CBT Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CBT exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CBT Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CBT Topics to Study (37)
✍️ Sample CBT Questions & Answers
1. What does a routing switcher (router) do in a broadcast facility?
A routing switcher allows any input signal (video, audio, or data) to be connected to any output destination, providing flexible signal distribution throughout the facility.
2. In ATSC standards, what does the term 'subchannel' or 'multicast' refer to?
Multicasting allows a broadcaster to carry multiple program streams simultaneously within a single 6 MHz ATSC channel.
3. When measuring AC voltage with a true-RMS meter, what value is displayed for a 170V peak sine wave?
RMS voltage of a sine wave = Vpeak / √2 = 170 / 1.414 ≈ 120V, which is the effective heating value equivalent to that DC voltage.
4. What is the difference between drop-frame and non-drop-frame SMPTE timecode?
Drop-frame timecode compensates for the 29.97 fps rate (not exactly 30 fps) by skipping frame numbers 00 and 01 at the start of each minute, except every 10th minute, keeping timecode aligned with wall clock time.
5. What is the standard characteristic impedance of most coaxial transmission lines used in broadcast RF systems?
50 ohms is the standard characteristic impedance for broadcast transmitter output and coaxial transmission lines, as it balances low loss and high power handling.
6. A technologist measures -10 dBu on an unbalanced consumer audio output but expects +4 dBu on a balanced professional input. What device is needed to interface them correctly?
A balun or active matching device converts the unbalanced consumer level to balanced professional level, correcting both impedance and level differences.