CBT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CBT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary function of a radome on a broadcast antenna? → To protect the antenna from environmental elements
2. A broadcast station receives a Required Weekly Test (RWT) of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). What is the station's primary obligation regarding this test? → Log the receipt of the test.
3. What phenomenon occurs when a signal in one conductor induces a signal in an adjacent conductor? → Crosstalk (electromagnetic coupling)
4. Which parameter describes the ratio of reflected wave voltage to incident wave voltage on a transmission line? → Voltage Reflection Coefficient (Γ)
5. Which U.S. federal agency regulates RF exposure limits in broadcast environments? → FCC
6. In broadcast television, what does the term 'house sync' refer to? → A master timing reference signal distributed throughout the facility
7. When two FM stations on the same frequency are co-located, what minimum carrier-to-interference ratio is generally required to protect the desired signal? → 30 dB
8. According to Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL), what is the relationship of currents at a junction (or node) in a circuit? → The total current leaving a junction is equal to the total current entering it.
9. What should be the first step when diagnosing a broadcast equipment failure? → Observe symptoms and gather information
10. What is the purpose of the FCC's Section 73.1125 regarding station main studio location? → It requires the main studio to be within the station's principal community of license
11. What is the purpose of a PSIP (Program and System Information Protocol) in ATSC broadcasting? → To provide channel guide, time, and virtual channel data to receivers
12. In a broadcast studio, what is the purpose of a proc amp (processing amplifier)? → To adjust and stabilize video parameters such as sync, burst, and levels
13. An STL (Studio-Transmitter Link) operating at 950 MHz shows excessive bit errors after a heavy rainstorm. What is the MOST likely cause? → Water ingress into waveguide or coaxial connections
14. What is the primary purpose of a Broadcast Auxiliary Service (BAS) license as defined by the FCC? → To relay broadcast signals between points, such as from a remote location to the studio.
15. What modulation technique does ATSC 1.0 use for terrestrial broadcast transmission? → 8-VSB
16. Which of the following is a primary purpose of the OSHA Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) standard (29 CFR 1910.147)? → To prevent the unexpected startup or release of stored energy during equipment servicing.
17. What is the purpose of SCTE-35 markers in a broadcast stream? → To signal ad insertion opportunities and splice points in MPEG transport streams
18. Which OSHA standard governs lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures for broadcast transmission equipment? → 29 CFR 1910.147
19. What is the primary danger of high RF fields in broadcast environments? → Tissue heating and potential health risks
20. When climbing a broadcast tower after recent rainfall, what additional safety concern must be prioritized beyond standard fall protection? → Wet surfaces reduce friction; anti-slip boot soles and extra care with grip are essential
21. A broadcast technologist notices hum bars rolling through a video monitor. The hum frequency is 60 Hz. What is the MOST likely cause? → Ground loop introducing AC power-line interference into the video path
22. Which type of routing switcher allows switching between sources only at specific points in the video signal to avoid glitches? → Synchronous or 'clean' switcher
23. A broadcast engineer discovers the station's Emergency Alert System (EAS) equipment has not been tested in over 60 days. What is the violation? → Required weekly tests must occur at least once per week
24. What is the function of a varactor diode in a circuit? → Act as a voltage-controlled capacitor
25. Which test instrument is used to measure the frequency response of an audio circuit? → Audio signal generator and analyzer
26. When replacing a power amplifier tube in a high-power AM transmitter, which safety procedure is MOST critical before opening the final amplifier cabinet? → Discharge all high-voltage capacitors using a grounding stick
27. What is the function of a video delay line (time delay unit) in broadcast operations? → Delays the program signal by a fixed time for compliance or profanity filtering purposes
28. A transmitter's VSWR suddenly spikes to 3:1. What is the FIRST corrective action a broadcast technologist should take? → Inspect the transmission line and antenna for faults
29. What is the result of connecting resistors in series? → Total resistance increases
30. What is the standard characteristic impedance of most coaxial transmission lines used in broadcast RF systems? → 50 ohms