Get on the air. Here's how to start.

Amateur radio is one of the most rewarding technical hobbies you can take up — and getting licensed is more accessible than most people expect. In Massachusetts, most new operators go from zero to licensed in 2–4 weeks, for a total cost of about $85. You can be on the air and making your first contacts within a month.

Over 800,000 people hold an active amateur radio license in the United States, and new operators join every day. This page walks through everything you need to know: the license classes, how to study, how to take the exam, and what to do once you pass.

Technician / Entry Level / 35 Questions

Your entry point into ham radio. A Technician license gives you full privileges on VHF and UHF bands (2 meters and 70 centimeters), plus limited privileges on some HF bands. Most Technicians start out on local 2-meter repeaters, checking into nets and talking with nearby club members.

Typical equipment cost: $25–$100 (a basic handheld radio, or "HT")

The Technician license is the starting point for almost every new amateur operator. The exam covers basic radio theory, regulations, and operating practices. Most people prepare in a few weeks with a study guide or free online tools. Technicians get full privileges on all amateur frequencies above 30 MHz — that includes VHF and UHF bands used for local and regional communication, as well as some limited privileges on HF (shortwave) bands.

2m (144–148 MHz)
70cm (420–450 MHz)
6m (50–54 MHz)
1.25m (222–225 MHz)
Limited HF (10m CW/SSB)
Local repeaters
Satellite operation

General / Intermediate Level / 35 Questions
The General license opens up most of the HF spectrum — the shortwave frequencies that let you communicate regionally and globally. A General licensee can participate in DXing (long-distance contacts), enter most major contests, and communicate internationally. You must already hold a Technician license to take this exam. Most active HF operators hold at least a General class license.

All Technician privileges
HF bands (80m–10m)
40m (7.0–7.3 MHz)
20m (14.0–14.35 MHz)
15m (21.0–21.45 MHz)
160m (1.8–2.0 MHz)
DX / international contacts

Amateur Extra / Advanced Level / 50 Questions
The Amateur Extra is the highest license class and grants full, unrestricted operating privileges on all amateur frequencies. The exam goes deeper into electronics theory, antenna design, regulations, and advanced operating techniques. Earning your Extra class is a point of pride in the amateur radio community — and opens up exclusive portions of the most coveted HF bands, which tend to be less crowded and ideal for weak-signal and DX work.

All HF/VHF/UHF privileges
Exclusive Extra sub-bands
Full 60m privileges
License to volunteer as VE
Vanity callsign eligibility

Getting licensed is a straightforward process. Here's the path from zero to on-the-air:

Step 1 — Study

Most people study using free or low-cost online resources (see the full list below), and the process is faster than people expect — most Technician candidates pass on their first try, with a 70%+ first-attempt pass rate.

South Shore Ham Radio Club periodically hosts free Technician prep classes. Check our events calendar or contact us to find out about the next session.

Step 2 — Find an Exam Session

You'll need to sit for an exam administered by a team of Volunteer Examiners (VEs). You can search for a session near you at arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session, and online exams are also available.

SSRC members sometimes help administer local exam sessions in the South Shore area. Email N1zizradio@gmail.com to ask about upcoming sessions near Plymouth and the South Shore.

Step 3 — Take the Exam

The Technician exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions, drawn from a published question pool. A passing score is 26 out of 35 (74%). There's no Morse code requirement at any license level.

Step 4 — Register with the FCC

Once you pass, your VE team files your results, and the FCC issues your call sign — typically within a few business days. Registration currently costs $35 and your license is valid for 10 years.

Step 5 — Get on the Air

After you receive your call sign, check into our weekly Tuesday night net at 7:00 PM on the N1ZIZ repeater (146.685 MHz). New operators are always welcome, and our members love helping newcomers program their first radio and make their first contact. You don't need special equipment to start — a $30 handheld is plenty.

Free Study Tools

HamStudy.org — free adaptive flashcards; the most popular free study tool
eHam.net — free practice tests
ARRL.org — official study guides and reference material

Paid Study Tools

Gordon West study guides — ~$20
ARRL Ham Radio License Manual — ~$30
HamTestOnline.com — $10–$20 per license class

Video Resources

YouTube channels covering license prep, such as "Ham Radio 101"
Structured online courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera ($15–$30)

In-Person Classes

South Shore Ham Radio Club periodically hosts free Technician prep courses
Search for classes at your local community college
Check your local library for tech/hobby programs

04 / After You Get Licensed

Passing the exam is the beginning, not the end. Here's how to make the most of your new license:

Your first radio — a basic Technician-level handheld ($25–$150) is all you need to start
Your first repeater — listen first, learn the etiquette, and don't be afraid to key up and say hello
Your first net — join the SSRC Tuesday net at 7:00 PM on N1ZIZ (146.685 MHz) to meet other local operators
Finding a mentor — most experienced hams (often called "Elmers") are happy to help a new operator — just ask
What's next — many operators upgrade from Technician to General within 3–6 months, then decide whether to pursue Extra

05 / License Renewal & Upgrades

FCC amateur radio licenses are valid for 10 years and renewal is free — just file with the FCC before it expires. Upgrading from Technician to General typically takes 3–6 months of part-time study, using the same kinds of resources listed above, tailored to the General question pool.

Working toward your General? Check out our resources and join us Tuesday nights to practice and connect with operators who've already made the jump.

Licensing