How the Exam Is Structured
The FCC Technician question pool is organized into 10 subelements, labeled T0 through T9. Each subelement covers a specific topic area and contributes a fixed number of questions to your 35-question exam. Because the pool and its structure are public, you know exactly what is coming.
| Subelement | Topic | Questions on Exam |
|---|---|---|
| T1 | FCC Rules and Regulations | 6 |
| T2 | Operating Procedures | 3 |
| T3 | Radio Wave Characteristics, Propagation, Antennas | 3 |
| T4 | Amateur Radio Practices and Station Setup | 2 |
| T5 | Electrical Principles | 4 |
| T6 | Electronic Components | 4 |
| T7 | Station Equipment | 4 |
| T8 | Modulation Modes, Amateur Satellites, Operating Activities | 4 |
| T9 | Antennas and Feed Lines | 2 |
| T0 | Electrical and RF Safety | 3 |
| Total | 35 |
Where to Focus First
T1 (6 questions) is the largest subelement and covers FCC rules — frequency allocations for Technicians, station identification rules, prohibited communications, and third-party rules. It is also highly learnable because it is mostly straightforward regulation, not technical theory. Nail T1 and you start with an 8-point head start toward the 26 you need.
T5 and T6 (4 questions each) cover basic electronics — Ohm's Law, power calculations, capacitors, resistors, and transistors. T5 has the most math on the exam (though it is simple algebra). Learn the formulas: P = I×E, E = I×R, and the frequency/wavelength relationship (300 / frequency MHz = wavelength in meters).
T0 (3 questions — Safety) is often underestimated. RF safety, electrical shock hazards, and antenna installation safety appear here. These questions are straightforward and high-value — study them.
The Math Questions — What to Expect
Most candidates fear the math. In reality, the math on the Technician exam is minimal and uses simple formulas. The most important:
- Ohm's Law: Voltage = Current × Resistance (E = I × R)
- Power: Power = Voltage × Current (P = E × I)
- Wavelength: Wavelength (meters) = 300 / Frequency (MHz)
- Decibels: +3 dB doubles power; −3 dB halves power; +10 dB multiplies by 10
A basic calculator is allowed at most exam sessions. These formulas cover every math question you will encounter.
Hardest Questions for Most New Hams
Based on widely reported pass/fail patterns, the questions that trip up the most Technician candidates involve: (1) antenna radiation patterns and polarization concepts in T3 and T9, (2) the specific frequency allocations and band limits in T1B, and (3) electrical safety in T0. Spend extra time on these areas during your final study sessions.
- Is the exam multiple choice?Yes. All 35 questions are multiple choice with four answer options (A, B, C, D). There is no partial credit and no essay component. The entire question pool is publicly available — you can study the exact questions and correct answers before your exam.
- How many questions can I miss and still pass?You need 26 correct out of 35 — you can miss up to 9 questions and still pass. This gives you meaningful margin for error on the technical sections if you nail the regulatory and safety sections.
- Where can I practice with actual exam questions?HamStudy.org offers free flashcard and practice exam tools using the actual FCC question pool. HamExam.org generates practice tests with explanations for wrong answers. Both are free and require no account. ARRL also offers Exam Review for Ham Radio at arrl.org — free and comprehensive.
- How long should I study before taking the exam?Most people pass the Technician exam after 1–3 weeks of studying for 30–60 minutes per day. Some people pass in a weekend of intensive study. The most reliable approach: use HamStudy.org's spaced-repetition flashcard system until you are consistently scoring 90%+ on full practice exams, then schedule your session.
Informational only. Verify current rules and fees at fcc.gov and arrl.org. Ham Radio License is not affiliated with the FCC, ARRL, or any VEC.