The FCC amateur radio question pools are updated on a rotating 4-year cycle. Here’s everything you need to know about the current pools and upcoming changes.
Current Question Pool Status
| License Class | Current Pool | Valid Until | Next Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technician | 2022-2026 | June 30, 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
| General | 2023-2027 | June 30, 2027 | July 1, 2027 |
| Extra | 2024-2028 | June 30, 2028 | July 1, 2028 |
Good news: All current pools are stable for the next few years!
What Changed in Recent Updates
Technician Pool (2022-2026)
The current Technician pool includes:
- Updated FCC Part 97 references
- New questions on digital modes
- Revised safety procedures
- Updated frequency allocations
General Pool (2023-2027)
Key changes in the General pool:
- Enhanced digital mode coverage
- Updated propagation questions
- New questions on modern transceivers
- Revised antenna theory sections
Extra Pool (2024-2028)
The newest Extra pool features:
- Advanced digital signal processing
- Updated regulatory content
- Modern operating practices
- Enhanced technical theory
How Pool Changes Affect You
If You’re Currently Studying
Don’t worry! You have plenty of time:
- Technician students: Valid until June 2026
- General students: Valid until June 2027
- Extra students: Valid until June 2028
If You’re Planning to Study Later
The pools won’t change until the dates listed above. Start studying whenever you’re ready - the material will remain current.
When a Pool Changes
When a new pool is released:
- Old questions are gradually phased out
- New questions are introduced
- Study materials are updated
- A transition period may apply
Tip: If you’re close to a pool change date, consider taking your exam before the change to avoid learning new material.
Where to Find Official Pool Information
The official question pools are maintained by the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC):
- NCVEC Question Pool Page
- Pool documents include all possible exam questions
- HAM Test Bank always uses the current official pools
HAM Test Bank Updates
We keep our question database synchronized with the official NCVEC pools:
- ✅ All questions from current pools
- ✅ Detailed explanations for every answer
- ✅ Immediate updates when pools change
- ✅ Historical tracking of changes
What to Expect for Future Pools
Based on trends, future pools may include more questions about:
- Software Defined Radio (SDR)
- Digital voice modes (DMR, D-STAR, Fusion)
- Modern propagation tools
- Updated safety protocols
- Satellite and space communications
Staying Informed
To stay updated on question pool changes:
- Check back here - We’ll post updates as they happen
- NCVEC announcements - Official source for pool changes
- ARRL news - Regular coverage of licensing updates
Ready to Study?
The current pools are stable - now is a great time to start:
- Technician Questions - 2022-2026 Pool
- General Questions - 2023-2027 Pool
- Extra Questions - 2024-2028 Pool
Good luck with your studies! 73