ARRL Technician Practice Exam

When should you use clear and concise identifiers during your transmission?

1. Only when asked

2. During long voice transmissions

3. Regularly, as required by FCC

4. When communicating with emergency services only

The correct answer is: Regularly, as required by FCC

Using clear and concise identifiers during your transmissions is essential for effective and compliant communication, particularly under FCC regulations. The Federal Communications Commission requires licensed operators to identify themselves at specific intervals during a transmission. This is to ensure that the identity of the station is clear to others and to maintain proper operational standards. Regularly identifying helps prevent confusion and allows other operators to understand who is transmitting, which is particularly important in crowded bands where many operators might be communicating simultaneously. By adhering to this practice, you also support efficient communication, especially in emergency situations where clarity of identity can be critical. The other scenarios, such as only identifying when asked or only during long transmissions, can lead to misunderstandings and are not compliant with the FCC's requirement for regular identification. Additionally, limiting this practice to communicating with emergency services overlooks the broader need for clarity and identification across all communications.