Are you interested in becoming an Amateur Radio operator? It's quite simple! Amateur Radio operators, also known as "hams," receive licenses from governments across the globe to use specific radio frequencies. In the United States, the entry-level permit is called the Technician class, and it's necessary for both routine and emergency communications in your local area. To get this license, all you have to do is pass a 35-question multiple-choice written exam. The questions and answers are all public information, so you can efficiently study and prepare. You don't have to be a US citizen but need a valid photo ID. No age restrictions exist, and you no longer need to know Morse code to obtain any US Amateur Radio license. Once you have your permission, you'll need to renew it every ten years, but you won't need to take another exam.
Information about becoming a ham radio operator is also available from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the national association for Amateur Radio in the United States.
You want to be a Ham Operator?
GET YOUR LICENSE?
Are there any fees?
It’s relatively easy to get your ham radio license. The first step is to obtain your Technician license. To do this, you must take and pass a 35-question exam administered by Volunteer Examiners, typically from a local amateur radio club.
Many clubs, including ours, offer low-cost testing (15$) or less and 100% online right from the comfort of your home!
The FCC charges an administrative fee of $35 for the license.
You can find Online testing options available.
If you want to take your test with us, you can register in four easy steps!
The technician test contains 35 multiple-choice questions randomly chosen from a question pool. A passing score is 70%, which means you can miss up to 9 questions. Don’t worry – these questions and the answer choices are available online to help you study!
When an individual successfully passes an Amateur Radio license exam, they must pay the FCC a $35 application fee.
Additionally, the examining team may collect an exam fee of approximately $15 at the time of the exam.
However, for candidates seeking a new license who are under 18 and taking the exam through the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (ARRL VEC) program, the ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program will cover the $35 FCC application fee. In this case, the examiners will only collect a $5 payment for the exam. You can learn more about the YLGP here.
Studying for The Exam
Many individuals use a book to prepare for their ham radio test. The Granite State Amateur Radio Association suggests using the Gordon West/W5YI study guide for those seeking guidance.
You can look up organizations that offer ham radio classes in your local area.
Additionally, if you want to practice the test, you can use the HamStudy App (available on iOS and Android) for free!
If you are ready to start your journey into ham radio, here are four steps to get you on the way to taking your Technician Test.
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You will need your FRN number to take the test. You can create an account using this link. The FCC requires this
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You must present a legal photo ID. This requirement is usually met with a driver's license, but it can be a passport or other government-issued legal identification card with your photo on it. When no photo ID is available, you must present any two of the following:
Non-photo ID/driver's license
Social Security Card
Birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal)
Minor's work permit, school report card, school ID card or library card, Utility bill, bank statement, or other business correspondence that specifically names you or a postmarked envelope addressed to you at your current mailing address as it appears on the Form 605. -
We currently offer online testing each month, click the register button. Alternatively, you can take your test online using the Online Testing Search Tool with any VE Team 24/7
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GSARA 2025 test session fee is $15 via credit card or Paypal. This fee is due at the time of registration and a payment link will be sent once your information is confirmed by our VE Team.
You may take one of each element (Element 2-Technician, Element 3-General, Element 4-Extra), in succession if passing the prior element. This Exam Session does offer a re-test of any component for an additional $15.
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Now that you have the testing date secured, you should use this time to study and review your technician guide.
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Wear comfortable clothes and have a comfortable chair. You can have a calculator (if you need one), water bottle and glasses (if needed).
As you’ll do great! Please keep your area free of any study materials or items to might distract you. The Volunteer Examiners will require you to scan the room before testing. Disable any second monitors. A bathroom is a great example of a “clean” testing area.
WANT TO UPGRADE?
Looking to upgrade your Ham Radio License? That's great! There are numerous benefits to upgrading your license, and you're on the right track to learning more about this fantastic hobby.
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You will need your FRN number to take the test. You can also find it by doing a lookup here.
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You must present a legal photo ID. This requirement is usually met with a driver's license, but it can be a passport or other government-issued legal identification card with your photo on it. When no photo ID is available, you must present any two of the following:
Non-photo ID/driver's license
Social Security Card
Birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal)
Minor's work permit, school report card, school ID card or library card, Utility bill, bank statement, or other business correspondence that specifically names you or a postmarked envelope addressed to you at your current mailing address as it appears on the Form 605. -
bring your original license PLUS a photocopy of your FCC-issued license, the original PLUS a photocopy of all CSCEs you are applying to your upgraded license. You may now print out an official FCC ham radio license and reference copies of your ham radio license
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Please bring copies of your Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination CSCE form before testing. You can locate your license information on FCC CORES Website.
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The 2026 test session fee is $15 Credit Card or PayPal and is paid prior at time of online registration. You may take one of each element (Element 2-Technician, Element 3-General, Element 4-Extra), in succession if passing the prior element. This Exam Session does offer a re-test of any element for an additional $15.