Understanding FCC License Requirements

Licensing Requirements and Examination Details

What are the requirements for the FCC commercial radio operator license?  

In addition to the passing of the correct element exam(s), you must...

• Be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States 
• Be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English 
  
  

Examinations 

What are the examination requirements for the FCC commercial operator licenses?  

To obtain an FCC commercial operator license, an applicant must submit an original Proof of Passing Certificate issued by a Commercial Operator License Examination Manager (COLEM), or have the application filed electronically by the COLEM, demonstrating that the applicant has passed the required written and/or telegraphy elements, as illustrated in the table below.  

As an FCC-approved COLEM, we are able to administer your element examination(s) and file your FCC application paperwork on your behalf. 

Does it matter what element exams I take?

Different combinations of the written element exams will impact which FCC commercial radio operator license you can apply for.  

How many questions are in Element 1?

Element 1 contains basic radio law and operating practice with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar. 

✔ To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 18 out of 24 questions. 

How many questions are in Element 3?

Element 3 contains general radiotelephone questions, like electronic fundamentals and techniques required to adjust, repair, and maintain radio transmitters and receivers. You will be tested from the following categories:  

• Operating procedures 
• Circuit components 
• Radio wave propagation 
• Practical circuits 
• Radio practice 
• Signals and emissions 
• Electrical principles 
• Antennas and feed lines 

✔ To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 75 out of 100 questions.

How many questions are in Element 7?

Element 7 contains GMDSS radio operating practice questions. GMDSS radio operating procedures and practices are sufficient to show detailed practical knowledge of the operation of all GMDSS sub-systems and equipment. 

The exam consists of questions from the following categories:  

• General information 
• Narrow-band direct printing 
• INMARSAT 
• NAVTEX 
• Digital selective calling 
• Survival craft 

✔ To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 75 out of 100 questions. 

How many questions are in Element 7R?

Element 7R contains restricted GMDSS radio operating practice questions. Fifty questions concerning those GMDSS radio operating procedures and practices that apply to ship stations on vessels that sail exclusively in sea area A1, as defined in sections 80.1069 and 80.1081 of the Commission’s Rules.  

✔ To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 38 out of 50 questions. 

How many questions are in Element 8?

Element 8 contains ship radar technique questions. Specialized theory and practice applicable to the proper installation, servicing, and maintenance of ship radar equipment in general use for marine navigation purposes.  

✔ To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 38 out of 50 questions. 

How many questions are in Element 9?

Element 9 contains GMDSS radio maintenance practice and procedure questions. Requirements outlined in IMO Assembly on Training for Radio Personnel (GMDSS), Annex 5, and IMO Assembly on Radio Maintenance Guidelines for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System related to Sea Areas A3 and A4. The exam consists of questions from the following categories: radio system theory, amplifiers, power sources, troubleshooting, digital theory, and GMDSS equipment and regulations.  

✔ To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 38 out of 50 questions. 

Does the number of questions change?  

From time to time, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may change the number of questions to be included in the examination for a particular element and/or the number of answers needed to pass the examination. The Commission will issue a public notice or take other action to inform the public of any such change.