{"id":334,"date":"2018-01-20T23:13:52","date_gmt":"2018-01-20T23:13:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/airlinkradio.org\/?page_id=334"},"modified":"2026-08-16T21:48:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T21:48:18","slug":"getting-a-license","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/airlinkradio.org\/?page_id=334","title":{"rendered":"Getting a License"},"content":{"rendered":"

To get a ham radio operator license you need to pass a test on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. But don’t worry\u2014it’s really not hard. The test for the entry-level Technician license consists of only 35 fill-in-the-circle multiple choice questions, and you only need to answer 26 questions correctly to pass. The questions and answers are taken word-for-word from a publicly available pool of 426 questions AND there’s a lot of help and support, including easy-to-follow-and-study books and free online quizzes.<\/p>\n

\u2666<\/span>\u00a0TIP:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>When taking a multiple choice test, you don’t have to “know” the correct answer, you just need to be able to recognize it. If you’re stumped, eliminate the obviously wrong answers, then take a good guess. And with all questions and answers publicly available “word-for-word” you can just remember some key words for each question and answer to jar your memory.\u2666<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The test is administered at various times and local sites throughout every month by Volunteer Examiners (VEs)\u2014local hams who volunteer their time. A modest test fee (currently $15) is charged to reimburse VEs for any fees they incur. There is no fee for the actual license.<\/p>\n

So here’s what you do to get a license . . .<\/p>\n

Prepare for the Test<\/h3>\n
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  1. Apply for an FRN (FCC Registration Number), required for taking the test, using the FCC’s CORES (COmmission\u00a0REgistration\u00a0System). This is a unique 10-digit number that the FCC will use to identify you in business transactions with the agency. For more information, click\u00a0here<\/a>; to register online, click here<\/a>.<\/li>\n
  2. Get one or more study books. These books are specifically designed and organized to help you optimally study. One of the most commonly-used book is HamRadioSchool.com Technician License Course<\/a>.
    \n\u2666<\/span>\u00a0TIP:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>The entire current question pool is available in .doc, .txt, or \/pdf format     here<\/a>. IMPORTANT: A completely new question and answer pool will be published July 2018.\u2666<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Take free online quizzes. Go to\u00a0QRZ.com<\/a> and create a login.\u00a0We suggest that you take as many quizzes as needed until you’re comfortable that you can pass with less than nine incorrect answers.<\/li>\n
  4. Find a test location and time that’s convenient for you. Go here<\/a> and enter your search criteria in the left sidebar.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Take the Test<\/h3>\n

    On the day of the test:<\/p>\n

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    1. Bring with you: your FRN (see previous section), a picture ID, your Social Security Number (NOT your SSN card), a pen and pencil, and the $15 fee. (If you want to use a calculator, you must clear all memory. And you must turn off your cell phone during the test.)<\/li>\n
    2. Fill out FCC Form 605 (you can download it from here<\/a> and fill it out ahead of time to save time and energy the day of the test).<\/li>\n
    3. The VE will give you a test booklet and answer sheet. (Do NOT write in the booklet. You can write notes or do calculations on the back of the answer sheet or a blank sheet the VE may provide.)<\/li>\n
    4. When you’re finished taking the test, the VE will score your answers immediately and make a pass\/fall determination.<\/li>\n
    5. If you pass, you’ll fill out a bit more paperwork and the VE will issue to you a CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination).<\/li>\n
    6. Your Form 605 and CSCE are submitted to and processed by the FCC.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Within about a week after your test date, your assigned call sign appears online in the FCC database (go to the FCC License Search<\/a> web page). Once this happens, you can start transmitting as a licensed ham radio operator!<\/p>\n

      Your license is valid for 10 years; it’s easily renewed without taking another test. However, if you fail to renew your license in a timely fashion, you have a two-year grace period to renew without taking another test BUT you cannot transmit during that time since your license is not valid.<\/p>\n

      IMPORTANT:<\/strong><\/p>\n