ARRL Amateur Radio Technician License Examination — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A narrator recounting a Sweepstakes contest should handle the passage of time by:

Writing one paragraph for every hour of the 24-hour contest
Documenting every single contact made in narrative form
Compressing slow periods and expanding pivotal moments to control narrative pacing (Correct answer)
Only writing about the final score and outcome

Correct answer: Compressing slow periods and expanding pivotal moments to control narrative pacing

Compressing slow periods and expanding key moments — called scene-selection — is a fundamental technique for maintaining narrative momentum over long events.

Question 2: Which type of communication demonstrates amateur radio's unique emergency value that most other services cannot replicate?

Self-sufficient, operator-deployable communications independent of commercial infrastructure (Correct answer)
Internet-linked repeater networks
Satellite-linked voice calls
Cellular data backup systems

Correct answer: Self-sufficient, operator-deployable communications independent of commercial infrastructure

Amateur radio's ability to operate entirely independently of commercial power and infrastructure is its most distinctive emergency communications advantage.

Question 3: Which amateur band is primarily used for local FM voice repeater communications across the United States?

2 meters (144 MHz) (Correct answer)
6 meters (50 MHz)
10 meters (28 MHz)
160 meters (1.8 MHz)

Correct answer: 2 meters (144 MHz)

The 2-meter band (144–148 MHz) is the most widely used amateur band for local FM repeater communications in the US.

Question 4: What is the 'ARRL Field Day' event?

An antenna building competition
An annual FCC licensing exam session held outdoors
A fundraising event for ARRL membership
An annual operating event where amateurs set up temporary stations in the field (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An annual operating event where amateurs set up temporary stations in the field

ARRL Field Day is an annual operating event held the fourth weekend of June where amateur radio operators set up temporary stations outdoors to practice emergency preparedness.

Question 5: The technique of repeating a key phrase at the beginning of successive sentences or paragraphs is called:

Alliteration
Anaphora (Correct answer)
Asyndeton
Antithesis

Correct answer: Anaphora

Anaphora is the rhetorical repetition of a word or phrase at the start of successive clauses, creating rhythm and emphasis.

Question 6: How does a major geomagnetic storm generally affect HF radio propagation?

It has no effect on HF propagation but enhances VHF propagation
It lowers the MUF, making lower HF bands more reliable
It disrupts the ionosphere, causing HF blackouts and increased absorption especially at high latitudes (Correct answer)
It improves F2-layer propagation for all bands above 14 MHz

Correct answer: It disrupts the ionosphere, causing HF blackouts and increased absorption especially at high latitudes

Geomagnetic storms, caused by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), disrupt the ionosphere and dramatically increase absorption, often causing HF radio blackouts that are worst at high latitudes.

Question 7: Which HF band are Technician class licensees permitted to use for phone (voice) communications?

20 meters only
All HF bands
80 meters and 40 meters
10 meters only (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 10 meters only

Technician class licensees are permitted to use phone on the 10-meter band (28.300–28.500 MHz) as their primary HF voice privilege.

Question 8: What is 'DXing' in amateur radio?

Making contact with distant stations, especially in other countries (Correct answer)
Operating portable stations outdoors
Using only digital modes on HF
Transmitting at maximum legal power

Correct answer: Making contact with distant stations, especially in other countries

DXing refers to the amateur radio practice of making contact with distant stations, particularly those in rare or foreign locations.

Question 9: The ARRL Handbook explains 'modulation index' in FM transmissions. How should this term be interpreted?

The ratio of the carrier frequency to the audio frequency
The number of sidebands present in the FM signal
The percentage of the carrier power occupied by sidebands
The ratio of the peak frequency deviation to the modulating audio frequency (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The ratio of the peak frequency deviation to the modulating audio frequency

Modulation index in FM is the ratio of peak carrier deviation to the instantaneous modulating audio frequency, determining the number and amplitude of sidebands.

