CBT Practice Test

What the CBT is and how it works

According to Society of Broadcast Engineers, “There is no experience requirement to be eligible for the examination.”^[1]

The Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT) credential is administered by the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) to demonstrate fundamental competency in broadcast technology. Candidates have no experience requirement to sit for the examination. Testing is delivered in-person, proctored through local SBE chapters across scheduled testing periods. Exact test sites and local schedules vary by chapter, so check the official SBE exam schedule to coordinate with your local proctor.

The examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 3 hours. Applications may be submitted at any time, subject to deadlines for specific exam windows. For the 2027 schedule, the Feb 5–15, 2027 window requires registration by January 4, 2027; the Jun 4–14, 2027 window requires registration by April 12, 2027; the Aug 6–16, 2027 window requires registration by June 14, 2027; and the Nov 5–15, 2027 window requires registration by September 6, 2027.

Examination fees are $69 for SBE members, $174 for non-members, and $284 for Non-Member Plus applicants. If you do not pass, the SBE retake policy permits one retake at the next testing period for a $46 retake fee; further attempts require submission of a new certification application. SBE certification remains valid for 5 years. Renewal requires employment in the broadcast or broadcast-related industry for 3 of the past 5 years.

CBT Exam at a Glance

What changed for CBT in 2026

• Oct 25, 2026: Number of questions changed to 50 multiple-choice questions (previously 50 multiple-choice questions (AM/FM or TV)).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Exam fee changed to $69 member; $174 non-member; $284 Non-Member Plus (previously $69 member; $174 non-member; $284 Non-MemberPlus).^[2]
• Oct 25, 2026: Registration opens changed to Applications accepted at any time, subject to window deadlines (previously Applications accepted at any time, subject to exam-window deadlines).^[2]
• Oct 25, 2026: Retake policy changed to One retake at next testing period; further attempts need new application (previously One retake at the next scheduled testing period; further attempts need a new application).^[2]
• Oct 25, 2026: Renewal changed to Employment in the industry for 3 of the past 5 years (previously Employment in the industry for 3 of the 5 certified years).^[4]
• Oct 25, 2026: Retake fee changed to $46 per retake (previously USD $46 for a retake).^[3]

Worked examples: how to reason through CBT questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: What frame rate and scan format is designated as 1080i/59.94 in broadcast production?

1. 1080 lines, progressive, 59.94 fps
2. 1080 lines, interlaced, 29.97 fields per second
3. 1080 lines, interlaced, 59.94 fields per second
4. 1080 lines, progressive, 29.97 fps

Answer: C. 1080 lines, interlaced, 59.94 fields per second

Explanation:

Option C is correct because the letter i designates interlaced scanning, where 1080 active lines are split into alternating fields delivered at 59.94 fields per second. Option A is incorrect because progressive scanning is indicated by p, not i, and would represent full frames rather than fields. Option B is incorrect because 29.97 is the frame rate rather than the field rate; an interlaced broadcast signal provides 59.94 fields per second. Option D is incorrect because it specifies progressive scanning at 29.97 fps instead of interlaced fields. The general rule to remember is that standard interlaced broadcast notation lists vertical active lines followed by scan type, with the designated temporal rate representing fields per second rather than complete frames.

Example 2

Question: What does 'clean feed' mean in a broadcast production environment?

1. A video signal with no noise or interference
2. A program output without certain local elements such as graphics, commercials, or station IDs
3. An audio feed with all music removed for voice-over work
4. A transmission verified error-free by the transport stream monitor

Answer: B. A program output without certain local elements such as graphics, commercials, or station IDs

Explanation:

Option B is correct because a clean feed in broadcast production refers to a switched program signal that excludes downstream local elements, such as keyed station logos, local commercial insertions, graphics banners, or station identifiers. Option A is incorrect because freedom from electrical noise or visual artifacts describes signal-to-noise ratio or transmission quality, not feed routing. Option C is incorrect because an audio mix without music describes an isolated music-and-effects track rather than a clean video feed. Option D is incorrect because verifying compliance on a transport stream monitor relates to transmission error checking rather than production line switching. The general rule to remember is that clean feeds isolate core program content before station branding or local insertions are added, allowing syndication partners and external broadcasters to overlay their own branding.

Example 3

Question: How does preventive maintenance benefit broadcast systems?

1. Reduces RF coverage
2. Delays necessary repairs
3. Increases unexpected failures
4. Prevents breakdowns and extends equipment life

Answer: D. Prevents breakdowns and extends equipment life

Explanation:

Option D is correct because routine maintenance identifies component wear, clears accumulated debris, and recalibrates systems before hardware fails, preventing outages and prolonging operational life. Option A is incorrect because scheduled servicing sustains designated transmitter output and antenna efficiency rather than diminishing broadcast coverage. Option B is incorrect because routine servicing accelerates necessary repairs by discovering developing defects early rather than delaying action. Option C is incorrect because methodical upkeep directly suppresses unexpected hardware breakdowns rather than multiplying them. The general rule to remember is that proactive inspection schedules minimize operational interruptions, control emergency replacement costs, and ensure consistent signal compliance across all broadcast hardware installations.

How to use these practice tests

To prepare effectively for the 50 multiple-choice questions administered by the Society of Broadcast Engineers, organize your study routine around topical practice and timed simulation.

• Review core fundamentals: Start by working through foundational sets such as CBT Electronic & Electrical Fundamentals and CBT Audio and Video Signals to confirm your comprehension of underlying circuit and signal principles.
• Target transmission and facility operations: Progress to specialized modules including CBT RF Transmission & Antenna Systems, CBT FCC Rules and Regulations, and CBT Equipment & Troubleshooting to identify topics needing further study.
• Simulate the testing environment: The examination allows a time limit of 3 hours. Assemble full 50-question practice runs without reference aids to gauge your pacing before sitting for your in-person proctored session with your local SBE chapter.

Sources & last verified

1. Society of Broadcast Engineers — number of questions, time limit, eligibility (official source). “50 multiple-choice questions” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
2. Society of Broadcast Engineers — exam fee, retake policy, registration opens (official source). “CBT, CPT | $69 | $174 | $284” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
3. Society of Broadcast Engineers — retake fee (official source). “You can retake the exam for a $46 fee as early as the next scheduled exam session.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
4. Society of Broadcast Engineers — validity, renewal (official source). “SBE Certification is valid for a period of five years.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
5. Society of Broadcast Engineers — delivery, registration deadline (official source). “administered only by the SBE and are proctored in person by qualified and approved representatives of the SBE” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.