Technician T1C: Licenses, call signs and renewals
These are the 11 official questions in group T1C 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.
- T1C01Question 1FCC 97.9(a), 97.17(a)
For which classes of amateur radio licenses does the FCC currently issue new licenses?
- ANovice, Technician, General, Amateur Extra
- BTechnician, Technician Plus, General, Amateur Extra
- CNovice, Technician Plus, General, Advanced
- DTechnician, General, Amateur Extra Correct
Why: The FCC now issues new licenses only for Technician, General and Amateur Extra.
- T1C02Question 2FCC 97.19
Who may select a desired call sign under the vanity call sign rules?
- AOnly a licensed amateur with a General or Amateur Extra Class license
- BOnly a licensed amateur with an Amateur Extra Class license
- COnly a licensed amateur who has been licensed continuously for more than 10 years
- DAny licensed amateur Correct
Why: Any licensed amateur may request a vanity call sign.
- T1C03Question 3FCC 97.117
What types of international communications are FCC-licensed amateur radio stations permitted to make?
- ACommunications incidental to the purposes of the Amateur Radio Service and remarks of a personal character Correct
- BCommunications incidental to conducting business or remarks of a personal nature
- COnly communications incidental to contest exchanges; all other communications are prohibited
- DAny communications that would be permitted by an international broadcast station
Why: International contacts are limited to matters about amateur radio and remarks of a personal nature.
- T1C04Question 4FCC 97.23
What may happen if the FCC is unable to reach you by email?
- AFine and suspension of operator license
- BRevocation of the station license or suspension of the operator license Correct
- CRevocation of access to the license record in the FCC system
- DNothing; there is no such requirement
Why: The FCC contacts licensees by email. If it can't reach you, it can revoke the station license or suspend the operator license.
- T1C05Question 5
Which of the following is a valid Group D call sign format for Technician class?
- AKF1XXX Correct
- BKA1X
- CW1XX
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: Group D call signs are two letters, a digit and three letters, like KF1XXX.
- T1C06Question 6FCC 97.5(a)(2), 97.11(a)
Which of the following statements is true about using your amateur radio license when operating aboard a vessel or craft in international waters?
- AAmateur operation is prohibited in international waters
- BYou may only operate during maritime emergencies
- CYou need special FCC authorization for maritime mobile operation
- DYou may operate from a US-documented vessel with the master's permission Correct
Why: You may operate aboard a US-documented vessel in international waters with the master's (captain's) permission.
- T1C07Question 7FCC 97.21, 1.949
How long before the expiration date may an amateur radio license renewal be requested?
- A30 days
- B90 days Correct
- C6 months
- D1 year
Why: You can request renewal up to 90 days before your license expires.
- T1C08Question 8FCC 97.25
What is the normal term for an FCC-issued amateur radio license?
- AFive years
- BEight years
- CTen years Correct
- DLife
Why: Amateur licenses are issued for 10 years.
- T1C09Question 9FCC 97.21(a)(b)
What is the grace period for renewal if an amateur license expires?
- ATwo years Correct
- BThree years
- CFive years
- DTen years
Why: After expiration you have a 2-year grace period to renew.
- T1C10Question 10FCC 97.5a
How soon after passing the examination for your first amateur radio license may you transmit on the amateur radio bands?
- AImmediately on receiving your Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE)
- BAs soon as your operator/station license grant appears on the ARRL website
- CAs soon as your operator/station license grant appears in the FCC’s license database Correct
- DAs soon as you receive your license in the mail from the FCC
Why: You can transmit as soon as your license grant shows up in the FCC's ULS database.
- T1C11Question 11FCC 97.21(b)
If your license has expired and is still within the allowable grace period, may you continue to transmit on the amateur radio bands?
- AYes, for up to two years
- BYes, as soon as you apply for renewal
- CYes, for up to one year
- DNo, you must wait until the license has been renewed Correct
Why: During the grace period you hold no license privileges, so you must wait until it's renewed to transmit.