The passing score
To pass the Technician class exam, you must answer at least 26 of 35 questions correctly. That is about 74 percent. You can miss up to 9 questions. Each question is multiple choice with four possible answers, and in most descriptions of the exam there is no strict time limit, with many candidates finishing in well under an hour.
How the exam is built
The Technician exam is Element 2. The FCC question pool is organized into groups of related questions, and the exam draws one question from each group. This means the test spreads across rules, operating practice, radio theory, electronics, antennas and safety, rather than concentrating on one area. You cannot rely on being strong in one topic and ignoring others, but you also do not need to master every question in the pool, since only 35 appear.
The pool is public, so you can see every question and correct answer beforehand. It is revised on a multi-year cycle, so make sure your practice material matches the current pool. See our Technician study guide for how to check.
Scores for General and Extra
The other exams use the same 74 percent threshold in practice:
- Technician (Element 2): 35 questions, 26 to pass.
- General (Element 3): 35 questions, 26 to pass.
- Amateur Extra (Element 4): 50 questions, 37 to pass.
General and Extra candidates must also hold, or pass, the lower elements. See Extra class privileges for the top level.
If you do not pass
Failing one attempt is not the end. Policies vary by exam team: some allow another attempt at the same session for another fee, others ask you to come to a later session. Ask the team before you book. Review the questions you missed, if the team shows them, and keep practicing.
After you pass
- The exam is graded on the spot, whether in person or by remote video.
- The volunteer examiners report results to the FCC through the exam coordinator.
- You pay the FCC application fee, $35 for new applications since April 2022.
- The FCC issues your license and call sign. The ARRL says licenses for its candidates can arrive within roughly 24 to 48 hours.
- If you pass an element but not the whole license, you may receive a certificate of successful completion of examination (CSCE), which is generally valid for a limited period, commonly 365 days.
Once licensed, your handheld becomes a legal transmitting tool; see our handheld licensing rules.
Tips to pass
- Take practice exams until you pass them comfortably, not just barely.
- Understand why answers are right, especially for math questions.
- Study every topic area, since each contributes questions.
- Read each question carefully; some answer choices differ by one word.
- Answer every question; unanswered questions count as wrong.
- Get a good night’s sleep and check the exam logistics.
The three license levels
In the US there are three license classes, each with more privileges as you go up:
- Technician: Entry level, with full privileges above 30 MHz and limited HF privileges.
- General: Privileges on all amateur bands and modes, with some segments restricted.
- Amateur Extra: All available amateur privileges.
The FCC no longer issues Novice or Advanced licenses, though existing holders may renew them.
What does “44” mean in ham radio?
You may see “44” in the questions people ask, but there is no widely used standard meaning that we can confirm. Hams more commonly use “73” for best regards, and the exam does not test number codes like this. If you see “44” in a specific context, the surrounding source should explain it.