Amateur Radio Technician Class License Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What causes the 'gray line' to be a favorable time for long-distance propagation on HF?

Solar wind is deflected away from the gray line
Atmospheric pressure is lowest at dawn and dusk, reducing signal absorption
The ionosphere is most stable along the terminator line
The D layer is absent while the F layer remains ionized, reducing absorption while maintaining refraction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The D layer is absent while the F layer remains ionized, reducing absorption while maintaining refraction

Along the terminator (gray line between day and night), the absorbing D layer rapidly disappears while the F layer remains ionized, creating a brief window of low-loss HF propagation.

Question 2: What is the purpose of bonding all metal objects in a shack together?

To improve the gain of nearby antennas
To keep all metallic objects at the same electrical potential, reducing shock and interference hazards (Correct answer)
To increase the efficiency of the DC power supply
To satisfy the FCC equipment authorization rules

Correct answer: To keep all metallic objects at the same electrical potential, reducing shock and interference hazards

Bonding equalizes the voltage potential across all metal objects in the shack, which reduces the risk of electric shock and minimizes RF ground loop interference.

Question 3: What is the impedance of a typical half-wave dipole antenna in free space?

600 ohms
50 ohms
73 ohms (Correct answer)
300 ohms

Correct answer: 73 ohms

A half-wave dipole in free space has a feed-point impedance of approximately 73 ohms.

Question 4: What is the maximum power output allowed for a Technician class operator on the 10-meter HF band?

1500 watts PEP
100 watts PEP
200 watts PEP (Correct answer)
Technicians have no privileges on 10 meters

Correct answer: 200 watts PEP

Technician licensees are permitted up to 200 watts PEP on the limited HF privileges they hold on 10 meters.

Question 5: What is the greatest electrical hazard when working on an antenna that is connected to a transceiver that is turned off but still plugged in?

A turned-off transceiver presents no hazard
Residual RF energy in the coax cable
The antenna's self-inductance can generate a shock
Capacitors in the transceiver may still hold a dangerous charge (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Capacitors in the transceiver may still hold a dangerous charge

Power supply capacitors can retain lethal voltages for some time after the equipment is switched off.

Question 6: What does a repeater's 'time-out timer' do when it activates?

Stops the repeater from retransmitting after a set transmission length is exceeded (Correct answer)
Increases the repeater's output power to extend range
Switches the repeater to a backup power source
Triggers an automatic identification transmission

Correct answer: Stops the repeater from retransmitting after a set transmission length is exceeded

A time-out timer cuts off the repeater's retransmission after a set duration to prevent any single transmission from monopolizing the repeater.

Question 7: What is the main advantage of a beam antenna (such as a Yagi) over a dipole for VHF weak-signal work?

Beam antennas eliminate multipath fading
Higher gain in a specific direction improves both transmit and receive performance (Correct answer)
Beam antennas are omnidirectional and cover all directions simultaneously
Beam antennas require no feedline matching

Correct answer: Higher gain in a specific direction improves both transmit and receive performance

A beam antenna's directional gain increases effective radiated power on transmit and reduces noise from unwanted directions on receive.

Question 8: Under what circumstances may a Technician class licensee transmit on frequencies reserved for Amateur Extra class?

Never under any circumstances (Correct answer)
When operating under a General class control operator
When using 5 watts or less output power
When participating in an emergency net

Correct answer: Never under any circumstances

Extra class exclusive frequency segments may only be used by Amateur Extra licensees acting as control operators; no exceptions exist.

Question 9: Which government agency issues amateur radio licenses in the United States?

ITU
FCC (Correct answer)
FEMA
ARRL

Correct answer: FCC

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the sole US agency authorized to issue amateur radio licenses.

Question 10: Which type of circuit has only one path for current to flow?

Resonant circuit
Series circuit (Correct answer)
Parallel circuit
Bridge circuit

Correct answer: Series circuit

In a series circuit, all components share a single current path, so the same current flows through each.

