CBT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CBT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A broadcast engineer is hired as a contractor and realizes the station's antenna structure lacks required FAA lighting. The ethical obligation is to: → Inform the station management of the violation regardless of contract scope
2. A station performs a tabletop exercise simulating a complete master control failure. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this drill? → To validate that staff can execute the contingency plan under pressure
3. In audio distribution, what is the standard nominal signal level for professional broadcast equipment? → +4 dBu
4. A stakeholder questions the value of quality assurance & compliance initiatives. Which response best demonstrates ROI? → Building a culture of accountability with transparent reporting
5. What is the role of inductance in an AC circuit? → Opposes changes in current
6. Which document establishes the systematic procedures a broadcast facility follows to recover operations after a catastrophic failure? → Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
7. The SBE Code of Ethics prohibits broadcast engineers from engaging in which of the following? → Misrepresenting credentials or professional qualifications
8. What is the purpose of a directional antenna in broadcasting? → Concentrate signal in a desired direction
9. A broadcast engineer discovers corrosion on a coaxial transmission line connector after a severe storm. Which risk does this PRIMARILY introduce? → Increased impedance mismatch and signal loss
10. During a quality assurance & compliance audit, which documentation is most critical to have readily available? → Conducting root cause analysis to identify underlying systemic issues
11. What should be done before performing maintenance on a broadcast transmitter? → Power down and lock out equipment
12. What does the term 'SDI' refer to in video systems? → Serial Digital Interface
13. A station's primary satellite uplink fails mid-broadcast. The BEST pre-planned mitigation is to have which of the following? → A second uplink path via a different satellite or fiber
14. What distinguishes an advanced broadcast technician practitioner's approach to risk management & mitigation from that of a novice? → Establishing cross-functional teams with clearly defined roles
15. What is a 'chroma key' (green screen) technique used for in broadcast production? → Replacing a solid-color background with a different video source in real time
16. What is the recommended frequency for reviewing and updating electronic fundamentals protocols? → Monitoring outcomes through regular data collection and trend analysis
17. A stakeholder questions the value of professional ethics & standards initiatives. Which response best demonstrates ROI? → Building a culture of accountability with transparent reporting
18. When writing a technical incident report for non-technical management after a broadcast outage, the technician should primarily focus on: → Business impact, timeline, and corrective actions taken
19. Who is legally responsible for the content broadcasted on a station? → The licensee
20. Which scenario would require a broadcast technician professional to escalate a broadcast transmission and equipment concern? → Creating feedback mechanisms that encourage continuous improvement
21. A broadcast engineer suspects that a competitor station is operating with an unlicensed booster transmitter. The proper professional response is: → File a complaint with the FCC, which has authority over unlicensed operations
22. A broadcast station's IP-based STL (Studio-to-Transmitter Link) goes down. Which backup system is MOST likely specified in the station's contingency plan? → A leased-line analog STL or licensed microwave backup link
23. What is Ohm’s Law used to calculate in electrical circuits? → Voltage, current, and resistance
24. Which tool or methodology is most appropriate for analyzing electronic fundamentals outcomes? → Maintaining professional boundaries while building collaborative relationships
25. Which of the following BEST describes an effective escalation path when a broadcast technician cannot resolve a live on-air technical problem within 60 seconds? → Notify the chief engineer or on-call engineer immediately while continuing to troubleshoot
26. In the context of broadcast technician, which principle most directly governs broadcast transmission and equipment practices? → Applying evidence-based methodologies with peer-reviewed support
27. What is the key difference between a 'cut' and a 'dissolve' transition on a production switcher? → A cut is an instantaneous transition; a dissolve is a gradual blend between two sources
28. What must a broadcast station log during each Emergency Alert System (EAS) test? → EAS test results
29. What is the most common mistake professionals make when implementing electronic fundamentals strategies? → Developing contingency plans for high-probability risk scenarios
30. A broadcast technician professional discovers a discrepancy during professional ethics & standards review. What is the most appropriate immediate action? → Engaging stakeholders collaboratively to align goals and expectations