This page links to pages that explain each of the written Elements are required to pass a particular FCC test. Not every written element is required to pass a test; only those designated by the FCC.
FCC Exam Elements Explained
An “element” is one exam, either a written test or a code test. Licenses are built by combining elements, so you pass one or more to earn a given license. There are two separate families: commercial elements and amateur (ham) radio elements, and their numbering overlaps, which causes confusion. I’m confident about the main ones below, but I’ll flag where I’m less sure.
Licenses That Need No Exam
MURS, FRS, and GMRS require no exam, so no elements apply. GMRS just requires a license application and fee. The Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is also exam-free, since you simply attest that you understand the rules.
Commercial Elements
Element 1: Basic Radio Law and Operating Practice. About 24 questions on FCC rules, operating procedures, and legal duties. Almost every commercial license starts here. It’s the only exam needed for the Marine Radio Operator Permit.
Element 3: General Radiotelephone. A big technical exam, about 100 questions, covering electronics, circuits, transmitters, receivers, antennas, and troubleshooting. Combined with Element 1, it earns the General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL), which lets you operate and maintain ship, aircraft, and other commercial radio equipment. It’s the most common commercial credential today.
Element 6: Advanced Radiotelegraph. A written exam of about 100 questions on radiotelegraph theory, equipment, and maritime procedures. This is the technical side of the telegraph license we discussed earlier.
Element 7: GMDSS Radio Operating Practices. Covers the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, the modern satellite and digital distress system on ships. With Element 1, it earns the GMDSS Radio Operator License.
Element 8: Ship Radar Techniques. About 50 questions on radar theory, operation, and maintenance. Passing it adds a Ship Radar Endorsement to a GROL or similar license.
Element 9: GMDSS Radio Maintenance Practices. Focuses on repairing and maintaining GMDSS equipment. Combined with Elements 1 and 3, it leads to the GMDSS Radio Maintainer’s License.
Elements 2, 4, and 5 (less certain). These numbers existed in older commercial systems, such as basic radiotelephone and advanced radiotelephone, but were retired or consolidated. Old code-speed elements for telegraph licenses were also renumbered over the years. If you see them in older study material, confirm they still apply.
Amateur Radio Elements
These use the same numbers as commercial ones, but they are entirely separate exams, so always check which family you’re reading about.
Element 2: Technician. 35 multiple-choice questions on basic rules, operating, and simple electronics. It earns the Technician license, the entry-level ham license with privileges on VHF and UHF and some HF access.
Element 3: General. 35 questions, more advanced. Passing it (along with Element 2) earns the General license, which opens up much more of the HF bands for long-distance communication.
Element 4: Amateur Extra. 50 questions, the toughest ham exam. Passing it (along with Elements 2 and 3) earns the Amateur Extra license, which grants all amateur privileges.
Element 1: Morse Code (retired). Amateur code tests, once offered at 5, 13, and 20 words per minute, were eliminated in 2007. No code test is needed for any ham license today.
How They Fit Together
A simple way to think about it: commercial elements build professional maritime, aviation, and equipment-maintenance credentials, while amateur elements build a hobbyist ladder of Technician, General, and Extra. Elements 1 and 3 are the workhorses of the commercial side, and Elements 2, 3, and 4 are the workhorses of the amateur side.
Check Before You Study
Exam requirements and question counts can change. Confirm current details in 47 CFR Part 13 (commercial) and Part 97 (amateur), or ask an exam manager (COLEM for commercial, VEC for amateur) before you start studying.