Question 11: What is a 'QSO' in ham radio terminology?

A type of antenna
A repeater system
A license class
A confirmed contact (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A confirmed contact

In ham radio, 'QSO' is a Q-code that stands for a confirmed contact or conversation between two amateur radio operators. It signifies a successful two-way communication, often logged by operators to keep a record of their contacts.

Question 12: What is the significance of the 6-minute averaging time used in FCC RF exposure evaluations?

It reflects the thermal time constant of human tissue for heating effects (Correct answer)
It is set by international treaty, not scientific reasoning
It matches the typical length of an amateur radio contact
It is the minimum time required for a scan to detect RF

Correct answer: It reflects the thermal time constant of human tissue for heating effects

The 6-minute average accounts for the rate at which biological tissue absorbs and dissipates RF heat, matching human thermal response.

Question 13: What is the effect of operating an antenna significantly off its resonant frequency without a tuner?

High SWR and increased feedline loss (Correct answer)
The transceiver automatically adjusts power
Increased antenna gain
Lower noise floor on receive

Correct answer: High SWR and increased feedline loss

Operating an antenna off-resonance causes a high SWR, which increases feedline losses and can stress the transmitter's output stage.

Question 14: What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength for radio waves?

Wavelength increases with frequency above 30 MHz only
They are unrelated
They are inversely proportional — higher frequency means shorter wavelength (Correct answer)
They are directly proportional — higher frequency means longer wavelength

Correct answer: They are inversely proportional — higher frequency means shorter wavelength

Wavelength equals the speed of light divided by frequency; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases proportionally.

Question 15: What is the safe way to discharge a high-voltage capacitor in a tube amplifier?

Leave the amplifier plugged in so the bleed circuit operates
Connect it directly to the chassis ground with a wire
Use a bleeder resistor or a discharge tool, never short it directly with a screwdriver (Correct answer)
Touch it briefly with your finger to check for voltage

Correct answer: Use a bleeder resistor or a discharge tool, never short it directly with a screwdriver

A bleeder resistor or purpose-made discharge tool safely drains the stored charge; shorting a large capacitor with a screwdriver can cause a dangerous arc and equipment damage.

Question 16: What does SAR stand for in RF safety?

Signal Attenuation Ratio
Specific Absorption Rate (Correct answer)
Spectrum Allocation Range
Station Antenna Resistance

Correct answer: Specific Absorption Rate

SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) measures the rate at which the human body absorbs RF energy, and is the basis for setting safe exposure limits.

Question 17: What situations give digital messaging an exception to the Part 97 third-party regulations that apply to traditional forms of communication?

When messages are not encrypted
When messages are encrypted
Under no circumstances (Correct answer)
When under automatic control

Correct answer: Under no circumstances

Part 97 of the FCC regulations, also known as the Amateur Radio Service rules, governs the operations of amateur radio operators in the United States. These regulations define the privileges and responsibilities of amateur radio operators, including the handling of third-party communications.

Question 18: To employ a hairpin matching system, how must the driving element of an antenna be tuned?

The driven element reactance must be capacitive (Correct answer)
The driven element radiation resistance must be higher than the characteristic impedance of the transmission line
The driven element reactance must be inductive
The driven element resonance must be lower than the operating frequency

Correct answer: The driven element reactance must be capacitive

To employ a hairpin matching system, the driven element of the antenna must be tuned to present a capacitive reactance. A hairpin match is essentially a shorted stub that adds inductive reactance in parallel with the antenna's feedpoint. By making the antenna slightly shorter than resonance (thus capacitive), the inductive reactance of the hairpin stub can cancel out this capacitance, bringing the antenna to resonance and transforming its impedance to a desired resistive value.

Question 19: When is it appropriate to use 10-codes (like 10-4) on the amateur radio bands?

