License and Testing

AMATEUR RADIO LICENSE EXAMS

Why should I get licensed?

Before you can get on the air, you need to be licensed and know the rules to operate legally. US licenses are good for 10 years before renewal and anyone may hold one except a representative of a foreign government. In the US there are three license classes—Technician, General and Amateur Extra.

Technician License

The Technician class license is the entry-level license of choice for most new ham radio operators. To earn the Technician license requires passing one examination totaling 35 questions on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. The license gives access to all Amateur Radio frequencies above 30 megahertz, allowing these licensees the ability to communicate locally and most often within North America. It also allows for some limited privileges on the HF (also called “short wave”) bands used for international communications. 

General License

The General class license grants some operating privileges on all Amateur Radio bands and all operating modes. This license opens the door to world-wide communications. Earning the General class license requires passing a 35-question examination. General class licensees must also have passed the Technician written examination. 

Amateur Extra License

The Amateur Extra class license conveys all available U.S. Amateur Radio operating privileges on all bands and all modes. Earning the license is more difficult; it requires passing a thorough 50 question examination. Extra class licensees must also have passed all previous license class written examinations.

TESTING

The Big Bend Amateur Radio Club sponsors VE Testing under the authorization by the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator.

BBARC offers examination sessions throughout the year. Examinations are offered at each BBARC monthly meeting. You must register at least 8 days in advance of the test date. These inperson exams are offered at the Hancock County ESDA office at 1006 Wabash Ave., Carthage, IL 62321-1502.

Register for exam by contacting us or emailing us at bbarc@kc9lmf.org

Exam fees are are $15.00 and FCC license fees are $35.00. After you pass your first exam, the Volunteer Examiner Coordinator will submit your information to the FCC for processing. Once the FCC processes your application, you will receive a bill via email to pay the $35 license fee online. The $35 must be paid within 10 days or your application will be dismissed, so be sure to check your spam folder, too!

TEST PREPARATION RESOURCES

There are many information resources and test prep books available to help instruct and prepare for the license exams. Below is a short list that is only a suggestion. Many resources are free:

WWW.ARRL.ORG study guides, sample tests

Amateur Radio Technician License Course 2022-2026 Lesson 1 Part 1 – YouTube

Amazon

There are also smart phone apps