Licensing

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

Amateur radio is one of the most rewarding technical hobbies you can pick up — and getting licensed is easier than you might think. This page walks you through exactly how to earn your license.

01 / License classes

The FCC issues three levels of amateur radio license in the United States. Each level unlocks more frequency privileges, and each requires passing a written exam. There is no Morse code requirement for any license class.

  • Technician (Entry Level)
  • General (Intermediate)
  • Amateur Extra (Advanced)

Technician / Entry Level / 35 Questions
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

02 / How to get licensed

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

1. Study for the exam
The Technician exam has 35 questions drawn from a published question pool — the FCC releases the entire pool publicly, so there are no surprises. Most people study for 2–4 weeks. You do not need to memorize anything; understanding the concepts will get you there.Free and low-cost study tools include HamStudy.org (free adaptive flash cards), Gordon West study guides, and ARRL's "Ham Radio License Manual." GARS also periodically offers license preparation courses — check our events page for upcoming sessions.

2. Find an exam session
Amateur radio exams are administered by Volunteer Examiners (VEs) — licensed hams who are certified to administer exams. Sessions are held in person at clubs, schools, and community centers, and many are now offered online as well.Search for upcoming sessions at arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session or hamstudy.org/sessions. GARS members who are VEs sometimes administer local exam sessions — ask at a meeting or on the net.
 
3. Take the exam
In-person exams typically require a valid ID and a small exam fee (around $15–$35, which goes to the VE team, not the FCC). You'll answer 35 multiple-choice questions; a passing score is 74% or higher (26 out of 35 correct). Most people who've studied adequately pass on the first try.If you're taking an online exam, you'll need a computer with a webcam and a quiet room. The online process is well-tested and quite common post-2020.
 
4. Register with the FCC
After passing, you'll need to register with the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS) at wireless.fcc.gov/uls and pay a one-time $35 application fee. Once your license appears in the FCC database, you're legal to transmit — no need to wait for a paper license. Licenses are valid for 10 years and can be renewed for free.
 
5. Get on the air with GARS
Once you have your callsign, join GARS and check into one of our weekly nets. Club members are always happy to help new hams with equipment questions, antenna setup, and operating practice. You don't need expensive gear to get started — a handheld radio (HT) for around $25–$50 will get you on the 2m/70cm bands right away.

03 / Study resources

These are the most commonly used, trusted resources for getting started and advancing your license.

  • Hamstudy.org
    Adaptive flash cards and practice exams drawn from the official question pool. The most-used free study tool.
  • ARRL License Manual

    The Ham Radio License Manual covers all three license classes with clear explanations. Available in print and e-book.

  • HamExam.org

    Full practice exams that simulate the real test. Track your progress and focus on weak areas.

  • ARRL Find an exam session

    Search for upcoming Technician, General, and Extra exam sessions near you — in person or online.

  • FCC ULS

    Register your license, pay the $35 fee, and look up any callsign in the FCC's public database.

  • GARS License Classes

    GARS periodically hosts Technician license prep courses. Check our events page or ask at a net.