I85PREP
⌘ K
Foundation Amateur Radio Exam study materials
Foundation Amateur Radio Exam study resources

Foundation Amateur Radio Exam practice questions

One question at a time. Build your Foundation Amateur Radio Exam understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Licensing and operating rules

Which class of amateur license is the entry-level license that grants full VHF and UHF privileges but limited HF privileges?

  1. General
  2. Technician Correct answer.
  3. Amateur Extra
  4. Advanced

Explanation

The Technician class is the entry-level license. It gives full privileges on bands above 30 MHz and only narrow CW/data segments on a few HF bands. Higher classes must be earned by passing additional examinations.

Question 2Licensing and operating rules

What is the normal term of an amateur station license once issued by the FCC?

  1. Two years
  2. Five years
  3. Ten years Correct answer.
  4. Fifteen years

Explanation

Amateur licenses are issued for a term of ten years. Renewal can be requested beginning ninety days before expiration. Operating after expiration is not permitted unless the renewal application is pending.

Question 3Licensing and operating rules

An amateur license expires today and the holder has not yet filed a renewal. What happens to operating privileges?

  1. They are permanently revoked and a new exam is required
  2. They end at expiration, but renewal may still be applied for within a two-year grace period Correct answer.
  3. They continue indefinitely until the FCC sends a notice
  4. They continue for a one-year grace period

Explanation

Operating authority ends when the license expires. The FCC allows a two-year grace period during which the holder may renew without retaking examinations. After that window closes, a new license application and examinations are required.

Question 4Licensing and operating rules

Which of the following is a valid way to identify your amateur station during a phone contact?

  1. A nickname you have registered with a club
  2. Your assigned call sign spoken in English Correct answer.
  3. The other station's call sign
  4. Your first name and city only

Explanation

Station identification requires transmitting the FCC-assigned call sign. On phone, the call sign may be spoken using standard phonetics or plain language. Names, locations, or club nicknames do not satisfy the identification requirement.

Question 5Licensing and operating rules

How often must a station transmit its call sign during a single ongoing phone communication?

  1. At least every ten minutes and at the end of the communication Correct answer.
  2. Once every hour
  3. Only at the start of the contact
  4. At the end only

Explanation

Identification must be made at least every ten minutes during a communication and again at the end. This applies to both phone and CW transmissions. Failing to identify within the interval is a common rule violation.

Question 6Licensing and operating rules

What identification is required when you transmit using a repeater that is automatically controlled?

  1. You must identify with your own call sign; the repeater identifies separately Correct answer.
  2. No identification is needed on repeaters
  3. Only the repeater's call sign is needed
  4. Only the control operator's initials

Explanation

Each station in a communication must identify itself. The repeater transmits its own identification under automatic control, but that does not substitute for your station identifying with your call sign. Both identifications are independent obligations.

Question 7Licensing and operating rules

What is the maximum transmitter power output a Technician licensee may use on the 2-meter band?

  1. 50 watts
  2. 200 watts
  3. 1500 watts Correct answer.
  4. 10 watts

Explanation

The amateur service power limit is 1500 watts peak envelope power unless a band plan or rule specifies a lower limit. On the 2-meter band, Technician licensees may use the full 1500-watt limit. Local band plans may recommend lower power but are not regulation.

Question 8Licensing and operating rules

Which frequency is within the Technician HF phone privileges?

  1. 3.900 MHz
  2. 7.200 MHz
  3. 14.200 MHz
  4. 28.400 MHz Correct answer.

Explanation

Technician licensees have phone privileges on the 10-meter band, and 28.400 MHz falls in that phone segment. The other frequencies are on 40, 20, and 80 meters, where Technician phone privileges are not granted. Those bands require a higher license class for voice.

Question 9Licensing and operating rules

What is the purpose of the amateur service rule prohibiting transmission of music?

  1. To keep communications consistent with the purpose of advancing radio technique and public service Correct answer.
  2. To reserve bandwidth for broadcasters
  3. To prevent interference with commercial FM stations
  4. To limit the length of transmissions

Explanation

The amateur service is defined by its purposes, including advancing the radio art and providing public service. Music and broadcasting-style entertainment do not serve those purposes. The prohibition keeps amateur communications distinct from broadcasting.

