How to Become a Ham Radio Operator

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What is Ham Radio?

Amateur radio, often called ham radio, is a popular hobby and a vital public service that connects millions of people around the globe. It allows individuals to experiment with electronics, talk across town or to foreign countries, or even bounce signals off the moon without relying on commercial cell networks or the internet.

During natural disasters, severe weather events, or major infrastructure failures, amateur radio operators regularly step up to provide critical backup communications when normal systems fail.

Regulatory Note

To prevent interference and ensure everyone operates safely, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the amateur bands in the United States and requires operators to pass an exam to earn a license. It is a $10,000 an instance fine for using a ham radio frequency without a license.

The Path to Getting Licensed

Earning your ticket involves studying basic radio theory, regulations, and passing a multiple-choice test. No Morse code required!

1

Choose Your Tier

License Classes

The FCC offers three license levels, each unlocking more frequencies and operating privileges. However, you must complete each class in sequence starting with the entry level of Technician Class.

  • Technician Class: The standard entry-level license. It grants local communication privileges on VHF/UHF bands (perfect for handheld radios) and limited long-distance privileges.
  • General Class: The intermediate tier, opening up vast high-frequency (HF) bands for reliable worldwide communications.
  • Amateur Extra Class: The highest tier, granting full operating privileges on all allocated amateur frequencies.
2

Study the Material

~1-2 weeks on average

The Technician exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions covering basic regulations, operating practices, and fundamental electronics/safety theory. All questions are pulled from a known, public pool. You can use free resources like those listed near the end of this page to study from or you may find classes being offered near you.

3

Register for an FRN

Click Here to Register Required before testing

Before sitting for an exam, you must register online with the FCC to receive an FCC Registration Number (FRN). You will provide this number at your test site so your results link directly to your profile without using a Social Security number.

4

Take the Examination

In-person or Remote

Exams are administered by teams of licensed volunteers called Volunteer Examiners (VEs). Testing is widely available through local clubs or remotely via online video sessions. You need to answer 26 out of 35 questions correctly (74%) to pass. The testing fee is typically around $15.

5

Pay the FCC Fee & Get on the Air

Final Step

Once you pass, the VE team submits your paperwork. The FCC will email you a link to pay a $35 administrative fee (valid for 10 years). As soon as your unique call sign appears in the official FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) database, you are legally authorized to transmit!

Pro Tip for Test Day

If you study a bit extra and find the entry-level Technician practice exams easy, most VE teams will let you sit for the intermediate General Class exam right then and there during the same session for no additional fee!

License Study Sessions

Study

Looking for an FCC ham radio license study class or help? Try these online study resources or look below for regional class groups:

  • No Local Classes currently scheduled
  • QRZ.com — A great practice test site.
  • HamStudy.org — Widely considered the best free tool available.
  • HamExam.org — A completely free, no-frills website that offers flashcards and practice exams pulled straight from the active question pools.

License Exam Sessions

Exam

Looking to take your amateur radio FCC license exam? Here are some upcoming opportunities for you:

  • Richmond, IN: 401 E Main St. Aug 1, 2026, 10:00 - 12:00 PM, (765) 977-1874, $15
  • Huber Heights, OH: 6114 Fishburg Rd. Aug 8, 2026, 10:00 - 12:00 PM, (937) 623-1857, $15, Pre-Registration
  • Springfield, OH: Springview Government Ctr EOC, Aug 8, 2026, 10:00 AM, (937) 605-4951, $15
  • Dayton, OH: 4100 West Third street. August 29th, 2026, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, $15
  • West Chester, OH: 8070 Tylersville Road. Sep 12, 2026, 10:00 - 12:00 PM, (513) 293-6591, $10
  • Eaton, OH: 6818 Route 127 North, Sep 13, 2026, 4:00 PM, (937) 478-3015, $15
  • Eaton, OH: 6818 Route 127 North, Nov 1, 2026, 4:00 PM, (937) 478-3015, $15
  • Richmond, IN: 401 E Main St. Nov 7, 2026, 10:00 - 12:00 PM, (765) 977-1874, $15
Please have an FRN number from the FCC before arriving. Click Here to Register