Restricted Operator Certificate-Aeronautical (ROC-A Exam)
Updated: Jun 17, 2022
By now, you should know what a ROC-A is, how to use it, and why it is required within the aviation industry in Canada.
For those of you who have not yet taken your ROC-A, I have a small surprise for you at the end of the article. You can book your exam with us now since we offer both virtual and in-person options. Contact us at Rocalicence@gmail.com to book a date and time that is suitable.
Most candidates want to know how the examination works and what the questions are. I am going to tell you what I can without compromising the integrity of the examinations.
Different examiners have varying styles in conducting the examination, but you can safely expect two parts.
Part 1 - Written Exam.
Part 2 - Oral Commuincation.

Part 1 - Written Exam.
Just like most Transport Canada exams, you'll be asked multiple-choice questions in this portion of the ROC-A exam. Depending on the school or examiner, there could be 25 to 100 questions.
Our exams at ROCAlicence.com have a maximum of 25 questions. To pass, you must get a 70% score (which works out to 18 questions).
Part 2 - Oral Commuincation.
Here's where the fun begins (and I don't mean that in a sarcastic way).
In this section, the examiner tests your ability to effectively communicate within the parameters of the Aviation phraseology. Thus, as long as you are able to effectively communicate, receive & understand the message, read back the correct portions, and verbalize your intentions, you should be fine.
It seems a lot of aviation professionals have trouble with this, primarily because they are trying too hard or using complicated mannerisms to speak and communicate. I suggest keeping it simple.
ROC-A Exam Sample Questions
The following provides study questions that may be anticipated on the ROC-A Examination for the issue of the Radiotelephone Restricted Operator’s Certificate (Aeronautical).
PS: These are just a few samples.
What is the international VHF distress frequency?
What forms of communication are not permitted over the radio?
What is the order of priority for transmission?
To whom should a distress signal be addressed?
What actions should a pilot take when a distress transmission is heard?
What are the rules governing transmissions during distress traffic?
What is the proper format for the initial broadcast of a distress message?
What is the correct format for reporting an aircraft’s altitude?
What are the meanings of the numeric code associated with a radio check?
Who may initiate a distress message from an aircraft?
When must a Radiotelephone Operator’s Restricted Certificate be renewed?
What communication should be made if you could not properly hear a transmission from ATC?
In addition to the questions below, students preparing for examination must memorize the phonetic alphabet.
The full set of FREE study material is made available on the website www.ROCALicence.com. Once you are ready for your exam, get in touch with us via email at ROCALicence@gmail.com and we will guide you through the process swiftly and effortlessly.
All the best!