Why Get Licensed & How to Study
An amateur radio license allows you to use high-power two-way radio communications on approved frequencies. In areas where severe weather can disrupt normal communications, the ability to share emergency information using amateur radio becomes an invaluable skill.
What You'll Need to Get Started:
- Access to test questions (free online)
- Practice tests (free online)
- Study materials (optional books/videos)
- A testing session to take the exam
The Technician's Exam is your first step. All 400 possible questions with correct answers are freely available. Your actual test will contain 35 questions randomly selected from this pool.
Download Tech Question PoolOpen the document and skip to page 5 where the questions begin.
Example Question Format:
T1A01 (C) [97.1]
Which of the following is part of the Basis and Purpose of the Amateur Radio Service?
The correct answer is C (from FCC Sec.97 pt 1). Answers will appear in random order on the actual test.
ARRL Technician's Handbook
The official study guide. Available at:
- Kershaw County Library (free checkout)
- Borrow from a club member
- Purchase from ARRL Store
Free Video Courses
Learn from experienced instructors:
Practice & Register for the Exam
Take advantage of these free practice sites to prepare for your exam:
HamStudy.org
Create a free account and use Study Mode to work through questions. The system adds more questions as you improve.
Visit HamStudy.orgHamExam.org
Another excellent free resource for practice tests and study materials.
Visit HamExam.orgNeed help? Email us at [email protected] - we check daily!
Before Test Day:
You need an FCC Registration Number (FRN). This is free and required before taking your exam.
- Visit the FCC CORES registration page
- Click the "REGISTER" button
- Complete the registration form
- Save your username, password, and security answers in a safe place
VEs (Volunteer Examiners) are licensed hams who administer FCC exams.
There are still a VERY few in-person VE testing sites since major changes were recently made.
Find Online Exam SessionsExam Costs:
| Testing fee | $15 |
| FCC license fee | $35 |
| Total | $50 |
One fee covers all three exams (Technician, General, Extra) if you pass and want to continue!
Use Your New License
The FCC will email your assigned call sign and a copy of your license.
HT = Handheld Transceiver (your first radio!)
You can also:
- Talk to a club member for advice
- Email us at [email protected]
Pro Tip from Questions T2A09 & T2A12:
LISTEN first! Learn the patterns hams use to communicate before transmitting.
Your First Transmission Script:
"This is [Your Call Sign in Phonetics] looking for a radio check."
Example: "This is Kilo Alpha Four Bravo Charlie looking for a radio check."
When someone responds:
- Thank them for the signal report
- Ask them to repeat their call sign (so you can write it down)
- Tell them this is your first ever contact!
It's an honor to be someone's first contact - they'll be excited for you!
Learn to program your radio manually - software won't help if the tech fails!
Always use phonetics and speak SLOWLY when transmitting your call sign.
Technician license holders have CW (Morse Code) access on these HF bands:
| 80 meters | 3.525 - 3.600 MHz |
| 40 meters | 7.025 - 7.125 MHz |
| 15 meters | 21.025 - 21.200 MHz |
| 10 meters | 28.000 - 28.500 MHz |