10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The CBT exam has 50 questions and runs 3 hours.
These 10 free CBT questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Broadcast Technologist blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
The lead vocal on a newly patched balanced analog stereo feed sounds normal when either channel is monitored alone, but nearly disappears in a mono sum. A mono test signal reaches both inputs at equal level and produces the same cancellation. What fault best explains both observations?
Correct answer: C - The hot and cold conductors are interchanged in one channel.
A calibrated directional wattmeter reads 1,000 W forward and 40 W reflected at the same reference plane. For this operating mode, the site's procedure requires shutdown if voltage standing-wave ratio (VSWR) exceeds 1.8:1; all other operating checks are satisfactory. Which calculation and operating decision are correct?
Correct answer: D - 1.50:1; operation may continue under the mismatch rule.
After a video processor is installed, a reference monitor shows raised blacks and dull whites. The incoming 10-bit BT.709 test signal has reference black at code 64 and reference white at code 940. The processor is interpreting its input as full-range 0-1023; its output format matches the monitor. What change restores the intended tonal range?
Correct answer: B - Set the processor's input interpretation to studio range, with luma black 64 and white 940.
Hum appears in an analog console supplied by a linear power supply with a four-diode bridge rectifier. On 60 Hz mains, the DC reservoir's ripple is much larger than before but still repeats at 120 Hz. Transformer secondary voltage and load current match the service records. Which component fault best fits these measurements?
Correct answer: D - Loss of capacitance in the smoothing capacitor.
The satellite downlink carrying a program moves from 3.950 GHz to 4.050 GHz. A C-band LNB has a fixed 5.150 GHz local oscillator, and the receiver is tuned by actual intermediate frequency, currently 1.200 GHz. What receiver adjustment is needed to acquire the new downlink?
Correct answer: C - Retune from 1.200 GHz to 1.100 GHz.
"I hear my own words coming back a moment later," a remote interview guest reports. The studio receives the guest cleanly, both ends use headphones, and acoustic feedback has been excluded. The codec's return feed is the complete program mix. Which routing change removes the echo while preserving the guest's ability to hear the host?
Correct answer: D - Exclude the guest's own channel from the codec return feed.
A full-power FM station is in its eighth consecutive day at 75% of authorized transmitter output power because a failed power module makes normal power technically impossible. Repairs are now expected to take 18 days in total. Operation is otherwise compliant and safe. Which regulatory plan applies?
Correct answer: A - Continue at reduced power and submit the FCC notification no later than day 10.
An off-air recording of a full-power FM station's Required Weekly Test contains valid EAS header and end-of-message code bursts, but no dual-frequency attention signal or spoken test script. The equipment log reports successful transmission. How should the test's message content be classified?
Correct answer: A - Normal: the weekly test requires header and end-of-message codes.
A monophonic AM station's calibrated modulation monitor records maximum positive peaks of 118% and negative peaks of 96% during speech programming. The engineer is evaluating these readings against the FCC's AM peak-modulation limits. Which assessment is correct?
Correct answer: A - Both readings are within their respective permitted peak limits.
During isolation of a nominal 2,400 V transmitter supply, a qualified technician applies locks and tags and completes the prescribed stored-energy controls. The voltage tester passes its initial known-live check and indicates zero on the exposed conductors, but fails the immediate repeat check on a confirmed live source. How must the technician treat the zero reading?
Correct answer: B - Reject it; keep the circuit isolated and repeat the complete verification with a proven tester.
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