The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT) exam tests your knowledge across core broadcast engineering disciplines. The exam covers broadcast signal fundamentals, transmission systems, audio and video systems, FCC regulations, and safety procedures. Practice with the free Certified Broadcast Technologist practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
You need a strong grasp of RF spectrum allocation, modulation types including AM, FM, and ATSC digital television, and how signal propagation behaves in real-world environments. Understanding path loss, multipath interference, and antenna patterns is essential for the exam.
Questions on transmitters cover both solid-state and tube-based designs, power output calculations, and efficiency ratings. Antenna theory — including gain, polarization, and radiation patterns — combines with feedline types (coaxial, waveguide, and hardline) and STL (studio-to-transmitter link) system design.
Broadcast facilities depend on signal routing, monitoring, and proper level alignment. The CBT exam tests analog and digital audio levels (dBu, dBFS), video signal timing, sync generators, and distribution amplifiers. Understanding SDI, HDMI, and IP-based video transport is increasingly important.
SBE certification candidates must understand FCC Part 73 (broadcast stations), Part 74 (auxiliary broadcast services), and EAS requirements. Knowing license maintenance, public inspection file obligations, and main studio rules is tested directly.
FCC RF exposure guidelines (OET Bulletin 65) define maximum permissible exposure limits for workers and the general public. Tower climbing safety, fall protection, RF burn awareness, and OSHA tower safety standards round out the safety section of the exam.
Interactive Certified Broadcast Technologist resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Society of Broadcast Engineers. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Society of Broadcast Engineers. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 50 multiple-choice questions (AM/FM or TV) | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Passing score | 70% | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Exam fee | $69 member; $174 non-member; $284 Non-MemberPlus | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Retake fee | $46 per retake | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Retake policy | One retake at the next scheduled testing period; further attempts need a new application | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Validity | 5 years | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Renewal | Employment in the industry for 3 of the 5 certified years | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Delivery | In-person, proctored through local SBE chapters | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Eligibility | No experience requirement | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Score release | Within a couple of days of SBE receiving the exam | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Registration deadline (Aug 6–16, 2027 window) | June 14, 2027 | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Registration deadline (Feb 5–15, 2027 window) | January 4, 2027 | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Registration deadline (Jun 4–14, 2027 window) | April 12, 2027 | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Registration deadline (Nov 5–15, 2027 window) | September 6, 2027 | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Registration opens | Applications accepted at any time, subject to exam-window deadlines | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
| Testing window | Nov 6–16, 2026; Feb 5–15, Jun 4–14, Aug 6–16, Nov 5–15, 2027 | Society of Broadcast Engineers |
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Society of Broadcast Engineers. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Start with the SBE Study Guide for the Certified Broadcast Technologist exam, which maps directly to the exam content outline. Focus your early study sessions on RF fundamentals — many candidates underestimate how heavily the exam weights signal propagation and modulation theory.
The CBT exam includes scenario-based troubleshooting questions. Practice a systematic approach: verify the signal source, trace the signal path, isolate the fault to a single stage, and confirm the repair. Common fault scenarios include mismatched impedance, failed finals in transmitters, and audio level misalignment.
To sit for the CBT exam, you register through the SBE website, pay the examination fee, and schedule your appointment at a Prometric center. After passing, you receive your certificate and SBE membership benefits. Maintaining certification requires earning SBE Technical Education (STE) points through training, teaching, or attending SBE events over a five-year cycle.
Using a printable practice test PDF lets you simulate pencil-and-paper study conditions, annotate questions, and review problem areas without screen fatigue. Work through each question, note the topic area, and revisit the relevant section of your study guide before moving on.
Print this PDF and work through every question under timed conditions. The CBT exam rewards candidates who can recall facts quickly, so timed practice is more valuable than open-book review alone. After scoring your practice test, group your wrong answers by topic area and spend focused study time on each weak zone before attempting another full practice round.
Broadcast technology evolves quickly. Make sure your study materials reflect current ATSC 3.0 standards, IP audio routing, and updated FCC EAS rules, as older study guides may not cover these areas adequately. The SBE website publishes the current exam content outline — use it as your checklist to confirm you have covered every topic before your test date.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Try these questions from our free Certified Broadcast Technologist practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
A broadcast station receives a Required Weekly Test (RWT) of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). What is the station's primary obligation regarding this test?
Answer: B. Log the receipt of the test.
FCC rules require that EAS participants log the receipt of Required Weekly Tests (RWTs). Unlike Required Monthly Tests (RMTs), stations are not required to re-transmit RWTs to the public. The purpose is to verify that the equipment can receive the alert.
When performing maintenance on a high-power FM transmitter, a technician needs to test the transmitter's output stage without broadcasting a signal over the air. Which piece of test equipment is essential for this procedure?
Answer: C. An RF dummy load
An RF dummy load is a device that simulates an antenna, allowing a transmitter to be tested at full power without radiating signals. It absorbs the RF energy and converts it to heat. Testing a transmitter without a proper load (like an antenna or a dummy load) can cause the power to be reflected back into the transmitter, potentially causing severe damage. A spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, or field strength meter are used for measuring signals, but not for safely absorbing the transmitter's full power output.
A transmitter's VSWR suddenly spikes to 3:1. What is the FIRST corrective action a broadcast technologist should take?
Answer: B. Inspect the transmission line and antenna for faults
A high VSWR indicates an impedance mismatch, most commonly caused by a transmission line or antenna fault that must be located and corrected.
A broadcast facility's UPS system shows an abnormally high battery discharge rate during a utility power outage. What should the technologist investigate first?
Answer: B. Check for overloaded circuits or failed battery cells
Excessive discharge rate typically indicates either more load than rated capacity or degraded battery cells that cannot hold full charge.
Take the full Certified Broadcast Technologist practice test