Everything you need to get your FCC ham radio license — from choosing a license class to getting your call sign.
The FCC issues three classes of amateur radio license. Most beginners start with the Technician Class, which grants full VHF/UHF privileges and can be earned in days of study. All guides below are free and cover the complete licensing process.
Three license classes, three sets of privileges. Here is what each one gives you and who should start where.
Required before your exam. Free, 5 minutes. Here is exactly how to get yours.
Everything to bring. Miss one item and you cannot test — know it before exam day.
FCC fee, call sign timeline, when you can transmit, and your first radio.
How to apply for a specific call sign after your initial one is issued.
Which subelements appear most, which questions trip people up, and how to focus your study.
What the General exam adds, when to upgrade, and how the question pool compares.
10-year renewal process — no retest required. How to renew on time and what happens if you let it lapse.
Pros and cons of remote video exams versus attending a local session.
No age minimum — here is what parents and young operators need to know.