Learn how you can become a Ham radio operator in the United States. Understand the process of being certified as a Ham radio operator.
Ham (the popular term for Amateur) radio operation has evolved significantly over the past decades from something mainly perceived as a hobby one could do from home in their free time to a legitimate career path. Becoming a licensed amateur radio operator can create paths into out-of-the-box careers you probably never knew existed, ranging from broadcast radio and television to the medical field and even space exploration.
If you are someone who has grown up with a passion for radio or even someone coming to discover an appreciation for radio later in life, there are significant benefits to learning just how far this interest can take you professionally.
This article will outline the various levels of amateur radio certification as well as what each level qualifies you to do so that you can decide which course is the best for the level of operation you want.
Related: Why is it called Ham Radio
Which Course Is Right for You?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that a ham radio operator be licensed before they are allowed to go on the air, regardless of the purpose. Even access to VHF / UHF and handheld radio operation requires a basic form of licensing through the FCC.
The first step toward becoming a licensed ham radio operator is making sure that you meet the two basic requirements. To begin studying for the licensing process, you need:
- A valid US Mailing Address
- A valid Taxpayer ID Number (such as a Social Security Number or FCC Registration Number)
No formal education is required following high school in order to study for these licensing examinations.
The FCC currently offers (03) three different levels of licenses that enable the person who receives them different levels of access according to their certification:
- Amateur Technician License (Level 1): A Technician license allows the operator to use VHF / UHF radio bands over 30 MHz. To receive this license, you must pass a standardized written exam that consists of 35 questions that cover basic operations and regulations for beginner ham radio operators.
- Amateur General License (Level 2): A General license increases your privileges and allows you to access HF radio bands which enable you to communicate across the country as well as internationally. This license also requires a 35-question written exam that is more difficult and consists of more specific and technical operations.
- Amateur Extra License (Level 3): The Extra license extends your powers so that you can access all ham radio frequencies. This is the highest possible option offered by the FCC. The exam is also the most difficult of the three, including 50 advanced questions about theory, regulations, rules, and design.
- If you are new to the licensing process, it is possible to prepare in advance and take both the Technician and General license exams on the same day at no extra cost. Many ham radio operators choose this option because it saves you money as well as the time and effort of traveling to the exam center a second time. It really all depends on which license you ultimately want to receive.
Getting Ready for the Exam
Now that you have a better idea of what license best suits your needs, it’s time to study! The Technician and General License Exams require most people around 10 hours of preparation each. You must get at least 74% of the questions correct, which means 26 correct answers on a 35-question test.
You are going to need to study materials in order to properly prepare yourself for the exam day. There are both free and paid options for exam preparation and you have to consider how much you are willing to invest in your success as well as your own preparation style. Some of us prefer to seek out our own information whereas others perform better when they have more structured guidance that is designed specifically to help us pass the exam.
There are many options from online classes to traditional textbooks to mobile apps, all of which have their own cost and benefits depending on who you are. Many operators choose to make small investments to make sure they are prepared as possible when it comes time to take the exam.
Most report spending under $25 in study materials on the Technician and General exams. When you add this to the $15 exam fee, that means you can receive your license for less than $40! However, the cost of preparing can increase significantly as you move from one level to the next, especially if you are someone who finds that they make the most progress by studying with paid materials.
Time to Focus
Hopefully, at this point, you have found a study method that works for you and are feeling confident about taking your exam. Now you must put yourself into contact with a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) that has been accredited by the FCC. Only a VEC can legally give the exam that allows you to receive your ham radio license in the United States.
There are two methods through which you can now take your exam:
- In-Person Exam Centers: Most people have a local ham radio club in their area that is qualified to give these exams and provide you with your license. These clubs are usually affiliated with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and you can visit their website at http://www.arrl.org/ to find an in-person exam by entering your zip code. These exams are run by volunteer examiners who have gone through the process before you and want to see you succeed!
- Remote or Online Exam Sessions: If you are someone who has a busy schedule or simply finds it easier to focus from the comfort of your own home, this option may be better for you. It may also be the case that there are simply no in-person sessions anywhere close to where you live. The FCC recently made it possible for operators to take the test on the computer through VECs that offer this option on their websites.
Some of the top VEC clubs that offer online testing are:
- Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group (GLAARG)
- New England Amateur Radio (NEAR)
- Anchorage Amateur Radio Club (AARC)
After taking the exam, the examiner will inform you whether you have passed or not, and if you have, give you a signed paper saying that you passed right there on the spot! If you chose to take your exam online, the website will also inform you immediately whether you have passed or failed.
Time to Celebrate
Once you have passed the test, your name will be entered into the FCC database and you can begin transmitting right away. Depending on which level of license you received, you can immediately start transmitting within the guidelines of your new license. That could mean simply exploring the radio waves and chatting with fellow amateur operators, making new friends in faraway places, or even practicing communication protocol for potential disasters.
Your official license will then be emailed to you as a PDF which you can print and save or even display somewhere in your home or wallet. Congratulations, you have officially become a licensed ham radio operator!
Reap the Benefits
Whether you are someone who has had a passion for amateur radio for a long time or are new to the world of amateur radio and looking to expand your knowledge and access, becoming a licensed ham radio operator is a simple and easy process that can only improve your experience. Ham radio experience and licensing can also be a great addition to your resume if you are looking to enter into a profession that requires you to use radio transmission. We hope this guide has answered all of your concerns and given you the confidence to start the licensing process and one day become a licensed operator yourself!
Related: Best Ham Radios Reviews
Any Further Questions?
What is the total cost of receiving a Level 3 Amateur Extra License?
The minimum cost of receiving your Extra License is $30 each exam costs $15, but you can take the Technician and General exams on the same day for no extra cost. Roughly half of this fee goes to the VEC to pay for the cost of administering the exam.
However, the real answer to this question varies from person to person because you may choose to invest in paid study materials, online courses, or other preparation tools. It is also possible to fail the test and have to pay the fee multiple times until you pass.
Do I need to have any other formal training to start the process of becoming a licensed ham radio operator?
You do not need any further certification to begin the process, but you must have received a high school diploma or GED in order to qualify for the licensing process.
How can I gain actual practical experience as a ham radio operator once I have received my license?
You can begin operating your ham radio right away, but many operators choose to contact their local ARRL club to find a volunteer position and begin working alongside other experienced operators. These clubs often have openings for emergency coordinators, official observers, and government liaisons that can provide you with the practical experience you are looking for.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org
- www.arrl.org
- https://study.com
- www.hamradioprep.com
- Photo: amazon.com