← All apps

Ham Radio General Class Exam: Format, Pass Mark and How to Study

General Class (Element 3) exam facts: 35 questions, 26 to pass, 2023-2027 question pool, plus a study plan.

How many questions are on the General exam?

35 multiple-choice questions, drawn from a pool of 423 questions.

What is the pass mark?

26 correct answers out of 35.

Which pool is current?

The 2023-2027 General pool.

Do I need the Technician license first?

Yes. You must hold a Technician license (or have passed Element 2) before taking the General exam.

Study plan

Spend the first days on operating procedures and band privileges, then electronics and antennas, then take timed practice exams until you are consistently above 85%.

Practice

The free Android app Ham Radio General Class Exam has every question in the pool with practice exams and a readiness score. For a printable version, the Ham General Study Guide (PDF) lists every question with only the correct answer.