How to File for a Ham Radio Operator's License

Amateur radio - "ham radio" - allows you to use powerful high frequency and very high frequency radio spectrums for recreational and public service purposes. In the United States, you need to get a license from the Federal Communications Commission to operate a ham radio.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• ARRL Study Material
• Morse Code Books Or CDs
• Ham Radio Accessories
• Ham Radio Equipment
• Ham Radio Supplies
• Ham Radios
• Ham Radio License

1. Be prepared to study. You'll need to pass an exam written by the FCC.

2. Find a neighborhood ham operator and introduce yourself. Many hams like to "Elmer," or mentor, prospective amateur operators.

3. Locate a ham club and attend meetings. Most clubs offer license-study classes and arrange for testing.

4. Gather material from the American Radio Relay League, the nation's premier radio organization. Study materials should cost less than $50.

5. Study first for the Technician license.

6. Devote at least a half-hour each day to the radio. You should be able to pass the Technician test within four to six weeks.

7. Have your Elmer or the local club help you find a VEC (volunteer exam coordinator). Exam fees should be less than $10.

8. Expect your license from the FCC in three to six weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• There are three levels of ham licenses - Technician, General and Amateur Extra with increasing technical knowledge required as you progress to Amateur Extra.
• The FCC recently reduced Morse code requirements for all classes to 5 words per minute.
• The ARRL offers video courses and training tools for Morse code.
• You may be discouraged at first if you have little technical experience, but learning the jargon and technical terms will become easier quickly.

[santzskie]

on 9/12/2008 legacy63, you need to study for the technician class exam. get your frn (fcc registration number) from www.fcc.gov/. find the nearest ve (volunteer examiner) in your area (usually affiliated with an amateur club). schedule your exam (walk-ins usually permitted). on the day of the exam, bring your picture id, fill out a ncvec 605 (will be given by ve) and pay the exam fee. volunteer examiners will score your exam on site. if you pass, they'll give you your csce and then advise you to wait for your callsign to show up under "new hams" on the internet. your license will be mailed by fcc within 2 weeks. if you don't pass, don't worry, study harder and do the exact same thing. you could take the exam over and over until you make it. the technician exam is not too technical but enough to get you the knowledge you need to start the 'hobby'. good luck on your exam.
73s,
Oliver S., KI6SRS

[Legacy63]

on 9/12/2008 Hi Mike...

So what do i need to do to get the basic license to be an operator. Its unclear to me .
thanks'Kurt

[Mike0526]

on 4/25/2008 As a "Ham radio operator" of 14 years It should be known that those looking to get a license do not need any radio equipment to get there license. It is a must to get a up to date question and answer for the level of license that you are trying to receive. The lowest starter license is mostly knowledge about the law and how it applies to the privileges to the license you are trying to get. There are some technical questions but if your any good at remembering multi choice answers your preparation test has the exact questions you will be ask on your test drawn on a "pool" of several questions that only a portion of you will be ask.
The General license also is a multi choice question and answers test but involves more technical knowledge as well as some extra as to your knowledge of the law and how it pertains to your license you are appling for. The highest privileges is the "Advance" l

[Mike0526]

on 4/25/2008 As a "Ham radio operator" of 14 years It should be known that those looking to get a license do not need any radio equipment to get there license. It is a must to get a up to date question and answer for the level of license that you are trying to receive. The lowest starter license is mostly knowledge about the law and how it applies to the privileges to the license you are trying to get. There are some technical questions but if your any good at remembering multi choice answers your preparation test has the exact questions you will be ask on your test drawn on a "pool" of several questions that only a portion of you will be ask.
The General license also is a multi choice question and answers test but involves more technical knowledge as well as some extra as to your knowledge of the law and how it pertains to your license you are appling for. The highest privileges is the "Advance" l

on 8/8/2006 Starting in 2000,
there will be only three classes: Tech, General and Extra. Tech needs no Morse Code; General needs 5 words per minute; and Extra needs 13 WPM.