Why Get Licensed & How to Study
An amateur radio license allows you to use high-power two-way radio communications on approved frequencies. In areas where severe weather can disrupt normal communications, the ability to share emergency information using amateur radio becomes an invaluable skill.
What You'll Need to Get Started:
- Access to test questions (free online)
- Practice tests (free online)
- Study materials (optional books/videos)
- A testing session to take the exam
The Technician's Exam is your first step. All 400 possible questions with correct answers are freely available. Your actual test will contain 35 questions randomly selected from this pool.
Open the document and skip to page 5 where the questions begin.
Example Question Format:
T1A01 (C) [97.1]
Which of the following is part of the Basis and Purpose of the Amateur Radio Service?
The correct answer is C (from FCC Sec.97 pt 1). Answers will appear in random order on the actual test.
ARRL Technician's Handbook
The official study guide. Available at:
- Kershaw County Library (free checkout)
- Borrow from a club member
- Purchase from ARRL Store
Free Video Courses
Learn from experienced instructors:
Practice & Register for the Exam
Take advantage of these free practice sites to prepare for your exam:
Aim for consistent scores of 80%+ before scheduling your exam. The passing score is 74% (26 of 35 correct).
When you're ready, register for an exam session through one of these options:
Exam Fees (as of 2024):
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| FCC Application Fee | $35 |
| Volunteer Examiner (VE) Fee | $15 |
| Total | $50 |
One fee covers all three exams (Technician, General, Extra) if you pass and want to continue testing the same day!
Use Your New License
You receive a CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion) — proof you passed. You may operate immediately on your new privileges using this document.
Your VE team submits your application to the FCC.
The FCC will email your assigned call sign and a copy of your license.
License is valid for 10 years and renewable for free online through the FCC ULS.
HT = Handheld Transceiver — your first radio! Great starter options include the Baofeng UV-5R and the Yaesu FT-65R.
You can also:
- Talk to a club member at any meeting or Open Shack Night
- Email us at [email protected]
Pro Tip from Questions T2A09 & T2A12:
LISTEN first! Learn the patterns hams use to communicate before you start transmitting.
Your First Transmission Script:
"This is [Your Call Sign in Phonetics] looking for a radio check."
Example: "This is Kilo Alpha Four Romeo Charlie looking for a radio check."
When someone responds:
- Thank them for the signal report
- Ask them to repeat their call sign so you can write it down
- Tell them this is your first ever contact!
It's an honor to be someone's first contact — they'll be excited for you!
Learn to program your radio manually — software won't help if the tech fails in an emergency!
The KC4RC Baofeng Settings Guide on the Net Control page has step-by-step instructions for initial setup and programming repeaters into memory.
Always use phonetics and speak SLOWLY when transmitting your call sign.
Technician license holders have CW (Morse Code) access on these HF bands:
| Band | Frequency Range |
|---|---|
| 80 meters | 3.525 – 3.600 MHz |
| 40 meters | 7.025 – 7.125 MHz |
| 15 meters | 21.025 – 21.200 MHz |
| 10 meters | 28.000 – 28.500 MHz |