Getting your Amateur Radio License

So you are interested in getting your Amateur Radio License. but not sure what it takes and what you can do as an Amateur Radio Operator, most often called a "Ham". Hopefully the information provided here will help answer that question. 

Are you ready to take your Amateur License Exam?  Use the contact form and let us know you are ready. Testing, with advance notice, is generally offered at our monthly meetings, or another time if needed. Testing is free!

So why get an amateur radio license? 
Amateur Radio offers a lot of benefits. Many amateur radio operators are involved in providing emergency communications in support of local first responders.  Most importantly, Hams make  great friends locally and all around the world. Hams are some of the nicest people you will meet, willing to help when they can.

Hams learn and experiment with several modes of communications such as; data modes using a computer and radio, communicating using Ham communication satellites, bouncing radio signals off of the moon and even off of meteor showers. Yes, it is true! 

Talking about data modes - there are several data, or as Hams call them -"digital modes" where you connect your radio to a computer send email messages, have a Live chat with JS8Call similar to text messaging, beacon your GPS location while driving or hiking. And even send text messages using radio when you do not have cell service. The list goes on and on. Learning, experimenting with all the methods of communication is fun and is a great Science Technology Engineering and Math, (STEM), learning opportunity as all disciplines are involved in amateur radio operations. 

 As a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, you will have the opportunity to learn as much as you want about communications. The first step is getting your Amateur Radio Operator License. 
Getting Your License is simple as 1,2,3!
Understand that getting your entry level amateur radio operators license is not difficult, and you do not need to learn morse code. In brief, to get an amateur radio operator's license, you must pass an examination administered by a team of Volunteer Examiners called "VE's". The VEs will administer the entry level test first, then if you pass, they will offer you the opportunity to take the next level test, and so on.

1. Choose the level of license you want to pursue: 
There are three levels of amateur radio licenses:
  1.  Technician: This is the entry-level license and covers the basics of radio theory, regulations, and operating practices. The Technician license is the most common and is a good starting point for most new amateur radio operators. To pass the Technician exam, you must answer 26 of 35 questions correctly.
  2. General: This license requires you have successfully completed the Technician test and grants some operating privileges on all amateur radio bands and all operating modes. The General exam has 35 questions 
  3. Amateur Extra: This license requires you have successfully completed the General and conveys all available U.S. amateur radio operating privileges on all bands and all modes and is the most difficult. The Extra exam has 50 questions.

2. Study for the exam(s): 
You can study using a variety of resources, including books, online courses, and local amateur radio clubs, like ours. Many of the resources available are free, and some paid programs. It is important to review the information available for each resource to determine which method(s) best suit your style of learning. A few resources have been included on this page. 

3. Find a VE session near you and schedule an exam time. 
Once you are ready to take the exam, you will need to apply for Federal Registration Number or "FRN". You apply online at the FCC website . There is no cost for an FRN and registration takes less than five minutes to complete. If you are local, then contact Henry County Amateur Radio Society to identify location and testing dates, or find a VE session near you by searching the ARRL's website.

After you pass your exam.
The VE's will provide additional information after completing your test, but in brief, you will need to visit the FCC online license portal, pay a $35 fee to the FCC, providing a valid email address where your license will  be emailed to you. (Paper licenses are no longer mailed by the FCC) Your license is valid for 10 years once issued. ​


Exam Resources

Books:
Practice Exams:
YouTube Videos:
Here is more in-depth information about getting your license
​Obviously since Technician is the first class there are no pre-requisite licenses you must have to be eligible. 

As an unlicensed person, you should focus on obtaining your Technicians class licensing. All the questions and answers are made public. The 35 questions on the test are randomly chosen from a pool of 412 questions.

Henry County Amateur Radio Society occasionally puts on classes to study (usually an 8 hour course) and then immediate test for your license.   [think i understand slower pace....maybe if you want to learn on your own at your own pace.....] However, if you prefer a slower move at your own pace approach, you can still contact us to setup a testing session, or find someone else to do it. No hard feelings on our side. We just want to see you test and join the world of Amateur Radio. So when you are ready you have a few options for testing. The first is contact us, we will be more than happy to host a free testing session for you to get licensed. The second option is to find someone else offering testing. The ARRL Website provides a page to assist in finding testing sites (both online and in person). You can find that page located here. 

Also every month Henry County Amateur Radio Society has a club meeting. Anyone is welcome to attend those meetings. It is a great way to meet local Hams, ask questions, get some one-on -one help if you need, etc. Please see meeting info page for more information. 

​Good luck and please reach out to us using the contact form if you would like additional information about testing opportunities.