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Become an amateur radio operator

There is also another practice exam website that offers flash cards. Check it out at http://kb0mga.net/exams Amateur Radio License Levels and Requirements

The rules for earning an Amateur Radio license vary depending on which country you live in.

In the US, there are three license levels, or "license classes" which are Technician class, General class and Extra Class. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) grants these licenses. With only 3 License Classes, getting started in ham radio has never been easier!

STEP 1: Technician Class License

• EXAM REQUIREMENT: 35-question Technician Written Exam (Element 2); No Morse Code Exam

• PRIVILEGES: All VHF/UHF amateur bands (voice on frequencies above 28.3 MHz only). Limited operations in certain HF bands.

The most popular license for beginners is the Technician Class license, which requires only a 35 question multiple-choice written examination. The test is written with the beginner in mind. The exam covers basic regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory, with a focus on VHF and UHF applications. Morse Code is not required for this license. With a Technician Class license, you will have all ham radio privileges above 30 megahertz (MHz). These privileges include the very popular 2-meter band. Many Technician licensees enjoy using small (2 meter) hand-held radios to stay in touch with other hams in their area. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), television, single-sideband voice and several other interesting modes. You can even make international radio contacts via satellites, using relatively simple station equipment. Technician licensees now also have additional privileges on certain HF frequencies. Technicians may also operate on the 80, 40, and 15 meter bands using CW, and on the 10 meter band using CW, voice, and digital modes.

STEP 2: General Class License (upgrade from Technician)

• EXAM REQUIREMENTS: 35-question General Written Exam (Element 3); No Morse Code Exam

• PRIVILEGES: All VHF/UHF amateur bands and most HF privileges (10 through 160 meters).

Technicians may upgrade to General Class by passing a 35-question multiple-choice written examination. The written exam covers intermediate regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory, with a focus on HF applications. Non-licensed individuals must pass Element 2 and Element 3 Written Exams to earn a General License. The FCC grants exam element 3 credit to individuals that previously held certain older types of licenses. Valid Forms of Examination Element Credit can be found on the Web.

The General Class is a giant step up in operating privileges. The high-power HF privileges granted to General licensees allow for cross-country and worldwide communication. Some people prefer to earn the General Class license as their first ticket, so they may operate on HF right away. In addition to the Technician privileges, General Class operators are authorized to operate on any frequency in the 160, 30, 17, 12, and 10 meter bands. They may also use significant segments of the 80, 40, 20, and 15 meter bands.

STEP 3: Extra Class License (upgrade from General)

• EXAM REQUIREMENT: 50-question Extra Written Exam (Element 4)

• PRIVILEGES: All amateur privileges.

General licensees may upgrade to Extra Class by passing a 50-question multiple-choice examination. No Morse code test is required. In addition to some of the more obscure regulations, the test covers specialized operating practices, advanced electronics theory, and radio equipment design. Frankly, the test is very difficult, but others have passed it, and you can too. Non-licensed individuals must pass Element 2, Element 3 and Element 4 Written Exams to earn an Extra License. The FCC grants exam element 3 credit to individuals that previously held certain older types of licenses. Valid Forms of Examination Element Credit can be found on the Web.

The HF bands can be awfully crowded, particularly at the top of the solar cycle. Once one earns HF privileges, one may quickly yearn for more room. The Extra Class license is the answer. Extra Class licensees are authorized to operate on all frequencies allocated to the Amateur Service.

Amateur Radio is a friendly, high-tech hobby that's got something fun for everyone!

The tests are administered by a volunteer examiner program (VE) and a test fee of about $15 is required for each session. That means you can take tests for all examination elements with one fee but if you fail a test and want to retake it, another test fee will be required. Make sure to bring identification with original AND copies of any current certificates of completion or current licenses held for amateur radio.

Area VE sessions

Mercer County holds VE testing on the 3rd Saturday of every even month (April, June, Aug, Oct. Dec) but pre-registration is required.
Location: the EMA 911 building at 205 South Erie Street, Mercer, Pa.
This is sponsored by the Mercer County Amateur Radio Club. For more information contact: ROBERT H DREXLER (724)533-5836 or by Email: robertdrexler@embarqmail.com

Edinboro University hosts a VE test site on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 1pm.
Location: BARON-FORNESS LIBRARY 200 Tartan RD, All Purpose Study Room Edinboro PA.
To register for the next session contact Cynthia, WB3CNJ at wb3cnj1@yahoo.com No walkins are accepting and please call at least one week in advance.