Ham Radio General Class Test Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Under FCC rules, when is an amateur station permitted to use codes or ciphers to obscure the meaning of a transmission? → Never; all amateur transmissions must be in plain language or an authorized digital mode
2. Why is it advisable to use the 'one hand in pocket' technique when probing high-voltage circuits? → To prevent a hand-to-hand current path through the heart if accidental contact occurs
3. What protective equipment is especially important when working atop a tower? → Properly rated climbing harness and fall arrest equipment
4. What is the advantage of using a digital mode such as FT8 compared to SSB voice during weak-signal conditions? → FT8 can decode signals many dB below what the human ear can hear in noise
5. Which mode of operation generally has the highest average power and therefore the greatest RF exposure risk at the same PEP setting? → FM voice
6. When performing an RF safety evaluation, which of the following factors does NOT affect the calculated safe distance? → The color of the antenna insulation
7. What is 'pileup' in amateur radio DX operating? → Many stations simultaneously calling a rare DX station
8. When operating split frequency on HF, the station transmits on one frequency and listens on another — how do you know which frequency to listen on? → The DX station announces 'listening up' or a specific offset
9. What is the approximate speed at which radio waves travel through free space? → 300,000,000 meters per second
10. When a DX station says 'QSL via bureau,' what does this mean? → Confirmation cards should be sent through the amateur radio QSL bureau system
11. Which statement about General class VHF/UHF privileges is correct? → General class operators have full privileges on all VHF and UHF amateur bands
12. What type of feed line loss increases significantly when the line is operated with high SWR? → Coaxial cable
13. What is 'third-party traffic' in amateur radio communications? → Messages passed on behalf of someone who is not a licensed amateur
14. What is the primary radiation pattern of a simple quarter-wavelength vertical antenna installed with a good ground-plane system? → Omnidirectional in the horizontal plane.
15. What does the Q-code 'QSB' indicate during a contact? → The signal strength is fading
16. What is the primary purpose of the FCC's RF exposure regulations for amateur radio operators? → To protect people from harmful biological effects of RF energy
17. What is the purpose of a balun used at the feedpoint of a dipole antenna? → Convert balanced antenna impedance to unbalanced coaxial cable
18. Which practice is recommended to minimize interference when using a directional antenna? → Orient the antenna to direct your signal toward the intended station
19. When performing a routine RF exposure evaluation, which amateur station characteristic requires the LEAST consideration? → The modulation type used
20. What is the standard baud rate used for Baudot RTTY on HF amateur radio bands? → 45.45 baud
21. Which emission type is FT8, a popular digital mode used on HF bands? → A weak-signal digital mode using 8-tone frequency shift keying
22. What is the result of operating a coaxial feed line well above its rated maximum frequency? → Excessive signal loss due to increased attenuation
23. What is the purpose of a voluntary band plan? → To reduce interference between different modes of operation
24. A General class licensee wishes to operate on 3.800 MHz SSB. Is this permitted, and why? → Yes, because 3.800 MHz is within the General class 75-meter phone sub-band
25. What propagation mode allows contacts on 2-meter FM when a temperature inversion is present? → Tropospheric ducting
26. Why are RF exposure limits for the general public more stringent than those for occupational/controlled environments? → The public includes sensitive groups who may have uncontrolled, extended exposure
27. What simplex frequency is commonly used for emergency HF communications by ARES groups in the 40-meter phone band? → 7.285 MHz
28. What may a ground loop in your station's audio connections manifest as? → You receive reports of “hum” on your station’s transmitted signal
29. Which of the following is an example of an 'unidentified transmission' prohibited by FCC Part 97? → Using a tactical call sign during an emergency net without your FCC call sign
30. What action should be taken if a tower must be climbed while an antenna on the structure is still active? → The transmitter must be shut off and locked out before anyone climbs