Technician T1A: Why ham radio exists, and who makes the rules
These are the 11 official questions in group T1A of the 2026–2030 Technician question pool, with the correct answer marked and a plain-English explanation of why it's right. The real exam asks one question from this group.
- T1A01Question 1FCC 97.1
Which of the following is part of the Basis and Purpose of the Amateur Radio Service?
- AProviding personal radio communications for as many citizens as possible
- BProviding communications for international contesting
- CAdvancing skills in the technical and communication phases of the radio art Correct
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: Part 97.1 lists advancing amateurs' skills in the technical and communication side of radio as one of the service's purposes.
- T1A02Question 2FCC 97.1
Which agency regulates and enforces the rules for the Amateur Radio Service in the United States?
- AARRL
- BHomeland Security
- CThe FCC Correct
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: The FCC writes and enforces the rules for all non-government radio in the US, including Part 97 for hams.
- T1A03Question 3FCC 97.119(b)(2)
What do the FCC rules state regarding the use of a phonetic alphabet for station identification in the Amateur Radio Service?
- AIt is required when transmitting emergency messages
- BIt is encouraged when using phone emissions Correct
- CIt is required when in contact with foreign stations
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: Using phonetics like "Kilo Golf Five" for your call is encouraged on phone, but it isn't required.
- T1A04Question 4FCC 97.23
How do you receive official notification of your new license and call sign after passing the exam?
- AEmail from the FCC with a link to download the license grant Correct
- BUSPS First-Class Mail from the FCC
- CEmail from the lead volunteer examiner
- DUSPS First-Class Mail from the lead volunteer examiner
Why: The FCC no longer mails paper licenses. It emails you a link to download your official license grant.
- T1A05Question 5FCC 97.7
What proves that the FCC has issued an operator/primary license grant?
- AA printed copy of the certificate of successful completion of examination
- BAn email notification from the NCVEC granting the license
- CThe license appears in the FCC ULS database Correct
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: Your license is official when it appears in the FCC's ULS (Universal Licensing System) database.
- T1A06Question 6FCC 97.203(d)
On which of the following HF frequencies can automatically controlled amateur propagation beacons be found?
- AAnywhere in the Technician portion of 10 meters
- BAnywhere, if they are registered with the FCC
- CIn a specific portion of each of the HF Technician bands
- DOn ten meters, between 28.200 MHz and 28.300 MHz Correct
Why: On HF, automatic beacons belong on 10 meters from 28.200 to 28.300 MHz, so listeners can check propagation.
- T1A07Question 7FCC 97.3(a)(41)
What is the FCC Part 97 definition of a space station?
- AAny satellite orbiting Earth
- BA manned satellite orbiting Earth
- CAn amateur station located more than 50 km above Earth's surface Correct
- DAn amateur station using amateur radio satellites for relay of signals
Why: Part 97 defines a space station as an amateur station more than 50 km above the Earth's surface.
- T1A08Question 8FCC 97.3(a)(22)
Who recommends transmit/receive channels for repeater and auxiliary stations?
- AA Frequency Spectrum Manager appointed by the FCC
- BA Volunteer Frequency Coordinator recognized by local amateurs Correct
- CAn FCC Regional Field Office
- DThe International Telecommunication Union
Why: A Volunteer Frequency Coordinator recommends repeater channel pairs so nearby repeaters don't interfere with each other.
- T1A09Question 9FCC 97.3(a)(22)
Who selects a Frequency Coordinator?
- AThe FCC Office of Spectrum Management and Coordination Policy
- BThe local chapter of the Office of National Council of Independent Frequency Coordinators
- CAmateur operators in a local or regional area whose stations are eligible to be repeater or auxiliary stations Correct
- DThe FCC Regional Field Office
Why: The local or regional amateurs whose stations can be repeaters or auxiliary stations choose their coordinator.
- T1A10Question 10FCC 97.407(a)
Besides an FCC-issued amateur operator license, what is required to be the control operator of a Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) Station?
- AA written recommendation by the local ARRL Emergency Coordinator
- BMembership in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
- CCertification of current enrollment by a civil defense organization Correct
- DNothing
Why: RACES control operators need certification of enrollment from a civil defense organization, in addition to their license.
- T1A11Question 11FCC 97.101(d)
Which of the following is prohibited?
- AInternational communications on VHF bands and higher frequencies
- BWillful or malicious interference Correct
- CThird-party traffic using digital modes
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: Willful or malicious interference is always prohibited.