Question 10Licensing and operating rules

Which of the following transmissions is expressly prohibited in the amateur service?

  1. Weather reports relayed during an emergency
  2. Communications intended to facilitate a criminal act Correct answer.
  3. Code practice transmissions on a local repeater
  4. Brief test transmissions with a dummy load

Explanation

Amateur transmissions may not be used to facilitate a crime. Test transmissions, emergency communications, and code practice are all permitted activities. The prohibition targets unlawful use of the service, not routine operating.

Question 11Licensing and operating rules

What does the term 'third-party communication' mean in the amateur service?

  1. A message sent by a station to itself
  2. A message relayed through three or more repeaters
  3. A message from one amateur station to another on behalf of a person other than the control operator Correct answer.
  4. A message exchanged between two unlicensed listeners

Explanation

A third-party communication is one where the control operator is not the originator of the message. The operator is passing along a message for someone else. Special restrictions apply when the third party is in a foreign country.

Question 12Licensing and operating rules

When may an amateur station transmit third-party communications to a foreign country?

  1. Only during declared emergencies
  2. Only when the foreign country has agreed to such traffic and the message is not for business purposes Correct answer.
  3. Never under any circumstances
  4. At any time, with no restrictions

Explanation

Third-party traffic to foreign stations is allowed only where the foreign administration has agreed to permit it. Business-related third-party traffic is generally prohibited. Amateurs should consult the applicable international agreements before relaying such messages.

Question 13Licensing and operating rules

What is the maximum fine the FCC may impose on an individual for a single violation of the amateur rules?

  1. $500
  2. $150,000
  3. $25,000 Correct answer.
  4. $2,000

Explanation

The FCC's forfeiture authority for a single violation by an individual is capped at $25,000. Separate violations can result in separate forfeitures. Willful and repeated violations may also lead to license revocation or suspension.

Question 14Licensing and operating rules

An unlicensed person causes interference while operating an amateur station under your supervision. Who is responsible?

  1. The control operator supervising the station Correct answer.
  2. No one, since the person is unlicensed
  3. The FCC, because it regulates the airwaves
  4. The unlicensed person alone

Explanation

The control operator is responsible for proper operation of the station at all times. This includes transmissions made by others under the operator's supervision. The control operator must ensure the station is operated within the rules.

Question 15Licensing and operating rules

What does 'control operator' mean in the amateur service?

  1. The manufacturer of the transmitter
  2. The station licensee or a designated person responsible for the station's transmissions Correct answer.
  3. The person who pays the electric bill
  4. The person who owns the equipment

Explanation

The control operator is the person responsible for the proper operation of the station. The station licensee is presumed to be the control operator unless another person is designated. Ownership of equipment does not by itself confer that role.

Question 16Licensing and operating rules

A Technician licensee wants to use a repeater that requires a CTCSS tone. What is the correct statement about tones?

  1. Tones must be reported to the FCC before use
  2. Tones may only be used on HF
  3. Tones are permitted as an access method and do not count as encoded messages Correct answer.
  4. Tones are prohibited because they carry information

Explanation

CTCSS tones are a standard access mechanism for repeaters. They do not convey substantive information and are not treated as prohibited encoded messages. Their use is routine and requires no prior notification.

Question 17Licensing and operating rules

Which of the following best describes the 'auxiliary station' concept?

  1. A station operated only by a club
  2. A station used to transmit messages from one point to another within a single amateur system Correct answer.
  3. A station that broadcasts to the public
  4. A station used exclusively for satellite communication

Explanation

An auxiliary station relays communications within a single amateur system, such as between a remote receiver and a transmitter. It operates under automatic control. Auxiliary stations are distinct from repeaters and from public broadcasting.

Question 18Licensing and operating rules

What is the required response if the FCC sends you a written notice of a rule violation?

  1. Post the notice on a club website
  2. Respond to the FCC within the time specified in the notice Correct answer.
  3. Wait until your license renewal date
  4. Ignore it unless a fine is attached

Explanation

The FCC may issue a notice requiring a written response within a stated period. Failure to respond can lead to further enforcement action. A timely, factual reply is the appropriate course.

