100+ Free ZA RAE Class B (ZU) Practice Questions

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Sample ZA RAE Class B (ZU) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ZA RAE Class B (ZU) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which organisation conducts the Radio Amateur Examination (RAE) in South Africa on behalf of the national regulator?

A.Department of Transport

B.South African Radio League (SARL)

C.South African Post Office

D.South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Explanation: The South African Radio League (SARL) conducts the RAE at designated centres on behalf of ICASA. Passing the written exam and completing the required HF practical assessment are steps toward an ICASA amateur station licence.

2What is the national communications regulator that licences amateur radio stations in South Africa?

A.CEPT

B.ICASA

C.SARL

D.ITU

Explanation: The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is the national regulator that issues amateur radio station licences and publishes radio frequency spectrum regulations. SARL conducts the examination, but ICASA is the licensing authority.

3Which South African callsign prefix identifies a Class B (introductory) amateur licence?

A.ZS

B.ZT

C.ZR

D.ZU

Explanation: South African amateur prefixes include ZR, ZS, ZT and ZU. The ZU prefix identifies a Class B foundation or introductory licence with restricted privileges. ZS and ZR are associated with Class A pathways.

4What age restriction applies when applying for a Class B (ZU) licence after passing the Class B examination?

A.The applicant must be under 20 years of age

B.There is no age restriction for a ZU licence

C.The applicant must be under 25 years of age to first obtain ZU

D.The applicant must be under 16 years of age

Explanation: SARL states that any person may write the Class B exam, but only persons under 20 years of age can apply for a Class B (ZU) licence. ICASA Class-B licensing conditions require that the licensee is not over the age of twenty. A Class B novice licence holder should pass Class A before their 25th birthday, after which the Class B novice licence is cancelled.

5What happens if a Class B (ZU) licence holder does not pass the Class A examination before their 25th birthday?

A.The ZU licence continues indefinitely

B.They receive a temporary CEPT permit

C.The Class B novice licence will be cancelled

D.The ZU licence is automatically upgraded to ZS

Explanation: A Class B novice licence holder should write and pass the Class A examination before their 25th birthday. After that date the Class B novice licence is cancelled. There is no automatic upgrade and Class B is not CEPT-recognised.

6Where may a Class B (ZU) licence holder legally operate an amateur station under that certificate?

A.Anywhere in CEPT member countries

B.Anywhere in ITU Region 1 without paperwork

C.Only within the borders of South Africa

D.Worldwide with a ZU callsign

Explanation: The Class B syllabus and SARL guidance state that Class B is not CEPT certified, so the holder does not receive a HAREC. Operation under the Class B certificate is limited to South Africa with restricted band and power privileges.

7What overall and sectional pass marks are required for the Class B Radio Amateur Examination?

A.50% in each section and 65% overall

B.40% overall with no sectional minimum

C.70% in each section only

D.75% overall with no sectional minimum

Explanation: Candidates must attain a minimum of 50% in Regulations and Operating Practices, 50% in Technical Theory, and an overall average of at least 65%. Both sections appear in one paper.

8According to the SARL Class B Study Guide, how is the written Class B examination structured?

A.10 regulations questions and 20 technical questions

B.50 mixed questions with no sections

C.20 regulations and operating questions and 10 technical questions

D.15 regulations and 15 technical questions

Explanation: The Class B written exam consists of Part 1 with 20 regulation and operating procedure questions and Part 2 with 10 technical questions. Candidates need 50% in each part and 65% overall.

9Besides passing the written RAE, what additional requirement must Class B candidates complete for licensing?

A.An HF practical operating assessment with an SARL-appointed assessor

B.A separate commercial radiocommunication operator certificate from ICASA

C.A Morse code speed test at 12 words per minute

D.A commercial radiotelephony certificate

Explanation: Candidates must complete a practical HF operating assessment with an SARL-appointed assessor, including an HF assessment examination with a 75% pass mark and a minimum of five HF contacts. Morse code is not required for a South African amateur licence.

10What pass mark is required on the separate HF assessment examination that accompanies the practical operating test?

A.90%

B.65%

C.50%

D.75%

Explanation: SARL requires candidates to complete an HF assessment examination with a pass mark of 75%, make a minimum of five HF contacts, and pass the practical operating test, in addition to the written RAE.

About the ZA RAE Class B (ZU) Exam

The Class B Radio Amateur Examination is South Africa's introductory written assessment for a restricted ZU amateur licence. It follows a simplified syllabus covering ICASA regulations, operating practice (callsigns, phonetics, Q-codes, RST, CQ, logging), VHF/UHF repeaters, UTC, electrical safety, and introductory electronics, radio principles, antennas, propagation and EMC. The Class B certificate is valid only in South Africa and is not CEPT-recognised; applicants for a ZU licence must be under 20, and holders must upgrade via Class A before age 25.

