Technician T2C: Nets, emergencies and message traffic
These are the 12 official questions in group T2C 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.
- T2C01Question 1FCC 97.103(a)
When do the FCC Part 97 Amateur Radio Service rules NOT apply to the operation of an amateur station?
- AWhen operating under RACES rules
- BWhen operating under FEMA rules
- CWhen operating under ARES rules
- DFCC rules always apply Correct
Why: FCC rules always apply to amateur operation, including during emergencies and public service events.
- T2C02Question 2
Which of the following are typical duties of a Net Control Station?
- AChoose the regular net meeting time and frequency
- BEnsure that all stations checking into the net are properly licensed for operation on the net frequency
- CCall the net to order and direct communications between stations checking in Correct
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: Net control calls the net to order and directs the stations checking in.
- T2C03Question 3
What technique is used to ensure that voice messages containing unusual words are received correctly?
- ASend the words by voice and Morse code
- BUse the Q-code “QSR” to ask the receiving station to repeat the words back
- CSpell the words using a standard phonetic alphabet Correct
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: Spelling unusual words with a standard phonetic alphabet makes sure they're copied correctly.
- T2C04Question 4
What is RACES?
- AAn emergency organization combining amateur radio and citizens band operators and frequencies
- BAn international radio experimentation society
- CA radio contest held in a short period, sometimes called a “sprint”
- DAn FCC Part 97 amateur radio service for civil defense communications during national emergencies Correct
Why: RACES is an FCC Part 97 service for civil defense communications in national emergencies.
- T2C05Question 5
What does the term “traffic” refer to in net operation?
- AFormal messages exchanged by net stations Correct
- BThe number of stations checking in and out of a net
- COperation by mobile or portable stations
- DA count of the number of activations of the net each month
Why: In nets, traffic means formal messages passed between stations.
- T2C06Question 6
What is the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)?
- AA group of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service Correct
- BA group of licensed amateurs who are members of the military and who voluntarily agreed to provide message handling services in the case of an emergency
- CA training program that provides licensing courses for those interested in obtaining an amateur license to use during emergencies
- DA training program that certifies amateur operators for membership in the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
Why: ARES is volunteers who register their skills and equipment for public service communications.
- T2C07Question 7
Which of the following is standard practice when you participate in a net?
- AWhen first responding to the net control station, transmit your call sign, name, and address as in the FCC database
- BRecord the time of each of your transmissions
- CUnless you are reporting an emergency, transmit only when directed by the net control station Correct
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: In a net, transmit only when net control directs you, unless you're reporting an emergency.
- T2C08Question 8
Which of the following relays messages using email addresses based on amateur callsigns?
- AWinlink Correct
- BFT8
- CPSK31
- DAMTOR
Why: Winlink relays email over radio using addresses based on call signs.
- T2C09Question 9
Are amateur station control operators ever permitted to operate outside the frequency privileges of their license class?
- ANo
- BYes, but only when part of a FEMA emergency plan
- CYes, but only when part of a RACES emergency plan
- DYes, but only in situations involving the immediate safety of human life or protection of property Correct
Why: Yes, but only to protect human life or property in an immediate emergency.
- T2C10Question 10
What information is contained in the preamble of a formal traffic message?
- AThe email address of the originating station
- BThe address of the intended recipient
- CThe telephone number of the addressee
- DInformation needed to track the message Correct
Why: A message preamble holds the information used to track the message.
- T2C11Question 11
What is meant by “check” in a radiogram header?
- AThe number of words or word equivalents in the text portion of the message Correct
- BThe call sign of the originating station
- CA list of stations that have relayed the message
- DA box on the message form that indicates that the message was received and/or relayed
Why: The check is the number of words (or word equivalents) in the message text.
- T2C12Question 12
Which of the following requires certification by a civil defense agency?
- AARES
- BRACES Correct
- CMARS
- DSKYWARN
Why: RACES requires certification by a civil defense agency.