The amateur radio exams have the simplest passing rule in this whole list, because it is written into the FCC's rules. Here it is, from 47 CFR Part 97.
Technician and General: 26 right out of 35. Amateur Extra: 37 right out of 50.
That's about 74% on every element. Your volunteer examiners (VEs) grade each element as soon as you finish it, so you know before you leave. No curve, no scaling: 26 is 26.
Checked October 18, 2026 against the official sources listed at the bottom of this page.
Take the free Technician practice testThe 2026-2030 pool, 35 questions, no sign-up| Element | License | Questions | To pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Technician | 35 | 26 |
| 3 | General | 35 | 26 |
| 4 | Amateur Extra | 50 | 37 |
47 CFR 97.503. Questions come from the public question pool for each element.
The VEs give you a Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) for each element you pass (97.509(l)). It counts toward the next element for 365 days (97.505(b)), so if you pass Technician and want to try General at a later session, you're covered for a year.
The VEs hand back your application and tell you your grade (97.509(j)). Part 97 doesn't set a waiting period. The one rule is that the same question set can't be given to you again (97.509(f)), so whether you can try a different version the same day is up to that VE team and its coordinator. Ask before the session.
26 of 35 (47 CFR 97.503). The General exam is also 26 of 35.
37 correct out of 50.
VEs must give you credit for each element your CSCE shows you passed within the previous 365 days (47 CFR 97.505).
Part 97 sets no waiting period, but the same question set can't be given to you twice. Whether a team offers a retake at the same session is up to the VE team and its coordinator.