100+ Free GROL Practice Questions

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What is the minimum passing score for the FCC Element 3 (General Radiotelephone) examination?

60 out of 100 questions

70 out of 100 questions

75 out of 100 questions

80 out of 100 questions

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: GROL Exam

124

Total Exam Questions

Element 1 (24) + Element 3 (100)

75%

Passing Score

Both Element 1 and Element 3

Lifetime

License Duration

No renewal required

$85-$175

Total Cost

COLEM fee + FCC application fee

42+

Industries

Aviation, maritime, broadcast, telecom

$55K-$126K

Salary Range

Broadcast/radio engineers (BLS, PayScale)

The GROL requires passing two exam elements: Element 1 (24 questions, 75% to pass) covers basic radio law and operating practice, and Element 3 (100 questions, 75% to pass) covers electronic fundamentals and techniques. Exams are administered by COLEMs nationwide and online. The license is issued for the holder's lifetime with no continuing education requirements. Total cost is approximately $85-$175 including exam and FCC application fees.

Sample GROL Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your GROL exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the minimum passing score for the FCC Element 3 (General Radiotelephone) examination?

A.60 out of 100 questions

B.70 out of 100 questions

C.75 out of 100 questions

D.80 out of 100 questions

Explanation: To pass the FCC Element 3 examination, an examinee must correctly answer at least 75 out of 100 questions (75%). This exam covers electronic fundamentals and techniques required to adjust, repair, and maintain radio transmitters and receivers used in aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services.

2What examination elements are required to obtain a General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)?

A.Element 1 and Element 6

B.Element 1 and Element 3

C.Element 3 and Element 8

D.Element 1, Element 3, and Element 9

Explanation: The FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) requires passing Element 1 (Basic Radio Law and Operating Practice) and Element 3 (General Radiotelephone). Element 6 is for Radiotelegraph, Element 8 is the Ship Radar Endorsement, and Element 9 is for GMDSS Radio Maintainer. Adding Element 8 to a GROL gives the Ship Radar Endorsement.

3A GROL holder is required to adjust, maintain, or internally repair FCC-licensed radiotelephone transmitters in which services?

A.Amateur and Citizens Band radio services

B.Aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services

C.Broadcast television and cable services only

D.Personal communications and Wi-Fi services

Explanation: The General Radiotelephone Operator License is required to adjust, maintain, or internally repair FCC-licensed radiotelephone transmitters in the aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services. It also conveys all of the operating authority of the Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP). Amateur radio requires a separate amateur license, and broadcast services have different licensing requirements.

4What is the term of a General Radiotelephone Operator License issued by the FCC?

A.5 years

B.10 years

C.20 years

D.Lifetime

Explanation: A General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) is issued for the holder's lifetime. Commercial radio operator licenses issued on or after May 20, 2013 are valid for the lifetime of the holder and do not need to be renewed. Licenses issued before that date may have different terms and should be checked for renewal requirements.

5Who administers the FCC commercial operator license examinations?

A.The FCC directly at regional offices

B.Commercial Operator License Examination Managers (COLEMs)

C.State licensing boards

D.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Explanation: The FCC does not administer commercial operator license examinations directly. Instead, examinations are administered by Commercial Operator License Examination Managers (COLEMs) authorized by the FCC. COLEMs such as ETA International, Exemplar Global (iNARTE), ISCET, and others offer exams at locations nationwide and, in some cases, online with remote proctoring.

6What is the FCC application fee for a new commercial radio operator license?

A.$15

B.$25

C.$35

D.$50

Explanation: As of April 19, 2022, the FCC has implemented a $35 application fee to process new commercial radio operator license applications. This fee is paid directly to the FCC after passing the required exam elements. The COLEM exam fees are separate and vary by provider, typically ranging from $50 to $90 for the GROL exam elements.

7What is the FCC Registration Number (FRN) used for?

A.It is the frequency assigned to your radio station

B.It identifies your radio equipment model

C.It is a unique identifier required for all FCC licensing transactions

D.It is your amateur radio call sign

Explanation: An FCC Registration Number (FRN) is a unique identifier assigned to individuals and entities who interact with the FCC. It is required for all FCC licensing transactions, including applying for a commercial operator license. Before taking FCC exams, candidates must create an FCC user profile and obtain an FRN through the FCC's CORES (Commission Registration System) website.

8According to Ohm's Law, what is the current flowing through a 50-ohm resistor with 100 volts applied across it?

A.0.5 ampere

B.2 amperes

C.5 amperes

D.5000 amperes

Explanation: Ohm's Law states that I = V/R, where I is current in amperes, V is voltage in volts, and R is resistance in ohms. Therefore, I = 100V / 50 ohms = 2 amperes. This fundamental relationship is essential for calculating current, voltage, and resistance in all electronic circuits.

9What is the total resistance of three 30-ohm resistors connected in parallel?

A.10 ohms

B.30 ohms

C.90 ohms

D.270 ohms

Explanation: For identical resistors in parallel, the total resistance equals one resistor's value divided by the number of resistors: R_total = R/n = 30/3 = 10 ohms. Alternatively, using the parallel formula: 1/R_total = 1/30 + 1/30 + 1/30 = 3/30 = 1/10, so R_total = 10 ohms. Parallel resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistor.

10What is the unit of measurement for electrical capacitance?

