AUXCOM Exam (2026/2027) | QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
AUXCOM (Auxiliary Communications) Qualification Examination | Core Domains: Radio
Communication Protocols & Phonetic Alphabet, FCC Rules & Regulations for Auxiliary
Operations, Message Handling & ICS-213 Forms, Net Operations & Control Procedures,
Emergency Communication Equipment Operations, Incident Command System (ICS)
Integration, Security & Operational Security (OPSEC), and Auxiliary-Specific Policies &
Mission Support | U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Communications Qualification Focus |
Specialized Skills Certification Exam Format
Exam Structure
The AUXCOM qualification exam for the 2026/2027 certification cycle is a 70-question,
multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination.
Introduction
This AUXCOM Exam guide for the 2026/2027 cycle prepares U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
members for the communications specialist qualification. The content tests proficiency in
standard radio procedures, regulatory knowledge, message formatting, and the integration of
auxiliary communications into the broader Coast Guard and Incident Command System
frameworks during missions and emergencies.
Answer Format
All correct answers and procedural standards must be presented in bold and green, followed
by detailed rationales that reference the Auxiliary Manual (COMDTINST M16790.1), FCC Part
97 regulations, ICS communication protocols, and official U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary doctrine.
1. What is the primary purpose of the AUXCOM qualification in the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary?
A. To operate recreational vessels
B. To provide qualified personnel capable of managing auxiliary and Coast Guard
communications during missions and emergencies
C. To replace active-duty radio operators
D. To issue FCC licenses to members
Rationale: Per COMDTINST M16790.1 (Auxiliary Manual), Chapter 10, the AUXCOM
qualification ensures members can effectively support Coast Guard operations through
reliable, standardized communications using voice, data, and message handling systems in
both routine and emergency contexts.
,2. Which phonetic alphabet word is used for the letter “B” in standard maritime
radio procedure?
A. Bravo
B. Bravo
C. Baker
D. Beta
Rationale: The International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet (ICAO phonetic alphabet),
adopted by the U.S. Coast Guard and mandated in AUXCOM training, uses “Bravo” for “B.”
This ensures clarity across international and inter-agency communications (Auxiliary
Manual, Section 10–4).
3. Under which FCC regulation are U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary radio operations
authorized?
A. FCC Part 90
B. FCC Part 97, Section 97.407 (Radio Amateur Service – RACES)
C. FCC Part 80
D. FCC Part 15
Rationale: While the Coast Guard operates under Part 80, Auxiliary communicators often
use amateur radio frequencies under Part 97 during emergencies via the Radio Amateur Civil
Emergency Service (RACES), as outlined in COMDTINST M16790.1 and coordinated with local
emergency management. AUXCOMs must hold an FCC amateur license (Technician or higher)
to operate on these bands.
4. What is the correct proword to indicate that a transmission is ended and no
response is expected?
A. Over
B. Out
C. Roger
D. Wilco
, Rationale: “Out” signifies the end of the transmission with no reply expected. “Over” indicates
the speaker is finished but expects a response. These prowords are standardized in the
National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Auxiliary Manual (Section 10–5).
5. Which form is used to document formal message traffic in the Incident
Command System (ICS)?
A. ICS-201
B. ICS-213
C. ICS-214
D. ICS-215
Rationale: The ICS-213 General Message Form is used to record and relay operational
messages between command staff, units, and agencies. AUXCOMs must be proficient in
completing this form accurately during incidents (FEMA NIMS guidelines and Auxiliary
Manual, Section 10–7).
6. During a radio net, who is responsible for maintaining order and directing
traffic?
A. The senior officer present
B. Net Control Station (NCS)
C. Any licensed operator
D. The first station to check in
Rationale: The Net Control Station (NCS) manages all communications on the net, including
calling stations, prioritizing traffic, and ensuring discipline. This role is critical during search
and rescue or disaster response (Auxiliary Manual, Section 10–6).
