To get licensed for amateur radio (often called “Ham Radio”) in the United States, you need to pass a written exam administered by volunteers. Since 2007, Morse Code is no longer required for any license class.
Here is the quick-start guide to getting on the air.
1. Choose Your License Level
The FCC offers three license tiers. You must start with the Technician level, though you can take multiple exams in one sitting if you’re prepared.
| License Class | Best For… | Privileges |
| Technician | Beginners | Local talk (VHF/UHF), some long-distance (10m band), and satellites. |
| General | World Travelers | Wide access to all “High Frequency” (HF) bands for worldwide communication. |
| Amateur Extra | Experts | All available US amateur frequencies and the “shortest” (most prestigious) call signs. |
2. Get Your FCC Registration Number (FRN)
Before you sit for an exam, you must register with the FCC’s CORES system to get an FRN. This acts as your unique ID so you don’t have to provide your Social Security Number on public exam forms.
- Cost: Free to register for the FRN.
3. Study the Material
The exams are multiple-choice, and the entire “question pool” (the list of all possible questions) is public. You need to get 26 out of 35 correct for Technician and General, or 37 out of 50 for Extra.
- Resources: Use sites like HamStudy.org or apps like Ham Radio Prep.
- Note: As of July 1, 2026, a new question pool for the Technician exam takes effect. If you test before then, use the 2022–2026 pool; after that, use the 2026–2030 pool.
4. Take the Exam
You can take your test either in-person at a local radio club or online via a remote proctoring session.
- Find a session: We offer testing sessions every other month throughout the year.
- What to bring: Your FRN, a photo ID, and a basic calculator (memory must be cleared).
- Exam Fee: We do not charge a testing fee to take any of the three license class tests.
5. Pay the FCC License Fee
Once you pass, the examiners will submit your data to the FCC. You will receive an email from the FCC with instructions to pay a $35 application fee (valid for 10 years).
- Success: Once the fee is processed, your call sign will appear in the FCC database, and you are legally allowed to transmit!
Are you planning on starting with a handheld radio for local chatter, or are you looking to jump straight into long-distance HF communication?