AMATEUR EXTRA

February 2022

Ham Radio – Where To Begin

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Most common question asked by folks looking to get started in ham radio is, where to begin.

First, the basics.

There are a total of 412 questions in the current Amateur Technicians license exam pool. These questions are divided into 10 “main” categories. They are:

  • Commission’s Rule
  • Operating Procedures
  • Radio Wave Propagation
  • Amateur Radio Practices
  • Electrical Principles
  • Electronic and Electrical Components
  • Practical Circuits
  • Signals and Emissions
  • Antennas and Feedline
  • Safety

NOTE: Every four (4) years, the question pool is updated, so make sure that you are studying the current pool. As of this writing the current material/books are 2022 – 2026.

From the pool of questions, 35 are randomly chosen to be on the exam (a few questions from each main category). This is a PASS/FAIL exam, which means you can receive your license, whether you make a 72% or 100% (you can miss a maximum of 9 questions and pass).

A little bit of HOUSEKEEPING – It would be irresponsible of me if I did not bring this to your attention first. Because everyone wants to get a radio and start “listening”, before they get their license, a bit of advise/caution…..

****IF YOU BUY A RADIO BEFORE YOU ARE LICENSED, PLEASE DISABLE THE RADIO’S ABILITY TO TX(Transmit)**** (this can EASILY be done through radio programming software, like CHIRP) Transmitting on ham frequencies without a license for ANY REASON, violates FCC rules. You can re-enable it once you have earned your license.

NOW, with that out of the way, LET’S GET STARTED!

APPLY FOR YOUR FRN (FCC Registration Number). This is a requirement by the FCC to validate who you are and will be used for any/all FCC issued licenses. They no longer accept your SSN on applications. The link for this is: https://apps2.fcc.gov/fccUserReg/pages/createAccount.htm

ACQUIRE STUDY MATERIALS to prepare for the exam. I am aware that everyone has their own learning styles, so I will list some that worked for me and others:

.

  • Gordon West – 2022-2026 Technician Class (yellow book) – my preference
  • ARRL Ham Radio License Manual Spiral 5th Edition
  • ARRL’s Tech Q&A 8th Edition
  • Technician Class: Pass Your Amateur Radio Technician Class Test – The Easy Way by Craig “Buck” K4IA
  • The Ham Radio Prep Technician Class License Manual (2022 – 2026) – you can also sign up for their online training, if you wish.

PRACTICE EXAMS – When you have read through the material of your choice, begin taking “practice exams”. Be sure you make use of a variety of sources. Each source will randomly generate 35 questions, but they may not cover everything thoroughly. Utilizing multiple sources, ensures your greatest possibility of success. Some that I used and recommend are:

When you are consistently making > 85% across ALL of the practice exams/apps, it is time to schedule your exam.

NOTE: IF you have the time and IF you feel confident with your preparation for the Technician exam, you could (optional) study for the General as well. Once you pass the Technician exam, you may also take the General exam in the same sitting, without incurring any additional fees.

SCHEDULE YOUR EXAM – Look for an exam in your local area. I recommend an “in-person” exam, as it allows you to find and interact with other local hams in your area and develop relationships. However, if there are no local clubs or exam opportunities, you have the option to take you exam online with a variety of VEC groups (ie. GLAARG and W5YI).

*What you will need to bring with you to an in-person exam:

  • State issued photo ID or passport
  • Exam fee (typically $15 – cash or check)
  • 2 x #2 pencils with erasers (always have a spare)
  • 1 x ink pen (for signing documents)

When you have successfully passed your exam/s, the FCC will receive your application from the VEC (the team that proctored your exam) and you will receive an email with instructions to pay the $35 processing fee. As of this writing, you MUST pay within 10-days from a Windows PC or Chromebook (DO NOT use any Apple device (iPhone, iPad, iMac or Macbook), as there is an issue with FCC’s processing system with this technology).

You will be issued your FCC Amateur Radio license within 24-hours of receipt of payment, unless it is a weekend or federal holiday. As soon as your FCC license appears in the FCC ULS database, you are officially a licensed ham radio operator and can now transmit on frequencies and modes you are licensed for. Check your email for the link to download and print your license.

CONGRATULATIONS! I look forward to hearing you on the air!

73