Question 19Licensing and operating rules

Which of the following is permitted under the amateur service rules regarding business communications?

  1. Selling products to other amateurs over the air
  2. A brief transmission directly related to the immediate safety of life or property Correct answer.
  3. Advertising a licensed dealer's inventory
  4. Routine business communications on a repeater

Explanation

Business communications are generally prohibited, but brief transmissions necessary for the immediate safety of life or property are permitted. The exception is narrow and tied to safety. Routine commercial traffic is not allowed.

Question 20Licensing and operating rules

What is the maximum period a Technician license may be renewed during the grace period without retesting?

  1. Two years Correct answer.
  2. Five years
  3. One year
  4. Six months

Explanation

A license expired for up to two years may be renewed without retaking examinations. After two years, the former licensee must apply as a new licensee and pass the exams again. Operating during the grace period is not permitted until renewal is granted.

Question 21Licensing and operating rules

Which statement correctly describes the rule on transmitting your call sign using a phone patch?

  1. Phone patches may only carry business traffic
  2. Phone patches require no identification
  3. Phone patch transmissions must be identified with the amateur call sign and are limited to third-party rules Correct answer.
  4. Phone patches are prohibited entirely

Explanation

Phone patches connect the amateur station to the telephone network. The amateur station must still identify with its call sign. Third-party traffic rules apply to messages passed through the patch.

Question 22Licensing and operating rules

What does the term 'spurious emission' refer to?

  1. The main carrier of a transmission
  2. Any emission outside the necessary bandwidth that may cause interference Correct answer.
  3. A transmission made during an emergency
  4. A signal received from a satellite

Explanation

Spurious emissions are unwanted signals outside the intended bandwidth. They can cause interference to other services and must be suppressed. Good transmitter design and filtering reduce spurious emissions.

Question 23Licensing and operating rules

An amateur station is causing harmful interference to a nearby television receiver. What is the operator's obligation?

  1. Increase power to overcome the interference
  2. Immediately stop operating permanently
  3. Continue operating because the amateur has priority
  4. Take reasonable steps to eliminate the interference Correct answer.

Explanation

Amateurs must not cause harmful interference and must take reasonable steps to correct it. Common remedies include filters, shielding, and adjusting power or antennas. Continuing or increasing power worsens the problem.

Question 24Licensing and operating rules

Which of these is a valid reason an amateur station may transmit without a control operator present at the control point?

  1. The operator holds an Extra class license
  2. The operator is on vacation
  3. The station is used for a contest
  4. The station is under automatic control, such as a repeater Correct answer.

Explanation

Automatic control allows a station to operate without a control operator physically present at the control point. Repeaters, beacons, and auxiliary stations commonly use this mode. The control operator remains responsible for proper operation.

Question 25Licensing and operating rules

What is the rule about transmitting on frequencies where you might interfere with a net?

  1. You may only operate on weekends
  2. Nets have no protected status
  3. You should listen first and avoid causing interference to an ongoing net Correct answer.
  4. You may transmit anywhere at any time

Explanation

Good operating practice requires listening before transmitting. Nets and other ongoing activities should not be disrupted. Courtesy and frequency coordination help avoid interference.

Question 26Licensing and operating rules

What is the term length of an amateur radio license issued to an individual in the United States?

  1. Two years
  2. Lifetime, with no renewal required
  3. Ten years Correct answer.
  4. Five years

Explanation

An amateur station license granted to an individual is valid for a term of ten years from the date of issuance. The license must be renewed to continue operating after that term expires. Renewal can be requested within a grace period after expiration without retesting.

Question 27Licensing and operating rules

Which agency administers the amateur radio service and enforces its rules in the United States?

  1. The Federal Communications Commission Correct answer.
  2. The National Telecommunications Agency
  3. The American Radio Relay League
  4. The Department of Homeland Security

Explanation

The Federal Communications Commission is the government body that regulates radio communications, including the amateur service, and it enforces compliance with the amateur rules. It issues licenses and can impose penalties for violations. Other organizations may represent amateurs but hold no regulatory authority.

