician Exam contains 35 multiple-choice questions, and the questions are split into ten main categories.

    1. Commission’s Rules (6 questions)
  • 2. Operating Procedures (3 questions)
  • 3. Radio Wave Propagation (3 questions)
  • 4. Amateur Radio Practices (2 questions)
  • 5. Electrical Principles (4 questions)
  • 6. Electronic and Electrical Components (4 questions)
  • 7. Practical Circuits (4 questions)
  • 8. Signals and Emissions (4 questions)
  • 9. Antennas and Feed Lines (2 questions)
  • 10. Safety (3 questions)

  • Test Day

  • Exams are offered by volunteers who work in conjunction with a Volunteer Exam Coordinate under the direction of the FCC. A large number of ham radio clubs offer exam services.

    You will need a few items on the day of the test:

    • FCC Registration Number
    • A valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport)
    • A valid email address
    • Two number-two pencils with erasers
    • One ink pen
    • A calculator that has the memory erased and no formulas saved on it
    • A check or money order to pay your registration fees

    • Passing Score

    • To pass the Ham Radio Technician exam, you must answer 26 out of 35 questions correctly, which is a score of 74%.

      You will be immediately notified of your score once you finish the exam. If you pass, you will be eligible to take the next level operator test on the same day, if you wish.

    • Good luck in passing the exam