FCC Element 7 GMDSS Operator Practice Test 2026
Practice with all 600 questions in the current FCC exam pool, plus worked derivations and 47 CFR regulatory citations on every answer.
Last verified October 2026 · Regulatory Source: FCC / COLEM 2019
About the exam
- 100
- Questions on the test
- 2.5 hrs
- Time allowed
- 75%
- Passing score (75 of 100)
- 600
- Questions in the pool
Biggest topics
- Inmarsat Equip. & Comms126
- MF-HF Equip. and Comms126
- DSC & VHF-DSC Equipment60
- Distress, Urgency & Safety Communications60
Study by category
9 syllabus topics from the official GMDSS Operator pool. Master each topic before test day.
Pro study tools
The free runs cover the basics. These tools answer one question: would you pass the GMDSS Operator exam today?
Try It Yourself
Get a taste of the authentic test experience. Answer a real question from the pool, or preview the blueprint exam simulator.
What is the fundamental concept of the GMDSS?
Understanding the Element 7: GMDSS Operating Practices
Examination Structure
STCW-compliant commercial maritime distress, DSC, Inmarsat satellite communications, NAVTEX, and SAR emergency procedures. The official test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions drawn randomly across all syllabus subelements according to strict blueprint quotas. You need a score of 75% or higher to pass.
What to Bring to Test Day
Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), your FCC Registration Number (FRN), and a non-programmable calculator if desired (all memory must be cleared before the session starts).
Element 7: GMDSS Operating Practices FAQ
How many questions are on the official GMDSS Operator examination?+
The Element 7: GMDSS Operating Practices examination consists of 100 questions randomly drawn from the official question pool. To pass, you must score at least 75%, which corresponds to answering 75 or more questions correctly. Our practice bank contains all 600 active questions in the official pool across every syllabus topic.
Where do the GMDSS Operator practice questions come from?+
Every question in our bank is taken verbatim from the official FCC / COLEM 2019 question pool published by the NCVEC (for amateur radio) or the FCC / COLEM managers (for commercial licenses). Airwaves IQ never invents questions, alters choice keys, or paraphrases official text.
How does Airwaves IQ verify explanations and citations?+
Every single answer explanation is grounded in the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 47 CFR Part 97, Part 13, Part 80, or Part 87) or verified through an automated, reproducible Python derivation for RF circuit math. If an official pool question contains an error or known errata, it is logged and cited directly.
Does Airwaves IQ issue an official FCC license or testing credit?+
No. Airwaves IQ is an independent test preparation and study system. Official FCC licenses are issued solely by the Federal Communications Commission following examination administration by an accredited Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) team or Commercial Operator License Examination Manager (COLEM).
Is Airwaves IQ Pro a recurring subscription?+
No. Pro is $29 paid once with lifetime access to this exam pool. There are no monthly charges, automatic renewals, or hidden fees. It unlocks all subelements, full-length timed blueprint simulations, worked mathematical derivations, and your readiness score.