Question 10: How can amateur radio operators best advocate for spectrum preservation at the local level?

Filing complaints with the ITU
Increasing transmitter power output
Operating only on HF bands
Participating in city council meetings and demonstrating ham radio's community value (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Participating in city council meetings and demonstrating ham radio's community value

Local advocacy through civic engagement and demonstrations of public service is the most effective way to preserve spectrum at the community level.

Question 11: In amateur radio, what is a 'phone' contact?

A voice (SSB, FM, or AM) contact (Correct answer)
A phonetic alphabet drill contact
A contact made using a telephone patch
A contact using a smartphone app

Correct answer: A voice (SSB, FM, or AM) contact

Phone refers to voice modes of communication including SSB, AM, and FM, as opposed to CW (Morse) or digital modes.

Question 12: What is parallel structure in writing?

Writing sentences of equal length
Using the same words repeatedly
Using the same grammatical form for similar ideas in a series (Correct answer)
Starting every paragraph the same way

Correct answer: Using the same grammatical form for similar ideas in a series

Parallel structure means expressing similar ideas using consistent grammatical patterns for clarity and rhythm.

Question 13: Which tool would a ham use to research whether a specific geographic area has a frequency coordination conflict for a new repeater?

The WSPR network map
The ITU Master International Frequency Register
Their regional frequency coordinator's database (Correct answer)
The FCC's AM station query tool

Correct answer: Their regional frequency coordinator's database

Regional frequency coordinators maintain databases of existing repeater pairs and can identify conflicts before a new repeater is placed on the air.

Question 14: What is the frequency range of the 40-meter amateur HF band?

3.5–4.0 MHz
14.0–14.35 MHz
7.0–7.3 MHz (Correct answer)
10.1–10.15 MHz

Correct answer: 7.0–7.3 MHz

The 40-meter amateur band covers 7.0–7.3 MHz and is popular for regional and continental daytime and nighttime communication.

Question 15: What is 'begging the question' (circular reasoning) in an argument?

Asking the audience a rhetorical question to engage them
Providing too much evidence for a simple point
Using the conclusion as a premise to support itself without independent evidence (Correct answer)
Failing to address any counterarguments

Correct answer: Using the conclusion as a premise to support itself without independent evidence

Circular reasoning assumes the truth of the conclusion within the premise, providing no independent logical support.

Question 16: What is a hamfest?

A mandatory annual club meeting required by the FCC
An online virtual radio operating contest
A public gathering where amateur radio operators meet to buy, sell, and share information (Correct answer)
A government-run spectrum auction event

Correct answer: A public gathering where amateur radio operators meet to buy, sell, and share information

A hamfest is an informal convention where amateur radio operators gather to buy and sell equipment, attend forums, and socialize.

Question 17: Which ARRL resource helps operators understand and navigate HOA (Homeowners Association) antenna disputes?

The ARRL Antenna Restriction Assistance page and related legal resources (Correct answer)
The ARRL Technical Information Service
The ARRL Education and Technology Program
The ARRL Contest Branch

Correct answer: The ARRL Antenna Restriction Assistance page and related legal resources

ARRL provides specific guidance, model ordinance language, and legal resources to help operators address HOA and local government antenna restrictions.

Question 18: Which propagation mode follows the curvature of the Earth along the ground and is most effective at lower frequencies?

Meteor scatter
Ground wave (Correct answer)
Sky wave
Tropospheric scatter

Correct answer: Ground wave

Ground wave propagation hugs the Earth's surface due to diffraction, and is most effective at low and medium frequencies (LF/MF), providing reliable short-to-medium range coverage.

Question 19: What does 'NIMS' stand for, and why is it relevant to amateur radio operators?

National Integrated Media System; it coordinates broadcast during disasters
National Infrastructure Monitoring System; it tracks repeater uptime
Network Interoperability Management Standard; it defines digital radio protocols
National Incident Management System; it provides the framework within which ARES operates (Correct answer)

Correct answer: National Incident Management System; it provides the framework within which ARES operates

NIMS is the federal framework for emergency management, and ARES operators must understand it to effectively integrate with professional emergency teams.