They are not recommended; plain language or Q-codes are preferred (Correct answer)
Whenever they improve communication clarity
Only when communicating with public safety agencies
On VHF/UHF frequencies only

Correct answer: They are not recommended; plain language or Q-codes are preferred

Ten-codes are specific to public safety and land mobile radio; amateur operators are encouraged to use plain language or standard Q-codes instead.

Question 20: What is a 'vanity call sign' in the U.S. amateur radio system?

A call sign assigned to club stations only
A call sign automatically assigned by the FCC based on license class
A temporary call sign used during special events
A specific call sign requested by an amateur, subject to FCC availability and rules (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A specific call sign requested by an amateur, subject to FCC availability and rules

A vanity call sign is a specific call sign that an amateur may request from the FCC, provided it is available and the applicant meets eligibility rules.

Question 21: What is the correct way to respond when a station calls 'CQ'?

Simply say your call sign twice
Say 'Roger' and give your location
Transmit the calling station's call sign followed by your own call sign (Correct answer)
Transmit 'CQ' back to the calling station

Correct answer: Transmit the calling station's call sign followed by your own call sign

Standard procedure is to say the CQ station's call sign and then identify yourself with your own call sign.

Question 22: Which of the following is appropriate when you accidentally interfere with an ongoing contact?

Ask the other operators to move instead
Continue transmitting since you have equal rights to the frequency
Apologize briefly and move to a different frequency (Correct answer)
Increase power to establish your priority on the frequency

Correct answer: Apologize briefly and move to a different frequency

A brief apology and moving away shows good amateur spirit and avoids prolonged interference with an established contact.

Question 23: Which of the following describes a log periodic antenna's benefits?

Wide bandwidth (Correct answer)
Harmonic suppression
Higher gain per element than a Yagi antenna
Polarization diversity

Correct answer: Wide bandwidth

The log periodic antenna's primary benefit is its wide bandwidth. <br> <br> A log periodic antenna is a type of directional antenna that is designed to operate over a broad range of frequencies. Unlike other types of antennas that are resonant at a specific frequency or a narrow range of frequencies, the log periodic antenna exhibits relatively consistent performance over a wide frequency range. This wide bandwidth allows the log periodic antenna to cover multiple frequencies without the need for constant retuning or adjustments.

Question 24: What is the exam fee that Volunteer Examiner teams are permitted to charge candidates for a Technician exam session?

Nothing — all exams must be free
A nominal fee set annually by the FCC
Whatever fee the local club decides
A fee set by the VEC, capped by FCC rules (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A fee set by the VEC, capped by FCC rules

VECs may charge an exam fee to cover costs; the FCC sets a maximum allowable fee that is adjusted periodically.

Question 25: Which part of the feedline can most affect performance?

Ground rod position
Color of cable
Packaging material
Length and type (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Length and type

The length and type of feedline significantly affect performance due to factors like impedance, loss, and resonance. Different types of feedline (e.g., coaxial, ladder line) have varying loss characteristics per unit length, especially at different frequencies. The length can also introduce standing waves if not properly matched, leading to power loss and reduced efficiency.

Question 26: What time of year is it most likely that occasional E propagation will take place?

Around the solstices, especially the summer solstice (Correct answer)
Around the solstices, especially the winter solstice
Around the equinoxes, especially the spring equinox
Around the equinoxes, especially the fall equinox

Correct answer: Around the solstices, especially the summer solstice

Sporadic E (Es) propagation is a phenomenon where patches of unusually ionized E-layer in the ionosphere reflect radio waves, enabling long-distance communication on VHF and higher HF bands. This type of propagation is most prevalent during the summer months in both hemispheres, peaking around the summer solstice, due to increased solar radiation and atmospheric conditions conducive to E-layer ionization.

Question 27: Which feedline type is immune to common-mode RF currents without additional chokes?

RG-8 coax
Open-wire ladder line (Correct answer)
Twinlead (300 ohm)
RG-58 coax

Correct answer: Open-wire ladder line

Open-wire ladder line is balanced and symmetrical, so it does not support common-mode currents the way coax can.

Question 28: What should be used when climbing a tower?

