ROC-A Exam Format: Questions, Pass Mark, What to Expect
By Lesley Pinto, ISED-accredited delegate ROC-A examiner · Last reviewed 18 Oct 2026
Quick answer: The ROC-A exam has 25 multiple-choice questions, is closed book, and the pass mark is 70% or more. ISED's exam also includes a short practical radio call. With ROCALicence.com it is one-on-one with an accredited examiner over Google Meet, takes about 30 minutes, and you get pass/fail at the end.
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At a glance
Questions | 25 multiple choice |
Pass mark | 70% (ISED) |
Open book? | No, closed book |
Practical part | A short simulated radio call using correct procedure |
Based on | ISED's RIC-21 study guide |
Length with us | About 30 minutes |
Self-paced? | No; live, one-on-one with the examiner |
Result | Pass/fail at the end of the session |
Certificate | ISED processes in 24–48 hours, then mails it |
Steps
Join the Google Meet link a few minutes early.
Show your photo ID to the examiner.
Complete the application details with the examiner.
Answer the 25 questions and do the practical radio call.
Get your pass/fail result at the end.
If you pass, your application goes to ISED, which mails your certificate.
What kind of questions are on it?
ISED's examiner guide (RIC-20) lists the topic areas:
Operating procedures: calling a station, replying, signal checks, test signals, identifying your station
Procedural words: OUT, ROGER, SAY AGAIN, WORDS TWICE, CORRECTION, OVER
Phonetic alphabet and when to use it
Distress (MAYDAY) and urgency messages: what they mean, what to say, which frequency, how to cancel
Rules: priority of messages, privacy of communications, banned language, and which authorization a radio station needs
What's the practical part?
RIC-20 describes it as a simulated exchange where you act as the radio operator of an aircraft or ground station and send a message of about fifteen words using correct calling and operating procedure.
Is the ROC-A exam hard?
It's a short exam on a defined topic list. The best check is a timed practice quiz: if you score 70% or more on two in a row, you know the material. Study tips are in How to study for the ROC-A.
Common mistakes to avoid
Learning answers by heart without learning the call structure: who you call, who you are, the message.
Mixing up distress (MAYDAY) and urgency messages.
Skipping the phonetic alphabet and the way numbers are spoken.
Not testing your camera, microphone and internet before a virtual exam (setup checklist).
Forgetting your photo ID.
What if I don't pass?
You can book again. There is no waiting period and no limit on attempts; each attempt is a new booking at the full fee. Go over the topics you missed in the free Study Hub, retake the practice quizzes, then book when you're scoring 70% or more.
Your next step
Take Practice Quiz 1 (free, 25 questions).
Review weak topics in the free Study Hub.
Pick a live time in the calendar and Book CA$113: one-on-one on Google Meet, about 30 minutes.
FAQ
How many questions are on the ROC-A exam?
The official ROC-A exam has 25 multiple-choice questions.
What is the ROC-A pass mark?
The pass mark is 70% (ISED).
Is the ROC-A exam open book?
No. ISED says all ROC-A exams are closed book.
How long is the ROC-A exam?
With ROCALicence.com the exam takes about 30 minutes, one-on-one with the examiner on Google Meet. It is not self-paced.
When do I get my result?
You get pass/fail at the end of your session. If you pass, ISED processes your application in 24–48 hours and mails your certificate.
Can I retake the ROC-A if I fail?
Yes. There is no waiting period and no limit on attempts. Each retake is a new booking at the full exam fee.
What ID do I need?
Bring government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver's licence. The examiner checks it before you start.
What topics come up on the ROC-A exam?
The exam is built on RIC-21: calling and replying procedure, procedural words, the phonetic alphabet and numbers, distress (MAYDAY) and urgency (PAN PAN) messages, priority of communications, privacy of communications, and the rules on interference and profane language.
Related guides
What's a ROC-A? How to Get Your ROC-A in Canada: https://rocalicence.com/post/roca-licence-canada-complete-guide
ROC-A Exam Cost in Canada (2026) and How to Book: https://rocalicence.com/post/roca-exam-cost-canada
Virtual ROC-A Exam on Google Meet: How It Works: https://rocalicence.com/post/roca-exam-online-virtual
How to Study for the ROC-A: Simple Plan and Checklist: https://rocalicence.com/post/study-roca-in-7-days
Sources
Lesley Pinto, ISED-accredited delegate ROC-A examiner · Last reviewed 18 Oct 2026