Assessment

One written multiple-choice paper in two sections presented together: (a) Regulations and Operating Practices (20 questions) and (b) Technical Theory (10 questions). Separately, candidates must complete an SARL-appointed HF practical operating assessment (including an HF assessment examination with a 75% pass mark and a minimum of five HF contacts) before or by the exam date. Successful Class B candidates receive an Amateur Radio Station Licence Introductory Level (Class B) certificate — not a CEPT HAREC.

Time Limit

Typically Saturday 10:00–13:00 (3 hours) at designated SARL centres; May and October sittings (e.g. 16 May 2026 and 10 October 2026).

Passing Score

At least 50% in each of the two written sections and at least 65% overall.

Exam Fee

Class B examination fee published by SARL-affiliated centres at R550 (includes exam costs and the first-year ICASA licence component on success). Confirm the current fee with SARL when you register. (South African Radio League (SARL) on behalf of ICASA)

ZA RAE Class B (ZU) Exam Content Outline

20%

ICASA Regulations & Class B Licensing

Regulator roles, ZU eligibility, SA-only privileges, prefixes, HF assessment and pass marks.

28%

Operating Procedures & Practices

Callsigns, phonetics, Q-codes, RST, CQ, logging and on-air etiquette.

12%

Repeaters VHF and UHF

Offsets, spacing, CTCSS and repeater operating practice.

Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC)

UTC logging and South Africa UTC+2 conversion.

Electrical Safety

Mains voltage, plug wiring, overload hazards and earthing.

12%

Basic Electronics

Ohm's law, series/parallel, meters, resistors, AC/DC, diodes and capacitors.

Radio Communication Principles

20 dBW / 100 W Class B HF limit, modulation and wavelength.

Antennas

Vertical, dipole, Yagi, SWR and dummy loads.

Propagation

Direct, ground and sky waves and the skip zone.

EMC and Interference

EMC, EMI types, grounding and unmodified equipment use.

How to Pass the ZA RAE Class B (ZU) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: At least 50% in each of the two written sections and at least 65% overall.
Assessment: One written multiple-choice paper in two sections presented together: (a) Regulations and Operating Practices (20 questions) and (b) Technical Theory (10 questions). Separately, candidates must complete an SARL-appointed HF practical operating assessment (including an HF assessment examination with a 75% pass mark and a minimum of five HF contacts) before or by the exam date. Successful Class B candidates receive an Amateur Radio Station Licence Introductory Level (Class B) certificate — not a CEPT HAREC.
Time limit: Typically Saturday 10:00–13:00 (3 hours) at designated SARL centres; May and October sittings (e.g. 16 May 2026 and 10 October 2026).
Exam fee: Class B examination fee published by SARL-affiliated centres at R550 (includes exam costs and the first-year ICASA licence component on success). Confirm the current fee with SARL when you register.

Keys to Passing

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

ZA RAE Class B (ZU) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorise the Class B Q-code list and the full phonetic alphabet from the SARL Class B Study Guide — these appear often in the regulations/operating section.

2Drill Ohm's law and series versus parallel circuit behaviour with a multimeter; the technical section is short but calculation and measurement concepts are fair game.

3Know VHF 600 kHz and UHF 7.6 MHz repeater offsets, SA plug colour coding, UTC+2 conversion, and the 20 dBW (100 W) Class B HF power limit cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who runs the South Africa Class B Radio Amateur Examination?

The South African Radio League (SARL) conducts the RAE on behalf of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) at designated centres around the country, usually in May and October.

How many questions are on the official Class B RAE paper?

The Class B written examination has 30 multiple-choice questions in one paper: 20 on Regulations and Operating Practices and 10 on Technical Theory. Candidates need at least 50% in each section and 65% overall.

Who can get a Class B (ZU) licence after passing?

Anyone may write the Class B exam, but ICASA issues a Class B (ZU) licence only to persons under 20 years of age. Holders should pass the Class A examination before their 25th birthday, after which the Class B novice licence is cancelled. The Class B certificate is valid only in South Africa and is not CEPT-recognised.

Is the written RAE enough to get on the air?

No. In addition to passing the written RAE, candidates must complete a practical HF operating assessment with an SARL-appointed assessor, including an HF assessment examination (75% pass mark) and a minimum of five HF contacts, with signed documents uploaded before or by the exam date.