Ham Amateur Radio Technician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

RACES, or the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service, is a service that provides emergency communications during disasters and other emergencies. The guidelines for RACES training drills and tests are designed to ensure that operators maintain proficiency while also balancing the demands on their time and resources.

The frequency allowed for RACES training drills and tests, without requiring special authorization, is limited to ensure that these activities do not interfere with normal operations or overtax resources. Typically, this limit is established at no more than one hour per week. This frequency strikes a balance between providing adequate training opportunities while also acknowledging the need for operators to be available for emergencies or other responsibilities.

Although other options might suggest different frequencies, they fall outside this established guideline, which is intended to maintain operational readiness without overburdening participants or draining resources. Thus, the specific allowance of no more than one hour per week aligns with the operational practices set forth by RACES and supports effective emergency preparedness among amateur radio operators.