Why a License?

Amateur Radio is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Communications Act of 1934. It is also subject to numerous international agreements. All Amateur Radio operators must be licensed. In the U.S., there are three license classes. The higher the class of license, the more frequencies are available. Earning each higher class license requires passing a more difficult examination. Although regulated by the FCC, license exams are given by volunteer groups of Amateur Radio operators. Operating under organizations called Volunteer Examiner Coordinators, volunteers administer and grade tests and report results to the FCC, which then issues the license. U.S. licenses are good for 10 years before renewal, and anyone may hold one except a representative of a foreign government.

License Restructuring:

In December 1999, after a lengthy, mandatory review of the Amateur Radio licensing system, the FCC issued major changes. Effective April 15, 2000, the number of license classes dropped from six to the current three. In addition, the new Morse code proficiency test, which is required to hold either of the two highest license classes, is set at five words-per-minute. Prior to restructuring, the requirement was 13 or 20 words-per-minute for the three highest license classes under the old system. The FCC issued these new regulations to streamline the licensing system and bring the Amateur Radio service into the digital age. While the new license system might not make it easier to get into Amateur Radio, licensed operators can move from the beginner to expert level more quickly.

The Technician License:

The Technician class license is the entry-level license of choice for most new ham radio operators because it does not require a Morse code test. 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.

The 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 and the five word-per-minute Morse code test.

The 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, including the five word-per-minute Morse code test.

To Learn More:

Many publishers, including the American Radio Relay League, offer books, video programs and computer software to facilitate self-study for the three Amateur Radio licenses. In addition, many local Amateur Radio clubs offer regular classes. For more information on a class near you, call the American Radio Relay League's toll-free line at 1-800-32NEW HAM.

The URL for ARRL's Web site is www.arrl.org. The question pools for the Amateur Radio license examinations are posted at http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html