License Practice Exam
Real questions from the official NCVEC pools, in the actual exam format. Pass mark is 74%. Pick your element to begin.
Questions © public domain (NCVEC). Figure/diagram questions are omitted. Full study tools at HamStudy.org.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the ham radio license exam?
The Technician and General exams are 35 questions each; the Amateur Extra exam is 50. Every question is drawn verbatim from the published NCVEC pool, so nothing on the real test is a surprise.
What score do I need to pass?
You need 74% to pass — that’s 26 of 35 correct for Technician and General, or 37 of 50 for Amateur Extra. These practice exams use the same pass mark and scoring.
Are these the real exam questions?
Yes. The questions come straight from the official public-domain NCVEC question pools that volunteer examiners draw the actual test from. (Questions that rely on a diagram are omitted here.)
How should I study for the Technician exam?
Take practice exams until you’re consistently scoring 85% or higher, and revisit the topics you miss most. Pair these with flashcards on HamStudy.org, and you can usually be ready in a week or two.
How long is a US amateur radio license valid?
A US amateur (ham) radio license is good for 10 years and is renewable. Passing one exam element grants that license class for the full term.