Question 20: What is the 'skip zone' in HF radio propagation?

The zone where two signals interfere with each other
The area directly above the transmitting antenna
The region between the end of ground wave coverage and where sky wave returns to Earth (Correct answer)
The area where the signal is strongest

Correct answer: The region between the end of ground wave coverage and where sky wave returns to Earth

The skip zone is the area between where ground wave signals fade out and where the sky wave first returns to Earth, creating a dead zone where no signal is received.

Question 21: What is 'pileup' in DX operating?

An antenna installation on a roof or tower
Excessive static on a frequency
A log of contacts made during a contest
Multiple stations simultaneously calling a rare DX station (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Multiple stations simultaneously calling a rare DX station

A pileup occurs when many stations call a rare or sought-after DX station at the same time, creating intense competition for contacts.

Question 22: FCC Part 97.113 lists prohibited transmissions. Which of the following is specifically prohibited under this section?

Transmitting on frequencies allocated to the fixed service
Third-party messages on 40 meters
Music transmitted for entertainment purposes (Correct answer)
Digital modes on frequencies below 28 MHz

Correct answer: Music transmitted for entertainment purposes

Part 97.113(a)(4) specifically prohibits transmitting music using a phone emission except as incidental to an authorized retransmission of manned spacecraft communications.

Question 23: When writing about a technical failure during a public service event, which approach is most effective narratively?

Focus exclusively on who was at fault
Omit the failure to protect the club's reputation
Use the failure as a turning point that reveals character and leads to problem-solving (Correct answer)
Describe only the technical fix without human context

Correct answer: Use the failure as a turning point that reveals character and leads to problem-solving

Using a failure as a narrative turning point reveals how operators respond under pressure, making the story both instructive and engaging.

Question 24: In a formal ARRL radiogram, which part of the message contains the message number, precedence, and date?

The text
The preamble (Correct answer)
The address block
The signature

Correct answer: The preamble

The preamble is the header of a formal radiogram containing the message number, precedence, handling instructions, originating call, and file time.

Question 25: What is Summits on the Air (SOTA)?

An award program for making contacts from or with amateur radio operators on mountain summits (Correct answer)
A training program for search and rescue radio operators in mountainous terrain
An ARRL-sponsored contest held at high-altitude club stations
A weather-reporting network using amateur radio from mountaintops

Correct answer: An award program for making contacts from or with amateur radio operators on mountain summits

SOTA awards points to operators who activate summits (hike to the top and make contacts) and to 'chasers' who contact them from home.

Question 26: What is transequatorial propagation (TEP) and when does it typically occur?

An F-layer mode most active near the equinoxes in the late afternoon on upper HF/low VHF bands (Correct answer)
A ground wave mode effective only near the geographic equator
Propagation along the magnetic equator via the E layer during winter months
Propagation across the equator via F2 layer around local noon on the highest HF bands

Correct answer: An F-layer mode most active near the equinoxes in the late afternoon on upper HF/low VHF bands

TEP is a special F-layer mode where signals cross the magnetic equator; it peaks around the equinoxes in the late afternoon hours and can support contacts on 10 meters, 6 meters, and occasionally 2 meters over very long paths.

Question 27: What does 'making an inference' mean?

Summarizing the first paragraph
Identifying the title
Drawing a conclusion from evidence not explicitly stated (Correct answer)
Copying text directly

Correct answer: Drawing a conclusion from evidence not explicitly stated

Inferring means using clues and prior knowledge to reach a conclusion that isn't directly stated in the text.

Question 28: What is ionospheric absorption, and which ionospheric layer is primarily responsible for it during daylight hours?