Question 28Licensing and operating rules

How often must an amateur station transmit its assigned call sign during a communication?

  1. At least once every thirty minutes
  2. Only at the very end of the contact
  3. Only when the operator changes frequency
  4. At least every ten minutes and at the end of the communication Correct answer.

Explanation

Station identification must be transmitted at least every ten minutes during a communication and at the end of the communication. This ensures listeners can always determine who is transmitting. The identification uses the station's assigned call sign.

Question 29Licensing and operating rules

What is the minimum age requirement to hold an amateur radio license in the United States?

  1. There is no minimum age Correct answer.
  2. Sixteen years
  3. Eighteen years
  4. Twelve years

Explanation

The amateur service rules impose no minimum age for holding a license. Any person who passes the required examination may be issued a license. Age does not affect eligibility or operating privileges.

Question 30Licensing and operating rules

Which of the following correctly describes the privileges of the Technician class license?

  1. All amateur bands with no power limit
  2. All amateur frequencies above 30 MHz plus limited HF privileges Correct answer.
  3. Only the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands
  4. Only frequencies below 30 MHz

Explanation

A Technician licensee may use all amateur frequency allocations above 30 MHz and holds limited privileges on certain HF bands, such as portions of the 80, 40, and 15 meter bands for CW and some data modes. The license does not grant full access to all bands or unlimited power.

Question 31Licensing and operating rules

What is the maximum transmitting power a Technician licensee may use on the 70-centimeter band?

  1. 200 watts
  2. 50 watts
  3. 10 watts
  4. 1500 watts Correct answer.

Explanation

On amateur bands above 30 MHz where Technician privileges apply, the maximum transmitter power output is 1500 watts PEP, the same general limit that applies across the amateur service. Operators must still use the minimum power necessary to carry out the communication.

Question 32Licensing and operating rules

What is the control operator responsible for regarding an amateur station?

  1. Maintaining the physical equipment only
  2. Designing the antenna system only
  3. Paying the annual license fee
  4. The proper operation of the station and compliance with the rules Correct answer.

Explanation

The control operator is the licensed person responsible for the proper operation of the station and for ensuring that transmissions comply with the amateur service rules. This responsibility applies whether the control operator is physically present or operating remotely. The control operator's license privileges govern what the station may transmit.

Question 33Licensing and operating rules

When may an amateur station be operated without a control operator present at the control point?

  1. Only when the station is being used for emergency traffic
  2. When the station is operating under automatic control and the control operator is available if needed Correct answer.
  3. Never, under any circumstances
  4. Only during daytime hours

Explanation

Stations may operate under automatic control, such as repeaters and auxiliary stations, where no control operator is physically present at the control point. The control operator remains responsible for the station and must be able to take action if problems arise. This arrangement allows continuous service without constant attendance.

Question 34Licensing and operating rules

What is the primary purpose of the amateur service?

  1. Advancing skills and providing emergency communications without pecuniary interest Correct answer.
  2. Selling radio equipment to the public
  3. Delivering entertainment programming
  4. Providing commercial broadcasting services

Explanation

The amateur service exists to advance the radio art, provide a pool of trained operators, and furnish emergency communications, all on a noncommercial basis. Amateurs may not operate for pecuniary interest. The service is intended to be a voluntary, noncommercial activity.

Question 35Licensing and operating rules

An amateur operator wishes to allow a non-licensed friend to speak over the air. What must be true for this to be permissible?

  1. The friend must have passed the Technician exam
  2. The friend may speak only if the licensed control operator is present and supervising the transmission Correct answer.
  3. The friend must identify using a temporary call sign
  4. The friend may operate only on the 2-meter band

Explanation

An unlicensed person may communicate over an amateur station only when a licensed control operator is present at the control point and supervising the operation. The control operator remains responsible for the transmission. The unlicensed person does not need a license or a temporary call sign for this supervised use.

Question 36Licensing and operating rules

Which of the following is prohibited in the amateur service?

  1. Using a repeater to relay messages
  2. Transmitting Morse code on the HF bands
  3. Participating in a contest
  4. Transmitting communications for hire or for material compensation Correct answer.

