HAM Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 26, 2026 against ARRL VEC (ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator), under FCC Part 97 rules
HAM: upcoming dates and official changes
- Updated Oct 25, 2026: Retake fee is now Additional fee for each retake of an element at the same session (previously Another exam fee for each retake at an ARRL VEC session).
Facts verified Oct 26, 2026 against ARRL VEC (ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator), under FCC Part 97 rules. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
- The Amateur Extra Class written exam (Element 4) has 50 questions. (ARRL VEC (ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator), under FCC Part 97 rules)
- The minimum passing score on the Amateur Extra Class Element 4 exam is 37 questions answered correctly out of 50. (ecfr.gov)
- The 2026 ARRL VEC exam fee is $15, which covers one attempt at each of the three exam elements. (ARRL VEC (ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator), under FCC Part 97 rules)
- Candidates younger than 18 pay a reduced ARRL VEC exam session fee of $5 in 2026. (ARRL VEC (ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator), under FCC Part 97 rules)
- An ARRL VEC candidate who fails an element and wants to retest the same element at the session must pay an additional fee. (ARRL VEC (ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator), under FCC Part 97 rules)
- Validity: 10-year license term. (ARRL VEC (ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator), under FCC Part 97 rules)
- Renewal: File from 90 days before expiration until two years after. (ARRL VEC (ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator), under FCC Part 97 rules)
- ARRL VEC offers the Amateur Extra Class exam both at in-person sessions and as remotely administered video exam sessions. (ARRL VEC (ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator), under FCC Part 97 rules)
- Applicants with no license must pass Elements 2, 3 and 4 to earn an Amateur Extra license, while General or Advanced licensees need only Element 4. (ARRL VEC (ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator), under FCC Part 97 rules)
Facts verified Oct 26, 2026 against ARRL VEC (ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator), under FCC Part 97 rules. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
HAM Exam at a Glance
Facts verified Oct 26, 2026 against ARRL VEC (ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator), under FCC Part 97 rules. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Free HAM - Radio Extra Class Test Study Tools
Interactive HAM - Radio Extra Class Test resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- Free Ham Radio Extra Class Questions and Answers — 7 questions with answer explanations
- HAM - Radio Extra Class Test flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- HAM - Radio Extra Class Test study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- HAM - Radio Extra Class Test cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
Extra Class HAM Radio License Course
Getting your Ham Radio Extra Class license unlocks a world of new opportunities for amateur radio operators. However, the exam is challenging and requires a lot of studying. The best way to prepare for the test is by attempting practice exams. These will help you identify areas of weakness and focus your study. There are several online resources available to help you pass the HAM Radio Extra Class exam. Practice with the free HAM - Radio Extra Class practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
One of the most popular is the ARRL Exam Review for Ham Radio. This free online resource lets you take randomly generated practice exams using questions from the actual FCC exam question pool. Users must create a site login, but it doesn’t require an ARRL membership.
Another good option is Gordon West’s book. His questions are high quality and very similar to those on the actual exam. The book is organized into logical chapters and provides a solid foundation for studying. You can also find many YouTube videos from Ham operators that can provide extra practice. In addition to these resources, the ARRL Extra class manual is a great place to start.
HAM Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the HAM - Radio Extra Class Test exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
HAM Radio Extra Class General
HAM Exam Questions covering Radio Extra Class General. Master HAM Test concepts for certification prep.
HAM Radio Extra Class MCQ
Free HAM Practice Test featuring Radio Extra Class MCQ. Improve your HAM Exam score with mock test prep.
HAM Radio Extra Class
HAM Mock Exam on Radio Extra Class. HAM Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
HAM Radio Extra Class Test Advanced Electr...
HAM Test Prep for Radio Extra Class Test Advanced Electrical Principles. Practice HAM Quiz questions and boost your score.
HAM Radio Extra Class Test Antennas and Fe...
HAM Questions and Answers on Radio Extra Class Test Antennas and Feed Lines. Free HAM practice for exam readiness.
HAM Radio Extra Class Test FCC Rules and R...
HAM Mock Test covering Radio Extra Class Test FCC Rules and Regulations. Online HAM Test practice with instant feedback.
HAM Radio Extra Class Test Practical Circu...
Free HAM Quiz on Radio Extra Class Test Practical Circuits and Components. HAM Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
HAM Radio Extra Class Test Radio Wave Prop...
HAM Practice Questions for Radio Extra Class Test Radio Wave Propagation. Build confidence for your HAM certification exam.
HAM Radio Extra Class Test Operating Proce...
Free HAM Practice Test featuring HAM Radio Extra Class Test Operating Procedures and Practices. Improve your HAM Exam score with mock test prep.
HAM Radio Extra Class Test Radio Wave Prop...
HAM Test Prep for HAM Radio Extra Class Test Radio Wave Propagation Questions and Answers. Practice HAM Quiz questions and boost your score.
HAM Radio Extra Class Test Transmitter and...
HAM Questions and Answers on HAM Radio Extra Class Test Transmitter and Receiver Design. Free HAM practice for exam readiness.
