Getting licensed is the first step into the amateur radio world—and there’s more than one path depending on your goals. Whether you’re interested in long-distance communication, emergency operations, or local radio use, the U.S. offers several radio service licenses and authorizations for various levels of access and technical involvement.
FCC Amateur Radio License Classes
Technician Class
- Entry-level license
- Access to all VHF/UHF bands and limited HF
- Ideal for local communications, repeaters, satellite work
- Exam: 35 questions
General Class
- Intermediate license
- Expands HF privileges for global communications
- Requires passing the General exam after Technician
- Exam: 35 questions
Amateur Extra Class
- Full privileges on all amateur frequencies
- Recommended for serious operators, contesters, and mentors
- Exam: 50 questions on advanced theory and regulations
U.S. Amateur Radio License Class Comparison
| Feature / Privilege | Technician | General | Amateur Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| License Level | Entry-level | Intermediate | Advanced / Highest |
| Exam | 35 questions | 35 questions | 50 questions |
| Morse Code Required? | No | No | No |
| HF Access | Limited (10m voice, CW/data on a few bands) | Most HF bands (80–10m) | Full privileges on all HF bands |
| VHF/UHF Access | All | All | All |
| Digital Modes | Yes (where allowed) | Yes | Yes |
| Satellite Communication | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency Communications (ARES/RACES) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vanity Call Sign Eligibility | Yes (2×3 or 1×3 formats) | Yes (including 2×2) | Yes (including short 1×2 and 2×1 formats) |
| Volunteer Examiner Eligibility | No | Yes (for Technician) | Yes (for all license levels) |
| Remote and Online Testing Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Typical Time to Prepare | 1–2 weeks (casual study) | 2–4 weeks (with prior Technician) | 4–8 weeks (depending on technical skills) |
| Ideal For | Beginners, EmComm, local voice comms | HF communication, emergency response | Full-spectrum operation, mentoring, DXing |
How to Get Licensed
- Study – Use books, online platforms (HamStudy, Ham Radio Prep), and local clubs
- Find an Exam Session – Offered in person and online by Volunteer Examiner (VE) groups like ARRL, W5YI, GLAARG
- Take the Exam – Multiple-choice format, no Morse code required
- Get Your Call Sign – Issued by the FCC and searchable in the ULS database
Other Related Radio Services
Amateur radio isn’t the only regulated radio service in the U.S. Here are other useful services you may want to know about or pursue in parallel:
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
- Licensed by the FCC (no exam required)
- For personal and family use
- Operates on UHF channels near FRS with higher power limits (up to 50 watts)
- Repeater use is allowed
- License is valid for 10 years and covers your entire immediate family
FRS (Family Radio Service)
- No license required
- Operates on low-power UHF channels
- Shares some frequencies with GMRS (but no repeater or high-power access)
- Great for casual, short-range communication like hiking or events
RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service)
- Operated under FCC Part 97, but only active during official emergency declarations
- Only available to licensed amateur radio operators who are registered with a civil defense or emergency management agency
- Focuses on formal traffic handling, emergency nets, and message relay
MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System)
- A DoD-sponsored auxiliary communications program (Army and Air Force branches)
- Operates on separate, non-amateur frequencies
- Requires at least a General class amateur license
- MARS members provide contingency communication support, training, and exercises
- Participation is by application, background check, and additional training
Special License Options and Considerations
Vanity Call Signs
- Apply for a custom callsign through the FCC
- Available at no cost; selection based on availability and license class
Club and Educational Licenses
- Clubs and schools can apply for their own callsigns
- Requires a responsible trustee (licensed individual)
International Operation
- The U.S. participates in CEPT and IARP agreements
- Allows operation in many other countries with your U.S. license
- Some paperwork may be required depending on the country
Remote and Online Exams
- Remote exam sessions now available through ARRL, GLAARG, W5YI and others
- Convenient for those without local VE teams
License Maintenance and Upgrades
- Licenses are valid for 10 years
- Renewal is free and can be completed online via the FCC ULS system
- Upgrades require only the exam for the next level—no need to start over
Where to Learn More
- FCC Amateur Radio Service
- ARRL Licensing and Training
- HamStudy.org
- QRZ Practice Exams
- National GMRS Association
- Local emergency management offices (for RACES)
- MARS: Army & Air Force
Ham radio licensing isn’t just about getting permission to transmit—it’s about joining a global community of communicators, experimenters, and responders. Whether you’re building antennas, operating digital modes, or supporting public safety, there’s a license—or service—that fits your role.