Get_Licensed

How to Become a Licensed Amateur Radio Operator

There are three license classes for amateur radio operators in the US. The classes are Technician, General and Amateur Extra. Licenses in the US must be renewed every 10 years. Nearly anyone can become a licensed amateur radio operator from children to elders.

The Technician class license is the entry level license. Technician is the minimum level license required to join ARES. This license class permits the license holder to operate using any of the Amateur radio modes on VHF and UHF frequencies as well as limited privileges on the HF frequencies. To earn the Technician level license you must pass a 35 question exam. The license is free. There may be a small fee to take the exam. There are many resources online to help prepare for the exam. To find out more about becoming a licensed radio operators visit the ARRL Getting Licensed site.