The test at a glance
35multiple-choice questions
26right answers to pass
$35FCC fee, good for 10 years
0Morse code required
Every question and answer is published ahead of time, so you can study the exact pool you will be tested on.
From study to call sign
- Get an FCC Registration NumberFree, on the FCC CORES website; you already have one from GMRS
- Study the question poolPractice tests at PassThePool.com until you score 85% or better
- Find an exam sessionSearch ARRL.org or HamStudy.org; many are on Saturday mornings
- Take the testThree volunteer examiners grade it on the spot
- Pay and get your call signThe FCC emails a link for the $35 fee; the call sign follows in a few days
What to bring
Photo ID, your FRN, a pencil and calculator, and the session fee (often $15 or less).
Study tips that work
Short sessions
Twenty minutes a day beats a weekend cram
Learn the why
The rules and safety questions make sense once you know the reason
Skip the hard math first
You can miss nine and still pass
Take full practice tests
When you pass three in a row, book the exam
Sources: FCC Part 97 rules; ARRL licensing pages; NCVEC question pools
Remember
Study the public question pool, pass 26 of 35, pay $35, and you're on the air for 10 years.
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Answer key
- How many questions are on the Technician exam?35The test has 35 questions drawn from a public pool.
- How many must you answer correctly to pass?2626 of 35 is a passing score, about 74%.
- Who grades a ham radio exam?Three volunteer examinersVolunteer examiners give and grade the test right at the session.
- How long is a new ham license good for?10 yearsLicenses run 10 years and can be renewed.
- Where can you practice the actual exam questions?The published question pool, for example at PassThePool.comThe entire pool is public, so practice tests use the real questions.