Basic Qualification · B-002 Operating and procedures · B-002-005-004
What is the meaning of "CQ"?
- AAn antenna is being tested
- BThe frequency is in use
- CCalling any station
- DCall on the quarter-hour
Correct answer: C — Calling any station. From the official ISED question bank, verified word for word.
Why
"CQ" is the universal radio shorthand used when an operator wants to start a conversation with anyone listening, effectively shouting "hello" to the entire band rather than a specific person. The full explanation — and one for every question — is in Pro.
Practise this section
Operating and procedures is section B-002 of the Basic exam: How to operate: calling, phonetics, Q-signals, repeaters, nets, emergency traffic, and the courtesies that keep a band usable.
Drill B-002 — free, no account