How to Become a Ham Radio Operator

You Need a License

In order to be a ham radio operator, you must have a license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). To obtain a license you must take and pass an exam based on radio electronics and FCC rules. Exams are conducted by volunteer examiners who are licensed amateur radio operators. WCARG has qualified examiners who conduct the exams.

Click here for more information from the ARRL on becoming a ham radio operator.

License Classes

There are three classes of amateur radio license, each requiring more knowledge of radio electronics. These classes are:

• Technician

Entry level license. Full privileges only in the VHF and UHF bands (Above 30 MHz). Limited privileges in HF band (shortwave bands under 30 MHz).

• General

Most band privileges including the HF bands.

• Extra

Full privileges on all bands.

Most new hams will want to start with the Technician class license and work up to the others after gaining operating experience.

Studying for the Exam

The exam is based on a question pool prepared by the FCC. Only questions in the pool are asked on the exam.

Several groups publish study manuals that cover all the questions in the pool. The guides provide background information about each question and indicate the correct answer.

• The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual (Fourth Edition)
• 2018-2022 Technician Class by Gordon West

There are several other study manuals abailable on Amazon and other sources.

You can also study online at the following URL:

• Ham Test Online
• Ham Study
• HamExam

Other online study and practice exam sites are on the Internet as well.

Taking the Exam

Numerous and frequent test sessions are avaiable in most areas. Click here for a list of test sessions in your area.

In order to take the license exam, you must sign on to the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Licensing System web site and obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN). The FCC no longer accepts social security numbers for identification.

WCARG conducts license exams after its monthly meetings. For time and location see the column at the left. You must make an appointment so that the requisite materials and examiners are available at the meeting. To arrange an exam, send an email to the Test Coordinator.

WCARG charges a fee of $15 to take the exam.