How to get licensed
Four steps. Most people go from "I know nothing" to a callsign in about a month of casual study.
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Study for the Technician exam
Every question that can appear on the exam is published in advance, so you are studying the real thing. Free sites let you take practice tests until you pass consistently; there are also books and online courses if you prefer. Aim for a few sessions a week for two to four weeks.
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Get your FCC FRN before exam day
The FCC identifies you by an FRN - an FCC Registration Number. Register in the FCC's CORES system, which is free and takes a few minutes, and bring the FRN with you. Exam teams cannot file your licence without it.
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Take the exam
Volunteer examiners run test sessions in person all over the country, and many teams also test online over video. It is 35 multiple-choice questions and you need 26 right. Bring photo ID, your FRN and the exam fee. You usually find out you passed within minutes.
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Get on the air
Your callsign appears in the FCC database, typically within a couple of business days, and then you can transmit. Join a local club, get a handheld radio, and make your first contact through a nearby repeater - someone will happily talk you through it.
What it costs
Studying can be completely free. The exam session fee is modest, and the FCC charges a separate application fee for a new licence. After that the licence runs for ten years and renewing it costs nothing.
After Technician
Technician gives you the VHF and UHF bands - local repeaters, satellites, digital work - plus a slice of shortwave. When you want worldwide voice contacts, take the General exam; it is another 35 questions and it opens up most of the shortwave bands. Amateur Extra is the last step and gives you everything. Compare the three licence classes.
Further reading
- Our wiki - bands, equipment, antennas, operating practice, propagation and more, edited by licensed operators.
- RSGB: Get started in amateur radio - the UK national society's beginner guide. The licensing system differs, but the hobby is the same.
- USNARA - the National Amateur Radio Alliance, sponsor of this site.