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General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) examination
Find the current format, timing, scoring, fees, eligibility, and testing options for GROL, with direct links to official sources.
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Questions124 questions total: Element 1 has 24 questions; Element 3 has 100 questions
Testing timeUp to 4 hours for Elements 1 and 3 combined (suggested time limit for Element 1: 1 hour; per COLEM administration instructions citing FCC guidelines, monitor may allow longer)
ScoringElement 1: at least 18 of 24 correct; Element 3: 75 of 100 correct
Exam feeExam fee varies by COLEM, USD 25-99.95 per element or per two-element session (e.g., ETA International: USD 50 for Elements 1 and 3 together; NMEA: USD 50 per element); plus USD 35 FCC application filing fee for a new license
Prep options
Study resources for GROL
Independent prep
Courses and study resources
Exam overview
What to know before choosing your prep
- Who runs it
- FCC
- Category
- Radio Communications
- Current version
- Current specification; no public version label
- Where it applies
- United States — national
- Exam languages
- English
- Score scale
- Raw number-correct per element (no scaled score); pass rules are stated as raw counts of correct answers
- Testing provider
- Commercial Operator License Examination Managers (COLEMs) - e.g., ETA International, NMEA, Elkins International, ISCET, Mariners Learning System, National Radio Examiners
- Format
- Varies by COLEM: in person at COLEM test sites (paper/pencil or computer) or online with remote proctoring
- Availability
- Year-round by appointment; scheduling varies by COLEM
- Results
- COLEM grades the exam and issues Proof of Passing Certificate(s) upon passing (ETA issues the PPC within 10 days)
- Credential validity
- Proof of Passing Certificates must show the element(s) were passed; passed elements credit the corresponding license requirements; GROL itself is issued for the holder's lifetime
- Remote testing
- Varies by jurisdiction
Exam structure
Two written examination elements making up one complete exam: Element 1 (24 questions on basic radio law and operating practice) and Element 3 (100 questions on electronic fundamentals and techniques required to adjust, repair, and maintain radio transmitters and receivers)
Where rules vary
A single U.S. federal license with uniform exam elements; COLEMs are 'authorized by the FCC to administer examinations nationwide and, in some instances, at foreign sites.'
Eligibility
Be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States and be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English
Retake policy
Retakes require an additional COLEM exam fee; ETA COLEM policy: no waiting period for FCC exam retakes