How to get your Amateur Radio (Ham) License

Getting Licensed for Amateur Radio

Getting your Amateur Radio license is easier now than it has ever been. It costs around $50 total to get your license. The FCC application fee is $35, and you will usually spend another $15 to take the exam. The actual amount to the examiner(s) charge you depends on the examiner, and how you take the exam (in person, or online). In person is generally cheaper, but online is generally faster (you don’t have to wait as long for a testing session). You can study for any of the 3 levels of license (Technician, General, Amateur Extra) using the internet or an app on your phone for free. My personal recommendation is to use Hamstudy.org, which is free online, or a small fee for the smartphone app. I recommend the the hamstudy.org app on your smartphone since you will be able to study more since most people always have their phone with them, and I love the app on the iPhone.

The FCC uses a set question pool for each exam. You can download a copy from the FCC website with all of the possible questions they can ask you, the exact multiple-choice answers you will have on the test to choose from, and the correct answer is identified. You just have to memorize the questions and answers so you can pass the test. That being said, it is MUCH better if you actually understand what you are learning so you know WHY the answer is correct and can apply that knowledge later when you start operating. To better understand the material you are learning there are many resources at your disposal. You can watch videos explaining everything on YouTube, get in touch with your local Amateur Radio Club (YCARS.org if you are in the York County area), or do individual study using books from the ARRL (American Radio Relay League), most of which can be found at your local library. But most importantly, study and pass the test so you can start getting on the air. You will learn a LOT once you actually start using your new privileges and can apply what you studied.

1. Figure out which sections mean the most on the test. Currently (2024) my priority for studying is listed at below for each of the tests. I pick this order by comparing how many questions will be asked from each pool section, and Pick and area for study, and stay in that section until you are scoring 80% or better for overall knowledge.
2. Once you master a section, move to another section, and repeat step 1.
3. If you get bogged down, or bored, move to another section and come back to the boring or hard section later.
5. Study until you can pass the practice tests with 80% or better scores