Amateur radio, often called ham radio, is a hobby that has fascinated millions of people for over a century. It is a unique mix of public service, scientific experimentation, and global social networking. Whether you are interested in talking to astronauts on the International Space Station, providing emergency communications during a natural disaster, or simply chatting with a fellow enthusiast three states away, the journey begins with a license.
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the airwaves. Because ham radio operators have the power to transmit on high-powered frequencies that could interfere with vital services if used incorrectly, the government requires everyone to pass an examination to prove they understand the rules, safety protocols, and basic electronics. Obtaining your license in 2026 is more accessible than ever, thanks to remote testing and high-quality digital study tools.
Understanding the Three Tiers of Amateur Radio Licenses
The FCC currently offers three distinct levels of amateur radio licenses. Each level requires passing a specific examination, and the privileges you earn increase as you move up the ladder. You must start at the beginning; you cannot skip the first level to jump to the top.
The Entry Level Technician Class License
The Technician license is the starting point for almost every new operator. To earn it, you must pass a 35-question multiple-choice exam covering basic radio theory, regulations, and safety.
Once you pass, you gain full operating privileges on all amateur bands above 30 MHz. This includes the very popular VHF and UHF bands used for local and regional communication. Technicians often use handheld radios to talk through “repeaters”—stationary radios located on mountains or tall buildings that catch a signal and rebroadcast it over a much larger area. You also get limited access to some “shortwave” or High Frequency (HF) bands, which allow for long-distance communication via Morse code or a small window of voice communication on the 10-meter band.
The Mid Level General Class License
If you want to talk to people across the ocean or on the other side of the country regularly, the General class license is your goal. This level requires you to already hold a Technician license and pass another 35-question exam.
The General license opens up the vast majority of the HF spectrum. This is where the magic of “skip” propagation happens, where radio waves bounce off the ionosphere to reach global destinations. General class operators have access to over 83% of all amateur HF bands, allowing them to use voice, digital modes, and Morse code to communicate worldwide.
The Top Tier Amateur Extra Class License
The Amateur Extra class is the highest level of certification available. It requires passing a rigorous 50-question exam that dives deep into advanced electronics, radio wave propagation, and complex circuit design.
While the General license gives you most of the bands, the Amateur Extra license gives you “all” of them. Extra class operators have exclusive access to specific portions of the bands that are often less crowded and used for international contests or rare long-distance contacts. It is a badge of honor in the community, representing a high level of technical mastery.
Pre-Exam Requirements and the FRN
Before you even open a study guide, there is one administrative task you must complete. The FCC no longer uses Social Security numbers on public-facing license applications for privacy reasons. Instead, they use a ten-digit FCC Registration Number known as an FRN.
You must visit the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES) website to create an account and register for an FRN. This number is free to obtain and will stay with you for the rest of your radio career. When you show up to take your exam—whether in person or online—the examiners will ask for this number. Without it, they cannot submit your successful test results to the FCC.
Effective Strategies for Studying
The question pools for all three license levels are public. This means there are no “trick” questions; every possible question that could appear on your exam is available for you to review beforehand. Most people find they need about 10 to 15 hours of study time to feel confident for the Technician exam.
Utilizing Online Courses and Apps
Modern technology has made studying incredibly efficient. Online platforms offer “intelligent” learning systems that track which questions you miss and repeat them more frequently until you have mastered the concept. Mobile apps allow you to take practice quizzes during your commute or lunch break. These tools often include videos that explain the “why” behind the rules, which is much more effective than rote memorization.
The Value of Practice Exams
Perhaps the most important part of your preparation is taking practice exams. Websites like HamStudy.org or the ARRL’s exam review page allow you to take unlimited mock tests. A good rule of thumb is to wait until you are consistently scoring at least 85% on these practice tests before scheduling your real exam. Since the passing score is 74% (26 out of 35 correct for Technician), hitting 85% at home provides a comfortable safety margin for any “test day jitters.”
Finding and Taking Your Exam
In the United States, amateur radio exams are administered by volunteers known as Volunteer Examiners (VEs). These are experienced hams who have been certified to proctor exams.
In-Person Testing Sessions
Many local ham radio clubs hold monthly testing sessions at libraries, community centers, or churches. These sessions are a great way to meet the local community. The fee for the exam session is typically $15, which goes toward the administrative costs of the volunteer group. If you pass your Technician exam and feel ready, many clubs will let you take the General exam in the same session for no additional charge.
The Convenience of Remote Exams
Since 2020, remote testing via video conferencing has become widely available. You can take your exam from your home office while being monitored by three VEs through your webcam. This is an excellent option for those who live in rural areas or have busy schedules. You will still need to pay the session fee, and you must follow strict rules regarding your environment (such as showing the room to ensure no notes are hidden) to maintain the integrity of the test.
Finalizing Your License with the FCC
Passing the test is a major milestone, but you aren’t a ham yet. After you pass, your examiners will submit your information to the FCC.
Within a few days, you will receive an email from the FCC with a link to their payment system. As of early 2026, the FCC charges a $35 application fee for a new 10-year license. You must pay this fee within 10 days of receiving the email. If you miss this window, your application will be dismissed, and you may have to have the examiners resubmit your paperwork.
Once the payment is processed, your name and a unique “call sign” (a combination of letters and numbers like K1ABC) will appear in the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS) database. The moment your call sign appears online, you are officially authorized to transmit. You will also receive an official PDF copy of your license via email, which you should save and perhaps print out for your “shack.”
FAQs
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What is the minimum age to get a ham radio license?
There is no minimum age requirement to get an amateur radio license in the United States. As long as a child can understand the material and pass the multiple-choice exam, they can become a licensed operator. It is not uncommon to see hams as young as 6 or 7 years old.
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Do I need to know Morse code to get my license?
No, the Morse code requirement was removed for all license classes by the FCC in 2007. While many hams still enjoy using Morse code (often called CW) because it is efficient and works well when signals are weak, you do not need to know a single “dot” or “dash” to pass any of the current exams.
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How long does a ham radio license last?
A ham radio license is valid for 10 years from the date it is issued. Renewing your license for another 10 years is a simple process that can be done online through the FCC’s website. Currently, there is a $35 fee to renew your license.
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Can I use my license to run a business?
No, amateur radio is strictly for non-commercial use. The FCC rules specifically prohibit hams from transmitting communications in which they have a pecuniary interest. This means you cannot use ham radio to dispatch delivery trucks, sell products, or conduct any form of business. It is a hobby intended for personal technical growth and public service.
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Is the ham radio exam very difficult?
The entry-level Technician exam is designed to be accessible. It focuses on practical knowledge like how to use a radio safely, how to avoid interfering with others, and very basic electrical math (like Ohm’s Law). Most people who spend a week or two studying with an app or a book find that they can pass on their first try. The higher-level exams, particularly the Amateur Extra, are significantly more challenging and require a deeper understanding of electronics.