How to Study for the ROC-A: Simple Plan and Checklist
By Lesley Pinto, ISED-accredited delegate ROC-A examiner · Last reviewed 18 Oct 2026
Quick answer: Study ISED's free RIC-21 guide, then take practice quizzes until you score 70% or more twice in a row. Focus on how a radio call is built, procedural words, the phonetic alphabet, and distress (MAYDAY) and urgency messages. The free Study Hub has the material and 7 practice quizzes of 25 questions each.
Book CA$113 · Study free first
At a glance
Official guide | RIC-21 (free, from ISED) |
Practice | 7 free quizzes, 25 questions each |
Target | 70% or more on two quizzes in a row |
Key topics | Calling procedure, procedural words, phonetic alphabet, distress/urgency, rules |
Exam | 25 questions, closed book, 70% to pass |
Steps
Day 1: Read RIC-21 sections on priority of messages, privacy and banned language.
Day 2: Learn the phonetic alphabet and how numbers are spoken.
Day 3: Learn the procedural words and practise saying a full call out loud.
Day 4: Study distress (MAYDAY) and urgency messages: content, frequency, cancellation.
Day 6: Re-read weak sections; take two more quizzes.
Day 7: Score 70%+ twice in a row? Book CA$113.
How is a radio call built?
RIC-21's examples follow one pattern: the station you're calling, "THIS IS", your call sign, the message, then OVER or OUT. Example from RIC-21:
OTTAWA RADIO THIS IS PIPER CHARLIE FOXTROT X-RAY QUEBEC QUEBEC ON FREQUENCY ONE TWO TWO DECIMAL ONE OVER
Which messages come first?
RIC-21 sets the order of priority. The top of the list: 1) distress, 2) urgency, 3) radio direction-finding, 4) flight safety, 5) meteorological, 6) flight regularity. Distress always comes first.
Key words to know
Word | Learn this |
|---|---|
ROGER, SAY AGAIN, WORDS TWICE, CORRECTION, OVER, OUT | Procedural words listed in ISED's sample questions |
MAYDAY | The distress signal |
Urgency signal | Know the spoken word and when to use it (RIC-21 §7) |
Phonetic alphabet | Spelling call signs and words clearly |
Towered vs uncontrolled airports
In communications between a ground station and an aircraft, the ground station normally controls the exchange. Between two aircraft, the aircraft being called is in control. In distress or urgency, control lies with the station making the priority call (RIC-21 §4.3).
Rules that are easy to forget
Don't share what you hear on the radio, except for distress, urgency, safety or "ALL STATIONS" messages.
No superfluous chat and no profane or obscene language.
Never send a false distress call.
Ready to see the exam itself? Read What's on the ROC-A exam.
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
What is the official ROC-A study guide?
RIC-21, the Study Guide for the Restricted Operator Certificate With Aeronautical Qualification. It is free on ISED's website.
How long does it take to study for the ROC-A?
It depends on you. A simple plan is a week of short sessions, then booking once you score 70% or more on two practice quizzes in a row.
Are there free ROC-A practice tests?
Yes. The ROCALicence.com Study Hub has 7 free practice quizzes with 25 questions each.
What is the order of priority for radio messages?
Distress comes first, then urgency, then radio direction-finding, then flight safety messages, according to RIC-21.
Do I need a course to pass the ROC-A?
No course is required. ISED recommends studying RIC-21, and you can practise for free in the Study Hub.
Related guides
ROC-A Exam Format: Questions, Pass Mark, What to Expect: https://rocalicence.com/post/roca-exam-format-what-to-expect
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
Sources
Lesley Pinto, ISED-accredited delegate ROC-A examiner · Last reviewed 18 Oct 2026
