PCB Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the PCB 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.
📋 PCB Exam Format at a Glance
📚 PCB Topics to Study (21)
✍️ Sample PCB Questions & Answers
1. Which measure of central tendency is most appropriate when a PCB dataset contains significant outliers?
The median is resistant to outliers because it reflects the middle value rather than being pulled by extreme scores.
2. Which of the following methods falls under the heading of In-circuit Testing?
In-circuit testing (ICT) is a comprehensive method for verifying the functionality and integrity of a populated printed circuit board. It encompasses various techniques, including checking individual component values (Component Testing), identifying shorts and opens (Impedance Testing), and applying signals to specific circuit sections to confirm their output (Apply Signal and check output). Therefore, all listed methods are integral parts of ICT.
3. Return on investment (ROI) analysis in PCB programs is calculated by:
ROI analysis quantifies whether the financial and social value generated by a program exceeds its delivery costs, supporting resource allocation decisions.
4. Which instrument is used to measure the impedance profile of a PCB trace as a function of distance along its length?
A TDR sends a fast-rise-time pulse down the trace and measures reflections over time, revealing impedance variations and discontinuities along the trace.
5. What is the industry-standard characteristic impedance target for most controlled-impedance PCB traces?
50 ohms is the industry-standard characteristic impedance used to match source and load impedances, minimizing reflections on high-speed traces.
6. A PCB professional who practices beyond their area of training and competence is violating the ethical principle of:
Competence requires professionals to provide services only within the boundaries of their education, training, supervised experience, and credentials.