Getting Your Amateur Radio License
How to Get Your Amateur Radio License
Congratulations on taking the first step to becoming a licensed amateur radio operator! There are many aspects of the hobby to fascinate and enjoy, but we must always remember that using the public airwaves is a privilege, not a right.
The Technician Class License is the first of three test challenges in the hobby, and provides privileges in the 6 meter and higher bands, including the popular 2 meter band. Equipment for 2 meter communication is relatively inexpensive, and is great for local communication as well as regional communication through an extensive distribution of repeaters. You may also talk to other amateurs world-wide through EchoLink? and IRLP systems, which connect repeaters and amaters via the internet. Digital packet radio, Amateur TV, and remote control vehicles are just some of the other fun things you can do with your new license.
Amateur Radio Test Sessions
The Warren County Radio Club hosts amateur radio license exams throughout the year. Dates, times and locations are normally located on this website. If you do not see an upcoming date feel free to send us an e-mail.
The ARRL is has a listing of upcoming exam sessions in other areas http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session/
Before your test and what to bring
The FCC forms will need an FRN number. Before the testing day please register for your number through the FCC website.
Bring to the test session
- FRN number
- Photo ID
- Testing fee
- If you are upgrading also bring a copy of your current amateur radio license.
- You are also allowed a simple calculator to use. Cell Phones and calculators which memorize formulas are not allowed.
FRN registration can be done here
https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do
Books and Online Study Information
There are plenty of books, online study websites and even apps for your phone!
- The Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) is a great resource for study materials. They publish several books useful in preparation for all license exams. Check out http://www.arrl.org and remember to check your local library for recent versions of "The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual".
- The current Technician Class question pool is available at http://www.ncvec.org
- This is an excellent online adaptive study program http://hamtestonline.com
- You can get a copy of the ARRL study books here http://www.arrl.org/shop/Licensing-Education-and-Training/
- check out Gordon West's study books here on the WY5I page https://www.w5yi.org/
- search Gordon West on amazon Gordon West on Amazon
- Online practice tests are available at http://www.qrz.com and http://www.eham.net/exams/
Good Luck, and we hope to hear you on the air soon!
