130+ Free GROL Practice Questions
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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
2
Required Elements
Written Elements 1 and 3
17
Element 3 Topic Groups
FCC pool topics 3-A through 3-Q
The GROL requires passing two exam elements: Element 1 has 24 questions and requires 18 correct; Element 3 has 100 questions and requires 75 correct. FCC-authorized COLEMs administer the examinations and set session timing. The license is issued for the holder's lifetime.
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 130+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1What is the minimum passing score for the FCC Element 3 (General Radiotelephone) examination?
2What examination elements are required to obtain a General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)?
3A GROL holder is required to adjust, maintain, or internally repair FCC-licensed radiotelephone transmitters in which services?
4What is the term of a General Radiotelephone Operator License issued by the FCC?
5Who administers the FCC commercial operator license examinations?
6What is the FCC application fee for a new commercial radio operator license?
7What is the FCC Registration Number (FRN) used for?
8According to Ohm's Law, what is the current flowing through a 50-ohm resistor with 100 volts applied across it?
9What is the total resistance of three 30-ohm resistors connected in parallel?
10What is the unit of measurement for electrical capacitance?
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
124 scored questions
Time Limit
Not published by FCC; the administering COLEM sets session timing
Passing Score
Element 1: 18 of 24 (75%); Element 3: 75 of 100 (75%)
Exam Fee
$50-$90 COLEM fee + $35 FCC application fee (FCC (exams administered by authorized COLEMs))
GROL Exam Content Outline
Written Element 1 — Basic Radio Law and Operating Practice
Maritime radio law, regulations, treaties, and operating practice; 18 correct answers are required.
Written Element 3 — General Radiotelephone
Electronic fundamentals and maintenance techniques across the FCC's 100 published Element 3 subtopics; 75 correct answers are required.
How to Pass the GROL Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Element 1: 18 of 24 (75%); Element 3: 75 of 100 (75%)
- Exam length: 124 questions
- Time limit: Not published by FCC; the administering COLEM sets session timing
- Exam fee: $50-$90 COLEM fee + $35 FCC application fee
Keys to Passing
- Work through all 130 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
GROL Study Tips from Top Performers
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) and is issued for the holder's lifetime.
How many questions are on the GROL exam?
The GROL consists of two exam elements: Element 1 has 24 multiple-choice questions and requires 18 correct; Element 3 has 100 multiple-choice questions and requires 75 correct. FCC does not set a universal session time—each COLEM controls its examination format and timing. The current Element 3 pool is organized into 100 subtopics under 17 lettered topics, 3-A through 3-Q.
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 and has no FCC continuing-education requirement. If you pass only one required written element, retain the COLEM-issued examination credit and complete the other element before applying.
What careers require a GROL?
GROL-related work includes maintaining or internally repairing FCC-licensed radiotelephone transmitters in aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services. Whether a particular job requires or merely prefers the credential depends on the station, equipment, duties, and employer.
Do I need any prerequisites to take the GROL exam?
There is no formal education prerequisite or employer sponsorship requirement. Applicants must meet FCC commercial-operator eligibility, including spoken-English ability and U.S. employment eligibility. FCC does not publish a fixed GROL retake waiting period, so confirm retesting terms with the administering COLEM.