To get an Amateur Radio license, you must study for and pass an exam, then apply for the license through the FCC. Start by studying for the entry-level Technician license using online resources, books, or local clubs (www.k6ldf.com), and take practice exams to prepare. After studying, schedule an in-person or online exam session. Lee de Forest Amateur Radio Club offers testing every odd month, on the third Saturday. You must get your FCC Registration Number (FRN), prior to in-person testing, then pay the required FCC fee to receive your license and call sign.
Step 1: Study for the exam
- Choose a license level:
The entry-level is the Technician license, which gives you access to VHF and UHF bands (50MHz and above), and a small part of the HF 10m band, 28.300 – 28.500MHz. Other license classes are General and Amateur Extra.
- Use study resources:
There are many options, including books, online courses, apps, and local amateur radio clubs. Websites like www.arrl.org, HamStudy.org and HamRadioPrep.com, offer free practice tests, videos, and quizzes. There are many YouTube videos. Some teach straight out of the ARRL Manual, like Gary W4EEY, and Dave KE4EA. https://w4eey.com, who teach a great class.
- Take practice exams:
Take practice tests to gauge your readiness and identify areas for improvement before the official exam.
Step 2: Take the exam
- Find an exam session: Lee de Forest Amateur Radio Club, www.k6ldf.com, offers testing every odd month on the third Saturday of each month. Location and time can be found at https://www.k6ldf.com/fcc-license-testing-all-license-classes/. You can also search on ARRL’s website for other testing opportunities in your area. The ARRL website has a tool to find local classes and test locations. Online exams are often proctored via video conference.
- Pass the test: The exam is multiple-choice, and you must score at least 74% to pass.
- Pay a small testing fee: Some exam sessions may require a small fee, separate from the FCC license fee.
Step 3: Apply for your license
- Get an FCC Registration Number (FRN):
You must have an FRN to apply for a license. You can get this by creating an account on the FCC website. (FRN is required prior to in-person testing)
- Submit your application:
The volunteer examiners who administer the test will help you submit your application through the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS).
- Pay the FCC fee:
You will receive an email from the FCC with a link to pay the $35 licensing fee online. You must pay this fee within 10 days of passing the exam.
- Receive your license:
Once the payment is processed, you will get a license certificate and a call sign, often within 48 hours. You are legally permitted to operate a ham radio once the information appears in the FCC database.
Good Luck in your Amateur Radio journey.
For more information about our club testing, contact our Volunteer Examiner Liaison, Bob Brown KE6JGM at:
(951) 448-6773 or bob@robertleebrown.email