UV-driven ionization that reduces signal strength near the magnetic poles
The loss of HF signal energy in the D layer, which is most intense during daytime (Correct answer)
Signal bending in the F2 layer that allows sky wave propagation
Reflection of signals at the E-layer boundary causing signal loss

Correct answer: The loss of HF signal energy in the D layer, which is most intense during daytime

Ionospheric absorption is the loss of signal energy as HF waves pass through the D layer (60–90 km); the D layer is only present during daylight hours and absorbs lower HF frequencies most severely, explaining why 160/80 meters work better at night.

Question 29: What does the Q-code 'QSL' mean in amateur radio?

Shall I decrease power?
I acknowledge receipt / confirmation of communication (Correct answer)
I am experiencing interference
Can you acknowledge receipt?

Correct answer: I acknowledge receipt / confirmation of communication

QSL means 'I acknowledge receipt' and in amateur radio it confirms a two-way communication, typically documented via a QSL card.

Question 30: What atmospheric phenomenon enables tropospheric ducting on VHF and UHF bands?

A temperature inversion where warm air overlies cool air, forming a refractive duct (Correct answer)
A temperature inversion where warmer air traps cooler air below
Solar wind compressing the lower atmosphere
High levels of humidity reducing signal absorption

Correct answer: A temperature inversion where warm air overlies cool air, forming a refractive duct

Tropospheric ducting occurs when a temperature inversion (warm air over cooler air) bends VHF/UHF signals back toward Earth, allowing propagation far beyond normal line-of-sight distances.

Question 31: What is the relationship between theory and practice in Media Literacy?

They are completely separate
Theory is unnecessary
Theory provides the foundation; practice applies it to real situations (Correct answer)
Practice is unnecessary if you know theory

Correct answer: Theory provides the foundation; practice applies it to real situations

Theory provides the conceptual foundation and principles, while practice involves applying those concepts to real-world situations. Both are essential for competence.

Question 32: When writing a narrative about a successful emergency communications activation, which element should be established in the opening paragraph?

The setting, context, and stakes of the situation (Correct answer)
A list of all operators involved
The exact frequency used
The technical specifications of the equipment

Correct answer: The setting, context, and stakes of the situation

The opening of an emergency communications narrative should establish setting, context, and stakes to immediately engage the reader and provide necessary background.

Question 33: What does the term 'QRP' mean in amateur radio?

Request for a radio check
Transmit at high power
Transmit at low power (5 watts or less for CW) (Correct answer)
Query receiver performance

Correct answer: Transmit at low power (5 watts or less for CW)

QRP refers to low-power operation, conventionally 5 watts or less for CW and 10 watts PEP or less for voice transmissions.

Question 34: What does 'CW' stand for in amateur radio?

Coded Wavelength
Continuous Wave (Morse code) (Correct answer)
Carrier Wave
Clear Wave

Correct answer: Continuous Wave (Morse code)

CW stands for Continuous Wave, which refers to Morse code telegraphy and remains one of the most efficient modes in amateur radio.

Question 35: What is 'backscatter' propagation and how can amateur operators use it?

VHF signals scattered by aircraft for short-range communication
Ground wave signals scattered by mountains back toward the transmitter
Signals bounced back toward the transmitting station after scattering off the ionosphere or Earth, enabling contacts in or near the skip zone (Correct answer)
Reflections off the Moon used for Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) contacts

Correct answer: Signals bounced back toward the transmitting station after scattering off the ionosphere or Earth, enabling contacts in or near the skip zone

Backscatter occurs when HF signals scatter off the ionosphere or Earth's surface and return toward the transmitting station, allowing contacts with stations inside the normal skip zone that would otherwise be unreachable via direct sky wave.

ARRL Amateur Radio Technician License Examination

The ARRL Technician Class exam is the entry-level US amateur radio license test, covering FCC regulations, operating procedures, radio wave propagation, basic electronics, and station safety. Candidates must answer at least 26 of 35 questions correctly to earn their license.

Questions

45 min

Time Limit

74%

To Pass

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