A.Henry

B.Ohm

C.Farad

D.Watt

Explanation: The farad (F) is the SI unit of electrical capacitance, named after Michael Faraday. One farad is the capacitance of a capacitor that stores one coulomb of charge with one volt across it. The henry is the unit of inductance, the ohm is the unit of resistance, and the watt is the unit of power. Common subunits include microfarads (uF), nanofarads (nF), and picofarads (pF).

About the GROL Exam

The FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) is a lifetime commercial radio license required to adjust, maintain, or internally repair FCC-licensed radiotelephone transmitters in aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services. It requires passing Element 1 (Basic Radio Law, 24 questions) and Element 3 (General Radiotelephone, 100 questions).

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours (for up to 2 elements)

Passing Score

75% (75 out of 100 for Element 3)

Exam Fee

$50-$90 COLEM fee + $35 FCC application fee (FCC (exams administered by authorized COLEMs))

GROL Exam Content Outline

15%

Electrical Principles

Ohm's Law, AC/DC circuits, power, impedance, resonance, time constants, and decibel calculations

15%

Circuit Components

Transistors, diodes, capacitors, inductors, transformers, SCRs, and digital logic gates

20%

Practical Circuits

Receivers, transmitters, oscillators, amplifiers, power supplies, filters, and radar systems

10%

Signals and Emissions

AM, FM, SSB modulation, bandwidth, deviation ratio, and pre-emphasis/de-emphasis

10%

Antennas and Feed Lines

Antenna types, radiation patterns, transmission lines, SWR, impedance matching, and waveguides

10%

Radio Wave Propagation

Ground wave, sky wave, line-of-sight, ionospheric layers, MUF, Doppler effect, and multipath

Operating Procedures

Maritime/aviation radio procedures, distress signals, phonetic alphabet, and CTCSS

FCC Rules and Regulations

Licensing, FCC enforcement, harmful interference, and commercial radio operator requirements

Safety

RF radiation exposure limits, high-voltage safety, and equipment safety practices

How to Pass the GROL Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75% (75 out of 100 for Element 3)
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: 4 hours (for up to 2 elements)
Exam fee: $50-$90 COLEM fee + $35 FCC application fee

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

GROL Study Tips from Top Performers

1Download the free FCC Element 3 question pool from the FCC website — the actual exam draws from this published pool

2Master Ohm's Law and basic circuit calculations first — they appear throughout the exam in various forms

3Focus on understanding receiver and transmitter block diagrams — know the function of each stage

4Learn the key formulas: wavelength-frequency relationship, resonant frequency, power gain in dB, and time constants

5Study modulation types thoroughly — understand the differences between AM, FM, SSB, and their advantages

6Practice maritime operating procedures and distress communications — Element 1 and parts of Element 3 cover these

7Review FCC regulations on harmful interference, licensing requirements, and RF exposure safety limits

8Take timed practice exams to build confidence — aim for 85%+ before scheduling your real exam

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)?

The GROL is an FCC commercial radio license required to adjust, maintain, or internally repair FCC-licensed radiotelephone transmitters in aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services. It requires passing Element 1 (Basic Radio Law, 24 questions) and Element 3 (General Radiotelephone, 100 questions). The license is issued for the holder's lifetime and is used in over 42 industries including broadcasting, aviation, maritime, and telecommunications.

How many questions are on the GROL exam?

The GROL consists of two exam elements: Element 1 has 24 multiple-choice questions (must score 75%, or 18 correct), and Element 3 has 100 multiple-choice questions (must score 75%, or 75 correct). Both elements can be taken in a single 4-hour session. Element 3 covers eight content areas: operating procedures, radio wave propagation, radio practice, electrical principles, circuit components, practical circuits, signals and emissions, and antennas and feed lines.

Where can I take the GROL exam?

GROL exams are administered by Commercial Operator License Examination Managers (COLEMs) authorized by the FCC. The FCC does not administer exams directly. Major COLEMs include ETA International, Exemplar Global (iNARTE), ISCET, Mariners Learning System, and National Radio Examiners. Many COLEMs offer both in-person testing at locations nationwide and online proctored exams you can take from home.

How much does the GROL exam cost?

The total cost for obtaining a GROL is approximately $85-$175. COLEM exam fees range from $50-$90 for a session covering up to 2 elements (varies by provider). Additionally, the FCC charges a $35 application fee paid directly to the FCC after passing. The FCC question pools are available for free download from the FCC website, so study materials can be obtained at no cost.

How long is the GROL valid?

The GROL is issued for the holder's lifetime. Commercial radio operator licenses issued on or after May 20, 2013 are valid for the lifetime of the holder and do not need to be renewed. There are no continuing education requirements to maintain the license. If you pass only one element, you receive credit for it and only need to retake the other element.

What careers require a GROL?

The GROL is required or preferred for careers including broadcast engineer ($55K-$126K salary range), aviation electronics technician, marine electronics technician, two-way radio technician, telecommunications technician, radar systems technician, and satellite communications technician. It is mandatory for anyone who adjusts, maintains, or internally repairs FCC-licensed radiotelephone transmitters in aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services.

Do I need any prerequisites to take the GROL exam?

There are no education, experience, or age requirements for the GROL. You must be eligible for employment in the United States and able to transmit and receive spoken messages in English. Before testing, you must create an FCC user profile and obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN) through the FCC CORES system. No mandatory waiting period exists for retesting if you do not pass.