The Society of Broadcast Engineers offers the Certified Broadcast Technologist certification with no experience requirement for candidates entering broadcast engineering. This page provides free practice question sets generated with AI tools to help you review core concepts, along with verified details on testing fees, examination windows, time limits, and retake policies before you sit for the test.
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.
The CBT has 50 questions, takes about 3 hours and costs $69[1][2] (Society of Broadcast Engineers, verified Oct 25, 2026).
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 50 multiple-choice questions[1] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Time limit | 3 hours[1] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Exam fee | $69 member; $174 non-member; $284 Non-Member Plus[2] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Retake fee | $46 per retake[3] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Retake policy | One retake at next testing period; further attempts need new application[2] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Validity | 5 years[4] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Renewal | Employment in the industry for 3 of the past 5 years[4] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Delivery | In-person, proctored through local SBE chapters[5] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Eligibility | No experience requirement[1] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Registration deadline (Aug 6–16, 2027 window) | June 14, 2027[5] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Registration deadline (Feb 5–15, 2027 window) | January 4, 2027[5] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Registration deadline (Jun 4–14, 2027 window) | April 12, 2027[5] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Registration deadline (Nov 5–15, 2027 window) | September 6, 2027[5] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Registration opens | Applications accepted at any time, subject to window deadlines[2] | Society of Broadcast Engineers · Oct 25, 2026 |
Prepare for the CBT - Certified Broadcast Technologist exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
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.
Question: What frame rate and scan format is designated as 1080i/59.94 in broadcast production?
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.
Question: What does 'clean feed' mean in a broadcast production environment?
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.
Question: How does preventive maintenance benefit broadcast systems?
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.
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.
There is no experience requirement to take the Certified Broadcast Technologist exam. The Society of Broadcast Engineers permits candidates to apply regardless of prior industry background. Applications may be filed at any time, provided they meet the published registration deadline for the desired testing period.
The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 3 hours. Testing is administered in-person and proctored by qualified representatives of the Society of Broadcast Engineers through local SBE chapters. Local testing locations vary by chapter, so candidates coordinate directly through the SBE schedule.
The examination fee is $69 for SBE members, $174 for non-members, and $284 for Non-Member Plus applicants. The completed application form and fee may be filed with the SBE Certification Director at any time prior to the testing window deadline. A retake costs $46 per retake.
Candidates are permitted one retake at the next scheduled testing period for a $46 retake fee. If that attempt is unsuccessful, further attempts require the submission of a new certification application along with the standard application fee rather than another retake fee.
SBE certification is valid for a period of 5 years. To renew the credential, you must demonstrate continuous employment in the broadcast or broadcast-related industry for 3 of the past 5 years. Applications for renewal must be submitted prior to the expiration of the credential.
For the 2027 testing cycle, the Feb 5–15, 2027 window has a registration deadline of January 4, 2027. The Jun 4–14, 2027 window deadline is April 12, 2027. The Aug 6–16, 2027 window deadline is June 14, 2027. The Nov 5–15, 2027 window deadline is September 6, 2027.
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