Where can I take a test?
Testing sessions for amateur radio license exams can be found at various locations
around the country. Sessions usually take place on weekends or on weekday evenings
because these times provide the most accessability to the largest number of people.
Most testing sessions take place an public buildings. Popular locations include
public libraries, police stations, senior citizen's centers and the like.You can find a local test session by visiting the ARRL homepage at http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml.
This page allows you to search for a test session by your state or zip code.
What is the test like?
If you've ever taken a multiple choice question test in high school or college,
then you are already familar with the basic format.
Are there any trick or secret questions on the tests?
No. By FCC rules all of the test questions and answers must be published
beforehand. The entire question pools for all five amateur radio exams are contained
elsewhere on this site.
Can I use my notes when taking the tests?
No. You can use scatch paper or a calculator for figuring out math problems,
but you can't bring any notes with you when taking your exam. Also, if you have a
calulator with memories, you will have to show the examiners that all of the memories are
cleared before being allowed to use it for the test.
What if I have special needs?
The FCC rules allow the examiners to be flexible when administering tests to those
with special needs. They will be able to provide tests in braille or administer the
exam verbally to sight impaired examinees, for instance. If you will need this kind
of special assistance when taking your exam, please make sure to mention it when you call
to pre-register for the exam.
Who administers the exams?
The ham radio license exams are administered by volunteers amateurs of general
class or higher. These VEs (Volunteer Examiners) receive no compensation for their
work, so be sure to thank them!
How much does an amateur radio license cost?
There is no cost for having an amateur radio license. The license is FREE!
However, there may be a slight fee to take a test for a new license or an upgrade.
VEs are allowed to charge a small fee to offset the costs that they incur when
administering tests. This fee is currently less than $7.00 per exam.
What about Morse code?
No Morse code examination is required for the entry-level class of amateur radio
license: the technican class. Higher classes of license, with higher privileges, may
require some proficency in Morse code.
How many different classes of license are there?
In the U.S. there are three classes of ham radio license. The entry-level
class is called the Technican class. The Technican license does not require any
knowlege of Morse code. It requires only a single 35 question theory exam.
Additionally, if you complete the requirements for Technician class, and then pass
the optional slow Morse code test (5 words per minute) you qualify for additional
privileges on the amteur worldwide shortwave bands.
There are also two additional higher classes called General
and Extra. The requirements for each of the classes are progressive. For
instance, you must complete all the requirements for Technician class before completing
the requirements for General class. The General class requires an additional 35
question test and a 5 words per minute Morse code receiving test. The General class
license conveys worldwide privileges on shortwave amateur radio frequencies. The
Extra class requires an additional 50 question theory test and conveys full amateur radio
privileges.
I would like to get my ham license. Which class
should I study for?
Study for the Technican class exams first. This enables you to get
on the air without learning Morse code. If you later decide to expand your operating
intrests to include Morse code, you will be able to upgrade to General by passing only an
additional slow code (5 words per minute) test and an additional 35 question theory test.
I just passed my test. When can I get on the
air?
As soon as your callsign is issued. These days most filing is done
electronically, and callsigns are usually issued in 3-7 working days. Check an
on-line callsign database like WM7D
everyday to see if your new
callsign was issued yesterday! As soon as you have your callsign, you can start
enjoying ham radio.
If you already have a license, and you just passed an upgrade
to a higher class, you can get on the air using your new privileges immediately. You
just have to append your current callsign with an identifier such as /AE for Extra class
or /AG for General class.
How far can I talk on ham radio?
Different frequencies allow you to talk different distances. An entry-level
Technican class license will give you access all ham frequencies above 30 MHz. This
gives you access to the popular Two Meter (144 MHz), 1.35 Meter (222 MHz) and 70
Centimeter (440 MHz) ham bands. These frequencies will give you a day-to-day range
of about 50-100 miles depending on your equipment. You'll also have access to the
exciting 6 Meter (50 MHz) "DX" band where contact of up to 3,000 miles are
possible. As you progress to higher classes of license, you'll get access to ham
radio's shortwave frequencies, below 30 MHz, where you can work stations around the world
each and every day of the year.
What does ham radio equipment cost? What kind
of radio should I buy?
Again, there's no one right answer for everyone. Most people usually start
out with a Two Meter or a dualband (Two Meter / 70 Centimeter) handheld. This has
the advantage of being portable, so you can take it with you whle walking around, or use
it your car with an external mag mount antenna, or at your house with a roof-mounted base
station antenna. Mobile / base station radios offer more output power, but aren't
nearly as portable. Generally, handheld radios sell for $150-300 and mobiles sell
for $200-500 depending on the features and the frequency bands included. You can
assemble a complete station for much less than the cost of a typical computer system.
For a good low-cost source of amateur radio equipment, check
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