HAM Radio Extra Class Test Antenna Theory ...
HAM Study Material on Radio Extra Class Test Antenna Theory and Design. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
HAM Radio Extra Class Test Modulation and ...
Free HAM Test covering Radio Extra Class Test Modulation and Digital Signals. Practice and track your HAM exam readiness.
Extra Class HAM Radio Charts Pdf
Ham Radio Exam is a free program that allows users to review the official pool of questions that will appear on their FCC Amateur Radio Extra license exam. It also lets users take quizzes on each topic that will be covered and even simulate actual examination sessions. The app even keeps track of how well the user performs as they prepare.
Another benefit of using a practice test is that it helps to identify areas where the student needs to improve. The Mometrix practice tests offer detailed answer explanations for each question, which will help the student understand why they chose a particular answer. This will help them avoid making the same mistakes on the real test.
A few years ago, lots of people thought that ham radio was dead. But now, ham radio is more popular than ever. People are able to communicate with their friends and family in ways they never could before. But before you can do that, you must pass the FCC exam. This exam covers advanced topics and has more obscure regulations than the Technician and General exams.
Extra Class HAM Radio License Study Materials
Getting your Amateur Extra class license opens up the radio world. It will allow you to operate on HF bands that are typically overcrowded and clogged with traffic. It will also allow you to operate on VHF and UHF bands. Getting your license is not an easy task, however. The exam is difficult and the question pool is large.
Ham Radio Exam is a software program that can help you prepare for the FCC Amateur Extra license exam. It allows you to review the questions that will appear on the actual exam as well as take simulated exams. The program will even track your progress as you study.
It uses spaced repetition to teach the material. Seeing the same material over and over again will help you memorize it. The program will also provide you with detailed answer explanations, which are very helpful in understanding why you missed a particular question. The software is available as an ebook or in print. You can purchase either version from the website. The ebook version is available instantly after purchase, and the printed copy will ship within one business day.
- ✓Review the official HAM exam content outline
- ✓Take a diagnostic practice test to identify weak areas
- ✓Create a study schedule (4-8 weeks recommended)
- ✓Focus on your weakest domains first
- ✓Complete at least 3 full-length practice exams
- ✓Review all incorrect answers with detailed explanations
- ✓Take a final practice test 1 week before exam day
- +Industry-recognized credential boosts your resume
- +Higher earning potential (10-20% salary increase on average)
- +Demonstrates commitment to professional development
- +Opens doors to advanced career opportunities
- −Exam preparation requires significant time investment (4-8 weeks)
- −Certification fees can be $100-$400+
- −May require continuing education to maintain
- −Some employers may not require certification
Sample HAM - Radio Extra Class Test Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free HAM - Radio Extra Class Test practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
If an Extra Class licensee is the control operator for a station licensed to a General Class operator, and the station is operating on a frequency available only to Extra Class licensees, which of the following identification procedures is required?
- A. The station must identify with the General Class licensee's call sign, followed by the Extra Class operator's call sign.
- B. Only the Extra Class operator's call sign must be used.
- C. Only the General Class station's call sign must be used.
- D. The station must transmit both call signs at the beginning of each communication.
Answer: A. The station must identify with the General Class licensee's call sign, followed by the Extra Class operator's call sign.
According to FCC §97.119(e), when the operator license class held by the control operator exceeds that of the station licensee, an indicator consisting of the call sign assigned to the control operator's station must be included after the station's call sign. This allows operation using the higher privileges of the control operator.
What privilege does an Amateur Extra class license provide that a General class license does not?
- A. The ability to operate digital modes
- B. Access to all amateur frequency allocations including Extra-only sub-bands
- C. Permission to use more than 1500 watts PEP
- D. The right to build and sell amateur equipment
Answer: B. Access to all amateur frequency allocations including Extra-only sub-bands
Amateur Extra licensees have access to all US amateur allocations, including exclusive phone and CW sub-bands not available to General class.
A ham radio operator with an Extra Class license is operating from their vehicle in a different city but within the same call sign region. What is the correct way for them to identify their station?
- A. State their call sign followed by 'mobile' and their current grid square.
- B. Transmit their call sign followed by a '/M' and the name of the nearest city.
- C. Transmit their assigned call sign without any additional indicators.
- D. Announce their call sign and the new Maidenhead locator every 5 minutes.
Answer: C. Transmit their assigned call sign without any additional indicators.
According to FCC Part 97.119, an amateur station must transmit its assigned call sign at the end of each communication and at least every 10 minutes during a communication. While adding an indicator like '/M' for mobile operation is a common practice, it is not a regulatory requirement when operating within the same call sign region. Simply using the assigned call sign is fully compliant.
What is the maximum symbol rate permitted for RTTY or data emission on the 20-meter band for Amateur Extra class licensees?
- A. 300 baud
- B. 1200 baud
- C. 9600 baud
- D. 19200 baud
Answer: A. 300 baud
FCC Part 97 limits the symbol rate on the 20-meter band (14 MHz) to 300 baud for RTTY and data emissions.
HAM Radio Extra Class Test Questions and Answers
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy