About Time Limits

The time limits for the FCC exams have not been very well defined. At some places, for example, you can take up to three commercial elements in a four hour "sitting." In practice, the fact of the matter is that time limits should be inconsequential. These are multiple-choice type tests and many of the questions you either know or you don't. This software does impose a time limit or at least a time guide, but in general this should not be a factor.

Using this Software

Before you take the actual test, use this program to learn the material. We suggest that if, using this program, you can consistently score 95% or better on practice tests covering all of the material, you will in all likelihood not only pass, but pass with a very high score. This software is very flexible--there are many ways of getting to the destination of passing your knowledge test. Try experimenting with different settings and approaches to see which one works best for you. If you are pressured for time, try to be able to get at least 80% correct consistently on practice tests using this program.

MROP - Marine Radio Operators Permit

Marine Radio Operator Permits (MROPs) are required to operate radiotelephone stations aboard vessels:

• Weighing more that 300 gross tons.
• That carry more than six passengers for hire in the open sea OR any coastal/tidewater area of the United States.
• Aboard certain vessels that sail the Great Lakes.
• AND to operate certain aviation radiotelephone stations and certain coast radiotelephone stations.
• MROPs DO NOT authorize the operation of any AM, FM or TV broadcast stations.

• be a legal resident of (eligible for employment in) the United States; and
• be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and
• pass the Written Element 1 examination.
  Written Element 1 covers basic radio law and operating procedures with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar. 24 questions concerning provisions of laws, treaties, regulations, and operating procedures and practices generally followed or required in communicating by means of radiotelephone stations. The minimum passing score is 75% (18 questions answered correctly).

MROPs are valid for a five year term. They may be renewed from anytime in the last year of the license term to five years following expiration. An expired MROP is not valid for any radio operations.

GROL - General RadioTelephone Operators License

A General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) is required to adjust maintain, or internally repair FCC licensed radiotelephone transmitters in the aviation, maritime and international fixed public radio services. It conveys all of the operating authority of the MROP.
It is required to operate the following:

• any maritime land radio station or compulsorily equipped ship radiotelephone station operating with more than 1500 watts of peak envelope power;
• voluntarily equipped ship and aeronautical (including aircraft) stations with more than 1000 watts of peak envelope power.
  

To be eligible for a GROL 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; and
• pass the Written Examination for Element 1 (or provide proof of a current Marine Radio Operator Permit) and Written Element 3.

• Written Element 1 Examination covers basic radio law and operating procedures with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar. 24 questions concerning provisions of laws, treaties, regulations, and operating procedures and practices generally followed or required in communicating by means of radiotelephone stations. The minimum passing score is 75% (18 questions answered correctly).
• Written Element 3 Examination comprised of 76 questions concerning electronic fundamentals and techniques required to adjust, repair, and maintain radio transmitters and receivers at stations licensed by the FCC in the aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services. The minimum passing score is 75% (57 questions answered correctly).

The GROL is issued for the lifetime of the holder.

Ship Radar Endorsement

The Ship Radar Endorsement may be placed only on General Radiotelephone Operator Licenses or on First or Second class radiotelegraph operator's certificates. Only persons whose commercial radio operator license bears this endorsement may repair, maintain or internally adjust ship radar equipment.

To be eligible for this endorsement, you must:

• hold (or qualify for) a First or Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate or a General Radiotelephone Operator License, and;
• Pass the Written Element 8 examination. Ship radar techniques. 50 questions concerning specialized theory and practice applicable to the proper installation, servicing and maintenance of ship radar equipment in general use for marine navigational purposes. The minimum passing score is 75% (38 questions answered correctly).

About GMDSS - The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

The GMDSS radiocommunication safety system for ships has replaced the former ship-to-ship safety system, which relied on a manual Morse code system on 500 kHz and voice radiotelephony on Channel 16 and 2182 kHz. GMDSS is an automated ship-to-shore system which uses satellites and digital technology.

GMDSS Radio Operator License

The GMDSS radio operator is an individual qualified to handle radiocommunications aboard ships in compliance with the GMDSS regulations, including basic equipment and antenna adjustments. The GMDSS radio operator need not be a radio officer. The GMDSS Operator License also confers the operating authority of the Marine Radio Operator Permit.

To be eligible for this license, you must:

• be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States;
• be able to receive and transmit spoken message in English;
• pass written examinations for Element 1 (or provide proof of a current Marine Radio Operator Permit) and written Element 7.

• Written Element 1. Basic radio law and operating practice with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar. 24 questions concerning provisions of laws, treaties, regulations, and operating procedures and practices generally followed or required in communicating by means of radiotelephone stations. The minimum passing score is 75% (18 questions answered correctly).
• Written Element 7. GMDSS radio operating practices. 100 questions concerning GMDSS radio operating procedures and practices sufficient to show detailed practical knowledge of the operation of all GMDSS sub-systems and equipment; ability to send and receive correctly by radio telephone and narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy; detailed knowledge of the regulations applying to radio communications, knowledge of the documents relating to charges for radio communications and knowledge of those provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea which relate to radio; sufficient knowledge of English to be able to express oneself satisfactorily both orally and in writing; knowledge of and ability to perform each function listed in Section 80.1081; and knowledge covering the requirements set forth in IMO Assembly Resolution on Training for Radio Personnel (GMDSS), Annex 3. The minimum passing score is 75% (75 questions answered correctly).

GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License

GMDSS regulations require that GMDSS ships using at-sea maintenance, and only ships that choose at-sea maintenance, carry a licensed GMDSS radio maintainer. The GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License also confers the operating authority of both the General Radiotelephone Operator License and the Marine Radio Operator Permit.

To be eligible for this license, you must:

• be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States;
• be able to receive and transmit spoken message in English;
• pass written examinations for Element 1 (or provide proof of a current Marine Radio Operator Permit), written Element 3 (or provide proof of a current General Radiotelephone Operator License) and Element 9.

• Written Element 1. Basic radio law and operating practice with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar. 24 questions concerning provisions of laws, treaties, regulations, and operating procedures and practices generally followed or required in communicating by means of radiotelephone stations. The minimum passing score is 75% (18 questions answered correctly).
• Written Element 3. Examination comprised of 76 questions concerning electronic fundamentals and techniques required to adjust, repair, and maintain radio transmitters and receivers at stations licensed by the FCC in the aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services. The minimum passing score is 75% (57 questions answered correctly).
• Written Element 9. GMDSS radio maintenance practices and procedures. 50 questions concerning the requirements set forth 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 minimum passing score is 75% (38 questions answered correctly).
  

Where to Take the Tests

We used to maintain a list of places where you could take your test, but the number of such centers has blossomed significantly to where it would not be fair of us to maintain such a list because we might leave somebody out. Therefore, please consult Google to find your nearest test-taking center. There are literally hundreds of them nationwide for Amateur and Commercial exams, so there will be one near you.

What to bring to the test

Bring the following with you to the test:

• One (or, preferably, two) forms of photo identification
• A nonprogrammable calculator is allowed for many tests
• Test centers are supposed to provide you with pencils and scratch paper. You may want to bring your own pencils, though whether every center will let you use them is not clear.
• The test center fee, if not paid in advance. Some test centers accept payment by credit card, but many may not.

• Yourself, mentally relaxed, physically well-rested, not-pressed for time, not worried about the crisis at work, and confident in your preparation.

Things not to worry about (first time test takers--this applies to you!)

We get a lot of email from first-time test takers who tend to, well, obsess over small things more than they need to. Please (PLEASE!) trust us on the following:

• At testing centers where the test is given on computer (as opposed to pencil-and-paper), the software at the actual test centers is VERY straightfoward and VERY simple to use. Before every test, you have the option of taking a tutorial on how to use the test center system. The interface that we provide in this software, while having all of the elements of the test center software, is geared at helping you study the material with as little wasted time as possible. The test center software is geared towards ease of use for those who may not even have seen a computer before, so you should have no problem whatsoever with it. Indeed, if you are concerned that the extra detail of dealing with the test center's software is the difference between passing and failing, well, you need to study more!
• If you get a 98% or even an 88% when you're sure--so very very sure--that you studied and studied and DESERVED that 100%, please don't worry about it too much. If you're reading this and you haven't yet taken your test, you may wonder at the leveheadedness of those who might see fit to complain or consider restesting after a 98%--but a certain percentage of you does--and we have the email to prove it. Really: a 98 or even an 88 is a wonderful score--well above average on most tests (and remember--the others taking the tests are not dullards--they are generally interesting, smart, and capable people just like yourself) and if you studied as hard as you think you did, you probably accomplished the main goal of these knowledge tests--you learned the material pretty darn well. Be happy!

Test Taking Tips

• Answer each question in accordance with the latest regulations and guidance publications - that said, any (unlikely) typos notwithstanding, this software contains all of the questions and the correct answers.
• Read each question carefully before looking at the possible answers. You should clearly understand the problem before attempting to solve it.
• After formulating an answer, determine which choice corresponds with that answer. The answer chosen should completely resolve the problem.
• From the answers given, it may appear that there is more than one possible answer; however, there is only one answer that is correct and complete. The other answers are either incomplete, erroneous, or represent common misconceptions.
• If a certain question is difficult for you, it is best to mark it for review and proceed to the next question. After you answer the less difficult questions, return to those which you marked for review and answer them. The review marking procedure will be explained to you prior to starting the test.
• When solving a calculation problem, select the answer closest to your solution. The problem has been checked with various types of calculators; therefore, if you have solved it correctly, your answer will be closer to the correct answer than any of the other choices.

Good Luck on Your Test!