A helmet
A ladder only
Nothing, just climb carefully
A harness and lanyard (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A harness and lanyard

When climbing a tower, safety is paramount due to the significant risk of falls. A harness and lanyard are essential personal protective equipment designed to secure the climber to the tower structure, preventing a fall to the ground. This equipment is critical for compliance with safety regulations and for ensuring the well-being of the operator.

Question 29: Which of the following geopolitical definitions best fits "Line A"?

A line roughly parallel to and east of the U.S. Pacific coastline
A line roughly parallel to and south of the border between the U.S. and Canada (Correct answer)
A line roughly parallel to and north of the border between the U.S. and Mexico
A line roughly parallel to and west of the U.S. Atlantic coastline

Correct answer: A line roughly parallel to and south of the border between the U.S. and Canada

"Line A" is a geopolitical definition used in amateur radio regulations, specifically referring to a line roughly parallel to and south of the border between the U.S. and Canada. This line defines an area where amateur radio operations, particularly those involving high power or certain frequencies, may have specific restrictions to prevent interference with Canadian radio services. It helps manage spectrum usage near the international border.

Question 30: What is proper etiquette when signing off from a contact with another amateur operator?

Simply stop transmitting without any closing
Give your call sign and a standard sign-off such as '73' or 'good day' (Correct answer)
Transmit your call sign five times to ensure reception
Ask the other operator for permission to end the contact

Correct answer: Give your call sign and a standard sign-off such as '73' or 'good day'

A proper sign-off includes your call sign (for FCC identification) and a courteous closing, with '73' being the traditional expression for 'best regards.'

Question 31: Why does radio wave propagation over the greatest distance primarily occur in the F2 region?

Because of meteor trails at that level
Because of the Doppler effect
Because it is the densest ionospheric layer
Because it is the highest ionospheric region (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Because it is the highest ionospheric region

Radio wave propagation over the greatest distance primarily occurs in the F2 region of the ionosphere because it is the highest and most important ionospheric layer for long-distance radio communications. The F2 region, also known as the F layer, is located at the highest altitudes within the ionosphere, extending approximately from 200 to 600 km (125 to 375 miles) above the Earth's surface.

Question 32: What is the term for the ratio of the maximum to minimum voltage along a transmission line?

Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) (Correct answer)
Standing Wave Ratio (SWR)
Reflection coefficient
Return loss

Correct answer: Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR)

Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) specifically measures the ratio of maximum to minimum voltage amplitude along the feedline.

Question 33: What is the Technician class license privilege regarding 60-meter (5 MHz) channels?

USB phone on 15 watts PEP
No operating privileges (Correct answer)
Full phone and CW privileges on all five channels
CW only on the 5.332 MHz channel

Correct answer: No operating privileges

Technician class licensees have no operating privileges on the 60-meter band; those channels require at minimum a General class license.

Question 34: Why should you avoid using jargon or slang on air?

It may confuse others (Correct answer)
It slows down communication
It causes interference
It's illegal

Correct answer: It may confuse others

You should avoid using jargon or slang on air because it may confuse other operators, especially those who are new to the hobby or from different regions. Clear and concise language ensures that your message is understood by the widest possible audience, promoting effective communication.

Question 35: If you double the number of radials on a ground-mounted vertical from 8 to 16, what is the expected result?

Reduced ground losses and improved antenna efficiency (Correct answer)
Doubled antenna gain in all directions
No practical difference below 30 MHz
Increased SWR requiring re-tuning

Correct answer: Reduced ground losses and improved antenna efficiency

Doubling radials reduces ground resistance and ground losses, increasing the power actually radiated by the antenna.

Amateur Radio Technician Class License Exam

Certifies individuals to operate amateur radio stations with basic privileges, including VHF/UHF frequencies and some HF privileges.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

74%

To Pass

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

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arrl.org — Eligibility, passing score, renewal, retake policy, score release, score validity, test delivery, test dates, fees, retake fee · verified Oct 2026
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