How To Get Your Amateur Radio License, For Noobs
Introduction
How many of you reading this are thinking about getting licensed for amateur radio or are curious about getting licensed? Are you a little confused about the process? When thinking back to the time before I had my license, I remember how confused I was. Everything was as clear as mud. I kept focussing on the fact that there was a test and that was a bit intimidating.
I hope to help by outlining the process and providing some suggestions for preparing for the test. This will be condensed as much as possible.
Types of Licenses
Before I get to the main topic, I’d like to briefly explain the types of licenses available for amateur radio operators. Doing so may help shed some light on this otherwise mysterious hobby. There are currently three types of licenses that newcomers can get and each one is good for ten years from the issuance date or renewal. Other grandfathered licenses exist but are beyond the scope of this article.
Technician Class License
The technician class license is the entry-level license. It gives access to all amateur radio frequencies above 30 MHz and limited access to some HF frequencies. To obtain this license, one must pass a 35-question multiple-choice exam about radio theory, operation practices, and regulations.
General Class License
The general class license is the middle level license for operators and there are two prerequisites. The first prerequisite is having a technician class license and the second is passing a 35-question multiple choice exam. This license gives access to portions of all amateur radio bands and about 83% of the HF bandwidth. Some segments for long-range communications are not included.
Amateur Extra Class License
The amateur extra class license is the top-tier license in the United States and unlocks all privileges on the amateur radio frequencies in the U.S. To get it, one must hold the technician and general class licenses and pass a 50-question multiple choice exam.
Steps For Getting Licensed
The steps to getting a license are fairly straight forward and I view most of them as hoops to jump through. I’ll list the steps and link some helpful resources to aid with the process while providing some explanations as needed. Here’s where to begin:
1. Study For the Test
Even though the tests for the Technician and General Class Licenses are only 35 questions, they are picked from a pool of 412 and 454 questions respectively. A score of 74% or better is needed to pass. The pool of questions and their answers is public and easily obtainable. There are many places to get them. Ham Study is one place. QRZ is a website I have used. I used it to study for my General License. Both Ham Study and QRZ have practice tests on their websites. Gordon West has a wonderful resource that I also own. His book comes with a CD that contains an audio study course. The book has the questions and their answers. The Amateur Radio Relay League, aka the ARRL, also offers a practice test resource on its website.
Whichever place you choose, I suggest taking the practice tests until you can consistently score above 90%. Everyone learns differently so it helps to know which method is best for you. If you need to read and write the questions and answers, then do it. If listening to an audio course is best for you, then do that. Either way, you must be proficient with the questions and the subject matter to pass the test. Fortunately, there is no longer a portion of the test that requires individuals to know CW (Morse Code). Once you are consistently scoring above 90% on the practice exams, you are ready to take the test. If you feel confident enough, you can take all three exams in one session and try to earn the Amateur Extra Class License.
2. Find A Test Session
There are online and in-person test sessions. Use this link to the ARRL Website to search for the one that suits you. Walk-ins are allowed for some sessions but others may require registration and a small testing fee. You can iron out the details via email before the testing session.
3. Register a username Account on the FCC Website
The COmmission REgistration System (CORES) is the portal that ham radio operators use for conducting business with the FCC. The account you create on the website will be needed to create a FRN (FCC Registration Number) and pay licensing fees. You can also use this for other things in the future such as changing your address but this initial step is required for getting a license. The link to the FCC website is here. You will need a valid email address for handling correspondence with the FCC, such as receiving a copy of the radio license. The FCC no longer mails paper copies.
4. Register a FRN
An FCC Registration Number is a number that identifies your business dealings with the FCC. You will be required to provide this number to the Voluntarily Examiners at the testing session so that your application can be processed. Use the link in the previous step to obtain a FRN.
5. Take The Test/What to Bring
You are ready to take the test once you have completed the previous steps. The one-time licensing fee of $35 will be paid directly to the FCC. Do not pay this fee to an organization or exam team. It is separate from the fee any organization may charge for taking the test.
You will need to bring photo identification to prove who you are. Here’s a link that explains what forms of identification are acceptable: https://www.arrl.org/what-to-bring-to-an-exam-session. Using the same link, you can find information for minors taking the test or licensed amateurs upgrading to the next level. I suggest bringing a stand-alone calculator and having two No.2 pencils with good erasers. Notes and cards with formulas are not allowed. Electronic devices such as tablets will not be permitted and cell phones must be silenced or turned off during testing. You will not be able to use a calculator app on your phone. The only things permitted are your pencil, a calculator, scratch paper, and brain. Bring cash, check, or money order to cover the testing fee. Bring your FRN.
After The Test
Grading for the test will be done onsite. You will leave the testing session knowing whether or not you passed. Once you pass the test you will receive a Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination. This certificate doesn’t grant the privilege of operation. The Voluntary Examiners will enter your information into the FCC database. As soon as your call sign appears in the database you can start using your license. Use the Universal Licensing System website to see if your call sign is in the database.
Conclusion
As you just read, most of the process of obtaining an amateur radio license isn’t too difficult. In my opinion, the most difficult part was studying for the test. I hope the links and explanation I offered will help out a little with that part. If you can find a little time each day for about a week or two for studying, then you should be able to memorize all or most of the answers. Most of the questions are written to ask about the same concept but in a couple of different ways. If you understand the concept being asked about in the question, you should be able to answer correctly. Take the practice tests as often as you like. Like I stated before, when you consistently score above 90% on the practice exams you are ready to take the real test!
After you get your license, you’ll be ready to choose a radio and get on the air! Check out Ham Radio Crash Course for resources about all things ham. Josh has videos about all kinds of radios and modes of operation that can help noobs with getting on the air for the first time. I also recommend finding a local amateur radio club in your area to meet other operators, learn about the different repeaters in your specific area, help with programming your radios, and more. There are many different modes and niches in ham radio and there’s almost always someone else who shares the interest you may have. You will find that other operators are friendly and often willing to help one another. It is a great community of individuals. Welcome to the community.
73,
~ DesertFlashpoint
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