Ham Radio Practice Quiz
Quick 10-question sampler from the FCC Technician exam question pool. Get instant feedback on each question, see your score, and find out if you are ready to take the real exam.
Are You Ready for Your Technician Exam?
Take this quick 10-question quiz sampled from the real FCC Technician exam question pool. You will get instant feedback on each question and a score breakdown by topic at the end.
The real exam has 35 questions and requires 26 correct (74%) to pass. This is a quick readiness check, not a replacement for full study.
About the Technician Exam
The FCC amateur radio licence system has three progressive levels: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra. The Technician licence is the entry point, granting full privileges on VHF and UHF bands (where most local repeater activity happens) plus limited HF privileges.
The Technician exam consists of 35 questions drawn from a public pool maintained by the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC). You need at least 26 correct (74%) to pass. All questions are multiple choice with four options.
This quiz samples 10 questions from the same pool to give you a quick readiness check. For complete exam preparation, we recommend using dedicated study resources alongside this tool.
How to Study for the Ham Radio Exam
hamstudy.org is the most popular free study resource. It lets you practice with the full question pool, tracks your progress, and adapts to focus on questions you are getting wrong. It also lists upcoming exam sessions (both in-person and online).
The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual is the official study guide published by the American Radio Relay League. It covers all exam topics with clear explanations and is available in print and digital formats.
Local ham clubs often offer free or low-cost licence classes. This is a great way to learn from experienced operators, get hands-on experience, and meet people you can get on the air with once you pass. Find clubs near you through the ARRL club search.
Most people study for 1 to 3 weeks before taking the exam. The material covers basic regulations, operating procedures, radio wave fundamentals, basic electronics, station equipment, and safety.
What to Expect on Test Day
Amateur radio exams are administered by Volunteer Examiners (VEs), licensed hams who volunteer their time to test new operators. Exams are given at local ham clubs, libraries, community centers, and online.
What to bring: A valid government-issued photo ID, the $35 FCC application fee (some sessions accept cash only), and a basic calculator (no programmable calculators). If you already have an FCC Registration Number (FRN), bring that too.
After passing: Your VE team submits your results to the FCC electronically. You will typically receive your call sign within 1 to 2 weeks. Once your call sign appears in the FCC database, you are legal to transmit.
Ready to pick your first radio? Check out our best radios for beginners and use the budget calculator to plan your setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the real Technician exam?
The real FCC Technician exam has 35 multiple-choice questions drawn from a public question pool of about 400 questions. You need to answer at least 26 correctly (74%) to pass. This quiz is a 10-question sampler to give you a feel for the material.
What score do I need to pass the ham radio test?
You need 26 out of 35 correct answers to pass, which is approximately 74%. The questions are all multiple choice with four answer options. There is no penalty for guessing, so always answer every question.
How much does a ham radio licence cost?
The FCC charges a $35 application fee for new amateur radio licences and licence upgrades (set in April 2022). Some Volunteer Examiner teams charge an additional small session fee, typically $5 to $15. The licence is valid for 10 years, and renewal is free.
Can I take the ham radio exam online?
Yes. Several Volunteer Examiner organizations now offer fully remote online exams. You will need a computer with a webcam and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a valid government-issued photo ID. Check hamstudy.org for upcoming remote exam sessions.
Do I need to learn Morse code to get a ham radio licence?
No. The Morse code requirement was removed from all amateur radio licence classes in 2007. You do not need to know Morse code for the Technician, General, or Amateur Extra exam. However, many hams enjoy learning CW (Morse code) as a fun operating mode.