You need to pass an FCC written exam, then register with the FCC to get your call sign

A ham radio license comes from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). You study for and take a written test at a local testing session run by volunteer examiners, pass it, and the FCC issues you a call sign—a unique identifier like W5XYZ or KE7ABC. The whole process typically takes four to eight weeks from test day to receiving your call sign in the mail.

There are three license levels: Technician (entry-level, covers VHF and UHF frequencies), General (adds HF frequencies for long-distance communication), and Extra (all frequencies). Most people start with Technician. You do not need any prior radio experience, and you can retake the test if you do not pass on your first attempt.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written exam administered by volunteer examiners at a local testing session; the FCC does not give the test itself.
  • Study materials and practice tests are free online through sites like HamStudy.org and ARRL.org, or you can buy printed study guides.
  • The Technician exam costs between $10 and $15 and covers basic radio theory, regulations, and operating procedures.
  • After you pass, the volunteer examiners submit your paperwork to the FCC, which issues your call sign within two to four weeks.
  • Your license is valid for ten years and can be renewed by mail or online before it expires.

Finding a Testing Session Near You

Volunteer examiners hold testing sessions in most cities and towns. The easiest way to find one is through the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) website at arrl.org/find-an-exam-session. You enter your zip code and see all upcoming sessions within a set distance, including the date, time, location, and contact information for the session organizer.

Sessions typically happen on weekends or weekday evenings and take about 30 minutes to an hour. You do not need to register in advance for most sessions, but some require you to contact the organizer a few days ahead. Call or email the contact listed to confirm they have space and to ask what to bring.

If no sessions are scheduled near you in the next month, check back weekly—new sessions are added regularly. You can also contact your local ham radio club; they often sponsor testing sessions or can point you to the nearest one.

What to Study for the Technician Exam

The Technician exam has 35 multiple-choice questions drawn from a public question pool maintained by the FCC. The pool covers radio theory (how antennas and transmitters work), FCC regulations (which frequencies you can use, how to identify yourself), and operating procedures (how to start a conversation on the radio, what to say and not say). You need to answer at least 26 questions correctly to pass.

Free study materials are available online. HamStudy.org and ARRL.org both offer practice tests that pull random questions from the official pool, so you see the exact format and difficulty of the real exam. Many people study for two to four weeks, taking practice tests until they score 80 percent or higher consistently. Printed study guides like the ARRL Technician License Manual are also sold online and in some electronics stores for $20 to $30.

The exam does not require math beyond basic arithmetic, and you do not need to memorize anything—you answer questions about concepts. For example, a question might ask what happens to radio range if you increase antenna height, not ask you to calculate the exact distance.

What to Bring to the Testing Session

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), a pen, and a calculator if you want one—though the Technician exam rarely needs math. Some sessions provide scratch paper; others ask you to bring your own. Call the session organizer ahead of time to confirm what they supply.

You will also need to fill out FCC Form 605, which the examiners provide at the session. This form captures your name, address, and Social Security number so the FCC can issue your call sign. You do not fill it out before the session—the examiners walk you through it after you pass the exam.

Bring cash or a check for the exam fee, which ranges from $10 to $15 depending on the session. Some sessions accept card payments, but not all, so ask when you contact the organizer.

Taking the Exam and What Happens Next

On test day, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The examiners will check your ID, have you sign in, and explain the rules—typically you cannot use notes, phones, or the internet during the test. You will sit at a table or desk with a printed exam booklet and answer sheet, or use a computer if the session offers it.

You have 30 minutes to answer all 35 questions. Most people finish in 20 to 25 minutes. When you are done, hand your answer sheet to an examiner, who will score it on the spot. If you pass, they congratulate you and have you fill out Form 605. If you do not pass, you can usually retake the test at the next session in your area, which might be a few weeks away.

After you pass, the examiners mail your paperwork to the FCC. The FCC processes it and mails you an official license document with your call sign printed on it. This typically takes two to four weeks. You can check the status of your process on the FCC's ULS (Universal Licensing System) website at fcc.gov/wireless/licensing/universal-licensing-system, where your call sign will appear as soon as the FCC issues it—often before the physical license arrives in the mail.

Using Your License and Keeping It Current

Once you have your call sign, you can transmit on Technician frequencies when ready. You must identify yourself by saying your call sign at the end of each conversation and at least every ten minutes during a long transmission. Most ham radio operators use repeaters—radio stations that receive your signal and retransmit it over a wider area—to reach other hams in their region.

Your license is valid for ten years from the date the FCC issues it. Before it expires, you can renew it by filing Form 605 with the FCC online or by mail. Renewal costs nothing. If your license expires and you do not renew within two years, you lose your call sign and must take the exam again to get a new one.

Moving Up to General or Extra License

After you have your Technician license, you can study for the General exam, which covers more radio theory and regulations and opens up HF (high-frequency) bands used for long-distance communication. The General exam has 35 questions and costs the same as Technician. Many people wait a few months or a year before attempting General, using that time to get comfortable with their Technician privileges.

The Extra exam is the highest level and requires the most study. It has 50 questions and covers advanced theory and regulations. You do not need to pass General first—you can take Extra directly—but most people progress through the levels in order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know Morse code to get a ham radio license?

No. The FCC removed the Morse code requirement for all ham radio licenses in 2007. The Technician, General, and Extra exams are all written tests with no code component. Some hams learn Morse code on their own because it is useful on certain frequencies, but it is not required.

What if I fail the exam?

You can retake it at the next testing session in your area, which is usually within a few weeks. There is no limit on how many times you can take the test. Most people who fail study the weak areas and pass on the second or third attempt.

Can I use my ham radio license in other countries?

Your FCC license is valid only in the United States. Some countries have reciprocal agreements that let U.S. hams operate there, but you need a separate permit called an IARP (International Amateur Radio Permit). You can request one from the ARRL after you receive your license.

How much does a ham radio cost?

Entry-level handheld radios (called HTs or hand-talkies) start around $25 to $50 for used models and $80 to $150 for new ones. Mobile radios for your car run $150 to $400. Base station radios for your home are $300 and up. You do not need to buy a radio before taking the exam—many people borrow one or visit a local ham radio club to try it out first.

What is a call sign, and can I choose mine?

A call sign is a unique identifier the FCC assigns to you. You cannot choose it—the FCC issues it randomly from available call signs. However, after you have held your license for two years, you can request a vanity call sign (one you pick) for a small fee through the FCC's ULS system.