How to Get your Ham license

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To get an amateur radio (Ham) license, you study for and pass a multiple-choice exam (usually starting with Technician), find a local or online Volunteer Examiner (VE) team to administer it, get an FCC Registration Number (FRN), pay the FCC fee, and then receive your call sign after the FCC processes everything, with the ARRL website and HamStudy.org being key resources for study and testing.

 There are multiple ways to study and prepare for the exam, depending on how you like to learn information or comprehend it.

A)  There are books that you can read through to study along with the question pool and prep tests. Study books are available at ARRL or you can go to Amazon or

 B) you can use online resources. Two major popular websites are hamstudy.org or Ham Radio Prep.com

The steps to achieving your license: 

1. Study for the Exam Start with Technician: Most new operators begin with the entry-level Technician license, covering basic theory and operating rules.

2. Find an Exam Session & Register Locate a Session: Use the ARRL website or HamStudy.org to find in-person or remote (online) testing sessions. Get an FRN: Before your exam, register on the FCC website to get your FCC Registration Number (FRN).  

3. Take the Exam & Pay Fees Pass the Test: The Technician exam is 35 questions; you need 26 correct (74%). Get Your CSCE: If you pass, Volunteer Examiners (VEs) give you a Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE). Pay FCC Fee: You'll get an email from the FCC to pay a $35 fee online for the license grant (this fee covers the Technician and General licenses; Extra class is free).  

4. Receive Your License Once the fee is paid and processed, your call sign appears in the FCC database, and you can legally operate.  License Progression (Optional) Technician: Entry-level, all VHF/UHF, some HF privileges. General: Upgrades to more HF bands; requires passing Element 3. Extra: Full privileges on all bands; requires passing Element 4.