Ques: Is RTR harder than CPL?

No, RTR (Radio Telephony Restricted) and CPL (Commercial Pilot License) are too different and it is not quite fair on comparing their difficulty. Licensing Transmission RR is predominantly a licensing requirement to communicate in aviation, including the learning appropriate radio procedures, aviation rules on communication and using the English language. It demands learning a part of the regulations, practicing the transmission and successfully passing through a simple written and oral examination. Although it is a must of safe flying and obligations, it is in general simpler and faster to fulfill than a pilot license. The RTR exam can be overcome with appropriate advice and a few attempts and therefore is not as challenging as other parts of pilot training.

A CPL, on the other hand, is a detailed and more challenging license as it needs in-depth aerodynamics study, air system, navigation skills, weather, and law of aviation as well as a vast number of flying hours. CPL is much more difficult than RTR, requiring thorough theoretical classes followed by a practical training in the simulators and in actual airplanes. So although the checks and balances of RTR are essential and fundamental, CPL would require far superior skills, knowledge and time-consuming.