Getting your Amateur Radio License –
What are the license levels?
How do I study for the test?
Where can I take the test?
What Are the License Levels?
Before you can get on the air, you need to be licensed and know the rules to operate legally. US licenses are good for 10 years before renewal and anyone may hold one except a representative of a foreign government. In the US there are three levels known as License Classes—Technician, General and Extra.
Technician Class – the entry-level license of choice for most new ham radio operators. To earn the Technician license requires passing one examination totaling 35 questions on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. The license gives access to all Amateur Radio frequencies above 30 megahertz, allowing these licensees the ability to communicate locally and most often within North America. It also allows for some limited privileges on the HF (also called “short wave”) bands used for international communications. Learn More
General Class – this license grants some operating privileges on all Amateur Radio bands and all operating modes. This license opens the door to worldwide communications. Earning the General class license requires passing a 35 question examination. General class licensees must also have passed the Technician written examination. Learn More
Amateur Extra Class – this license conveys all available U.S. Amateur Radio operating privileges on all bands and all modes. Earning the license is more difficult; it requires passing a thorough 50 question examination. Extra class licensees must also have passed all previous license class written examinations. Learn More
To see the frequencies, bands, and modes permitted for each level, here’s a handy, printable chart you’ll want to post by your radio.
How Do I Study For the Test?
There appear to be two main philosophies on successfully becoming licensed in ham radio.
1. Develop a solid understanding of radio theory as well as a knowledge of regulations and operating practices. For many, this requires many hours of study in the ARRL license manual for the license class in which you plan the be tested. There are also preparatory classes in many parts of the country as well as online. There’s an ever-growing number of online instruction offerings available as well. See the Beacon Links below. Here are the pros and cons of this philosophy:
PRO –
- Regulations – Before you go on the air, you will have a good understanding of WHAT you can and cannot do.
- Operating Practice – You will begin with a fairly good idea of HOW to communicate on the air.
- Radio Theory – You will have a good understanding of how radios work.
CON –
- For many, this requires MANY hours of study.
2. Becoming very familiar with the actual question pool used for the license exam and the associated answers. There are many sources that you may study these questions and answers. See the Beacon Links below. Here are PROs and CONs –
PRO –
- The amount of study time with this method is far less.
- The 35 exam questions are in multiple-choice format. This system involves learning to recognize the correct answer in any of the possible questions selected for the exam that you take.
- The act of becoming familiar with the answers does result in knowing a lot about regulations, operating practices, and radio theory.
CON –
- Many argue that this is a way to circumvent the actual knowledge necessary to operate amateur radio.
Be assured that when talking to experienced hams, there will be strong opinions about which philosophy is best. You are encouraged to consider your own situation on which is best for you.
IMPORTANT – THE CURRENT QUESTION POOL WILL BE REPLACED AFTER JUNE 30, 2022.
Complete information in getting your amateur radio license for your ham radio, with license levels, studying information, and local testing sites.
Taking the Test and Training
NOTICE – New Amateur Radio License Applications Fee Now In Effect
Effective April 19, 2022, a $35 fee now applies to applications for a new Amateur Radio license, renewal, rule waiver, or vanity call sign.
Cliff Cave VE Team – Serving the St. Louis Metro Area since 2002
Here are links with current information –
Eastern Ozarks Amateur Radio Club
Current information –
WEBSITE HOME – Testing at 12pm, Second Saturday of Each Month
Testing Only by Advance Contact
EMAIL or Call 573-366-3611 – Steve Vogt
Testing Only by Advance Contact
EMAIL or Call 573-366-3611 – Steve Vogt
St. Charles Amateur Radio Club
Current information –
License training classes – Our new spring classes are “In Person” at the St Charles Community College.
We will be offering Tech on Tuesday nights starting March 12, and General on Wednesday nights starting March 13.
10 weeks long and last session is the exam session. Class is $10 and can be found on the Community college site:
Monthly Testing – before club meeting, 6pm –
VFW Post 5077, 8500 Veterans Memorial Parkway, O’Fallon, MO
Zero Beaters Amateur Radio Club
Current information –
WEBSITE HOME – Testing at Washington MO Public Library
Last Wednesday of each month, 7pm – Walk-ins allowed
EMAIL or Call 314-580-4510 – Paul M. Chambers
Last Wednesday of each month, 7pm – Walk-ins allowed
EMAIL or Call 314-580-4510 – Paul M. Chambers
What to bring to an exam session – LINK
BEACON LINKS
ARRL Ham Radio License Manual
Purchase spiral-bound copy
ARRL Website Technician Page
Helpful information and links for Technician Class exam prep
Ham Test Prep App TECH
Affordable, helpful phone app for Technician Class.
Ham Test Prep App GENERAL
Affordable, helpful phone app for General Class.
Ham Test Prep App EXTRA
Affordable, helpful phone app for Extra Class
Ham Radio Prep
Online study course. Available for all three classes
The Eastern Missouri Beacon Contact Form
The Eastern Missouri BEACON is a non-profit website that exists solely to serve as a resource for amateur radio enthusiasts. Owned, designed, and maintained by Ray-KE0YXX.