Explanation

Amateur stations may not transmit communications for hire or for material compensation, because the service is noncommercial. Contests, Morse code, and repeater use are all permitted activities. The prohibition preserves the noncommercial character of the service.

Question 37Licensing and operating rules

An amateur operator wants to broadcast music during a casual contact. What is the correct statement about this?

  1. Music may be transmitted if the station identifies every ten minutes
  2. Music transmission is prohibited except for incidental music in certain authorized contexts Correct answer.
  3. Music may be transmitted if it is not copyrighted
  4. Music may be transmitted only on the 2-meter band

Explanation

The amateur rules generally prohibit transmitting music, with narrow exceptions such as incidental music associated with an authorized retransmission or certain space communications. Casual broadcast of music is not permitted. Identification does not make an otherwise prohibited transmission lawful.

Question 38Licensing and operating rules

What is the rule regarding transmission of obscene or indecent language on amateur frequencies?

  1. It is permitted after 10 p.m. local time
  2. It is permitted only during emergencies
  3. It is permitted only on frequencies above 30 MHz
  4. It is prohibited at all times Correct answer.

Explanation

Amateur stations may not transmit obscene or indecent language at any time. The prohibition applies across all amateur bands and operating conditions. This rule supports the courteous and public-service character of the amateur service.

Question 39Licensing and operating rules

What must an amateur operator do if the FCC sends a written notice of a rule violation?

  1. Ignore it unless a fine is attached
  2. Immediately surrender the license permanently
  3. Appeal only after ten years
  4. Respond in writing within the time specified in the notice Correct answer.

Explanation

A written notice from the FCC requires a timely written response addressing the alleged violation. Failing to respond can lead to further enforcement action. The notice specifies the deadline for the reply.

Question 40Licensing and operating rules

Which of the following best describes an auxiliary station?

  1. A station used exclusively for emergency drills
  2. A station transmitting on amateur frequencies to control or relay signals for another amateur station Correct answer.
  3. A station operated by a government agency
  4. A station used only for satellite communications

Explanation

An auxiliary station is an amateur station that transmits on amateur frequencies to control or relay signals for one or more other amateur stations. Auxiliary stations operate under specific rules and are often used for remote control or linking. They are distinct from repeaters and from satellite stations.

Question 41Licensing and operating rules

What is the required spacing between the control point and the transmitter for a station operating under remote control?

  1. The control point must be in the same building
  2. There is no required minimum distance; the control operator must be able to control the transmitter Correct answer.
  3. The control point must be within one kilometer
  4. The control point must be within 100 meters

Explanation

Remote control allows the control operator to operate the station from a distance, and no fixed minimum separation is required by the rules. The key requirement is that the control operator can reliably control the transmitter. The operator remains responsible for compliant operation.

Question 42Licensing and operating rules

A Technician licensee wants to transmit on a frequency that is available only to General class operators. What is the correct statement?

  1. The Technician may transmit if the power is below 50 watts
  2. The Technician may transmit if using a repeater
  3. The Technician may transmit only with a General class control operator present Correct answer.
  4. The Technician may transmit if the contact is brief

Explanation

Operating privileges follow the license class of the control operator, so a Technician may use General class frequencies only when a General or higher class control operator is present and supervising. The Technician's own license does not grant those frequencies. Power level, brevity, or repeater use does not change this.

Question 43Licensing and operating rules

What is the rule about transmitting on a frequency where a net is already in progress?

  1. Amateur stations should avoid interfering and should not transmit on a frequency in use without establishing contact Correct answer.
  2. Net frequencies are reserved by the FCC
  3. The net must yield to any new station
  4. Nets may only operate on the 2-meter band

Explanation

Amateur operators must avoid causing interference and should listen before transmitting. A frequency already in use by a net should not be disrupted without establishing contact and obtaining agreement. The FCC does not reserve specific net frequencies.

Question 44Licensing and operating rules

What is the purpose of the amateur service rule limiting communications to those of a technical or personal nature?

