Get your HAM License

It’s easy to get your HAM License

While our primary means of communication within Richmond County REACT is with GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), many of our team members are also Amateur Radio Operators (HAM). If you wish to obtain your HAM “Ticket” we are here to mentor you through the process and even administer the test when you are ready.

Basic Requirements

  • Must have a valid US Mailing Address​

  • Must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number, such as a Social Security Number (SSN) or an FCC Registration Number

Steps to get your HAM License

Step 1: Choose the Level of License

There are three classes of licenses that are offered by the FCC (The Federal Communications Commission, the branch of government that controls ham radio licenses). You have to pass a test for each level, and you have to start at Technician and advance upward.

Step 2: Study For The Exam

Now that you have decided which license is best for you, you need to start preparing for the test.

The entry level Technician License Exam requires around 10 hours of study for most people. The Technician and General License exams each have 35 questions, and the Amateur Extra has 50. In order to pass the each test, you must get at least a 74%. For Technician and General, this means you must get 26 questions right out of the 35 questions.

As far as study materials, there are free options as well as more premium paid options. Considering that study materials will greatly enhance your experience and actually teach you a lot about ham radio, most people decide to invest at least a small amount into study materials. Overall, we estimate that the Technician License will cost you $85 when you take into account the cost of study materials, the FCC license fee and the cost of actually taking the exam.

Let’s take a look at some of the study options to get ready for the exam.

» Take an Online Course:

It’s now possible to learn everything you need in an online class from your phone, tablet, or computer. You also get nice bonuses like videos and exams that track where you’re having trouble. Since access to our online class never expires, you can also go back and reference the material at any time.

Free Options:

» Books:

Some people prefer having study materials they can put their hands on – and we don’t blame them! There are no shortage of different books with different learning styles. For example, the ARRL has manuals which are more dense and take longer to read, but many hams buy them to keep as a reference.

» In Person:

» Mobile Apps:

If you’re looking to study on your phone or tablet, a mobile app could be a great addition to your study materials.

Android and iOS available:

  • HAM RADIO PREP - Download the Ham Radio Prep Study App (Requires in-app purchase of courses)

  • HamStudy.org - Offline Apps ($3.99 purchase for app)

Step 3: Take Your Exam In-Person or Remotely

The moment of truth arrives – you must now take the test by an FCC accredited Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC). VECs are the only organizations legally allowed to conduct ham radio license exam sessions in the United States.

» In-Person Exam Sessions

For most people, the easiest way to take the exam is with a friendly local ham radio club. Many local clubs are ARRL affiliated. You can search for an in-person exam with one the ARRL exam search page. It’s easiest to search this page using only your zip code. These exam sessions are run by friendly local ARRL affiliated clubs who want nothing more than to see you pass!

  • Richmond County REACT has ARRL affiliated VECs available for you to take the test in person. When you are ready request an in person test through our CONTACT form.

» Remote/Online Exam Sessions

What if an in-person exam session just isn’t available? According to a recent notice by the FCC, it is now 100% possible to take the exam online, and there are several VECs that offer remote exams, such as listed below:

Congratulations, You've Earned Your License!

The volunteers examiners will give you an official signed paper saying that you passed on the spot. Your official license with call sign will arrive to you in a PDF to your email so you can print it out to put in your wallet or frame on your wall. Actually, you don’t even have to wait for your license to arrive to start transmitting – you can begin as soon as your name appears in the FCC database. Then you can begin practicing for disasters, or just chat with other amateurs and explore your new hobby.