7. What does the proword “Roger” mean in radio communication?
A. I will comply
B. I have received your last transmission satisfactorily
C. Repeat your message
D. Message understood and will be acted upon
ANSWERS
AUXCOM (Auxiliary Communications) Qualification Examination | Core Domains: Radio
Communication Protocols & Phonetic Alphabet, FCC Rules & Regulations for Auxiliary
Operations, Message Handling & ICS-213 Forms, Net Operations & Control Procedures,
Emergency Communication Equipment Operations, Incident Command System (ICS)
Integration, Security & Operational Security (OPSEC), and Auxiliary-Specific Policies &
Mission Support | U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Communications Qualification Focus |
Specialized Skills Certification Exam Format
Exam Structure
The AUXCOM qualification exam for the 2026/2027 certification cycle is a 70-question,
multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination.
Introduction
This AUXCOM Exam guide for the 2026/2027 cycle prepares U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
members for the communications specialist qualification. The content tests proficiency in
standard radio procedures, regulatory knowledge, message formatting, and the integration of
auxiliary communications into the broader Coast Guard and Incident Command System
frameworks during missions and emergencies.
Answer Format
All correct answers and procedural standards must be presented in bold and green, followed
by detailed rationales that reference the Auxiliary Manual (COMDTINST M16790.1), FCC Part
97 regulations, ICS communication protocols, and official U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary doctrine.
1. What is the primary purpose of the AUXCOM qualification in the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary?
A. To operate recreational vessels
B. To provide qualified personnel capable of managing auxiliary and Coast Guard
communications during missions and emergencies
C. To replace active-duty radio operators
D. To issue FCC licenses to members
Rationale: Per COMDTINST M16790.1 (Auxiliary Manual), Chapter 10, the AUXCOM
qualification ensures members can effectively support Coast Guard operations through
reliable, standardized communications using voice, data, and message handling systems in
both routine and emergency contexts.
,2. Which phonetic alphabet word is used for the letter “B” in standard maritime
radio procedure?
A. Bravo
B. Bravo
C. Baker
D. Beta
Rationale: The International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet (ICAO phonetic alphabet),
adopted by the U.S. Coast Guard and mandated in AUXCOM training, uses “Bravo” for “B.”
This ensures clarity across international and inter-agency communications (Auxiliary
Manual, Section 10–4).
3. Under which FCC regulation are U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary radio operations
authorized?
A. FCC Part 90
B. FCC Part 97, Section 97.407 (Radio Amateur Service – RACES)
C. FCC Part 80
D. FCC Part 15
Rationale: While the Coast Guard operates under Part 80, Auxiliary communicators often
use amateur radio frequencies under Part 97 during emergencies via the Radio Amateur Civil
Emergency Service (RACES), as outlined in COMDTINST M16790.1 and coordinated with local
emergency management. AUXCOMs must hold an FCC amateur license (Technician or higher)
to operate on these bands.
4. What is the correct proword to indicate that a transmission is ended and no
response is expected?
A. Over
B. Out
C. Roger
D. Wilco
, Rationale: “Out” signifies the end of the transmission with no reply expected. “Over” indicates
the speaker is finished but expects a response. These prowords are standardized in the
National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Auxiliary Manual (Section 10–5).
5. Which form is used to document formal message traffic in the Incident
Command System (ICS)?
A. ICS-201
B. ICS-213
C. ICS-214
D. ICS-215
Rationale: The ICS-213 General Message Form is used to record and relay operational
messages between command staff, units, and agencies. AUXCOMs must be proficient in
completing this form accurately during incidents (FEMA NIMS guidelines and Auxiliary
Manual, Section 10–7).
6. During a radio net, who is responsible for maintaining order and directing
traffic?
A. The senior officer present
B. Net Control Station (NCS)
C. Any licensed operator
D. The first station to check in
Rationale: The Net Control Station (NCS) manages all communications on the net, including
calling stations, prioritizing traffic, and ensuring discipline. This role is critical during search
and rescue or disaster response (Auxiliary Manual, Section 10–6).
7. What does the proword “Roger” mean in radio communication?
A. I will comply
B. I have received your last transmission satisfactorily
C. Repeat your message
D. Message understood and will be acted upon