  1. To restrict operation to licensed engineers
  2. To prevent the service from being used for broadcasting to the general public Correct answer.
  3. To require all contacts to be brief
  4. To prohibit contacts with foreign stations

Explanation

Amateur communications must be of a technical or personal nature and may not be broadcast to the general public. This restriction keeps the service from becoming a general broadcasting medium. It also preserves the noncommercial, hobbyist character of amateur radio.

Question 45Licensing and operating rules

Which of the following is a permitted use of an amateur station?

  1. Transmitting to the public for entertainment
  2. Transmitting a message for a charity event on behalf of a non-amateur organization
  3. Broadcasting advertisements for a local business
  4. Sending a message to a friend about a recent radio experiment Correct answer.

Explanation

Communications of a technical or personal nature, such as discussing a radio experiment with a friend, are permitted. Advertising and entertainment broadcasting are prohibited. Messages on behalf of others are restricted by the third-party rules.

Question 46Licensing and operating rules

An amateur operator is asked to transmit a message on behalf of a third party to a station in a foreign country. What determines whether this is permitted?

  1. The power level used for the transmission
  2. The time of day the message is sent
  3. The mode used for the transmission
  4. Whether the foreign country has an agreement permitting such third-party traffic with the United States Correct answer.

Explanation

Third-party messages may be sent to foreign stations only when the foreign country has an agreement with the United States permitting such traffic. Without an agreement, the message may not be transmitted. Power, time of day, and mode do not affect this determination.

Question 47Licensing and operating rules

Which of the following best describes the identification requirement when an amateur station transmits phone signals?

  1. The call sign must be spoken in English using standard phonetics or plain language, clearly and slowly. Correct answer.
  2. The call sign must be encoded as a digital data burst at the start of each contact.
  3. The call sign must be transmitted in a language chosen by the receiving station.
  4. The call sign may be sent only in Morse code regardless of the transmission mode.

Explanation

When identifying with voice, the operator must speak the assigned call sign in English, either using the standard phonetic alphabet or plain language, and must do so clearly and slowly so it can be understood. Morse identification uses the International Morse code. The method must match the mode of transmission being used.

Question 48Licensing and operating rules

An amateur station is operating from a vehicle during a cross-country trip and moves from one call district to another. Which statement describes the identification requirement in this situation?

  1. The operator must append the new call district number to the call sign for all transmissions.
  2. The station identifies with its assigned call sign, and location indicators are optional. Correct answer.
  3. The operator must obtain a new call sign matching the new call district before transmitting.
  4. The operator must add a portable indicator and re-identify every ten minutes.

Explanation

An amateur call sign is assigned to the licensee and travels with that person, so moving between call districts does not require a new call sign. Adding a location or portable indicator is permitted but not mandatory. The station still must identify at the required intervals using the assigned call sign.

Question 49Licensing and operating rules

An unlicensed person asks a licensed amateur to pass along a routine message to another amateur station within the same country. Under what condition may the amateur station handle this third-party traffic?

  1. Only if the third party is a member of the licensee's immediate family.
  2. Only if the message is transmitted in Morse code.
  3. Only if no third-party message is ever permitted on amateur frequencies.
  4. The control operator must be present and the message must not involve prohibited content or compensation. Correct answer.

Explanation

Domestic third-party traffic may be handled by an amateur station when a licensed control operator is on duty at the control point. The message itself must be of a type permitted by the rules, so it cannot involve business activity, compensation, or prohibited content. Special restrictions apply to messages sent to stations in foreign countries.

Question 50Licensing and operating rules

An amateur operator suspects that a transmission heard on the air is causing harmful interference to a nearby public safety system. Which action is most consistent with the amateur service rules?

  1. Continue normal operation and log the interference for later review.
  2. Immediately change frequency and resume the contact at higher power.
  3. Identify the source, reduce or stop transmitting as needed, and cooperate with the affected system. Correct answer.
  4. Use whatever power is needed to overcome the interference and finish the contact.

Explanation

Amateur stations must not cause harmful interference and must cooperate to resolve it, including stopping transmission if necessary. The operator should determine whether their own station is the cause and take corrective action. Interference resolution takes priority over continuing a contact.