Getting your Ham Radio License(s)

🔹 SHORT FAQ

📡 Getting Your Ham Radio License — Quick Overview

Getting licensed is straightforward:

  1. Study on your own using an app or website
  2. Take a multiple-choice test (online or in person)
  3. Get your license
  4. Get on the air

If you have questions, ward or stake emergency communications specialists can help — they’ve already done this and are happy to walk you through it.

❓ What are the ham radio licenses?

  • Technician – Local & regional communication
  • General – Global communication
  • Amateur Extra – Full privileges

Most people start with Technician.

❓ Do I need to take a class?

No.
You only need to pass the FCC licensing test. Classes are optional but helpful.

❓ How do I study?

Common options:

These tools quiz you using the actual test questions, with explanations.

❓ How do I know when I’m ready to test?

When you’re scoring 85% or higher consistently on practice tests, you’re ready.

❓ Do I have to go to a testing center?

No. You can test:

  • Online from home (laptop + phone cameras, Zoom)
  • In person (search by zip code)

Online testing is usually available within 24–48 hours.

❓ How much does it cost?

  • Test: ~$15 (depends on the testing center)
  • FCC license: $35 (good for 10 years)

❓ Is Morse code required?

No.

⭐ Final thought

The test is the hardest part.
The license is a license to learn.

👉 Click here for the full explanation & detailed FAQ

🔸 FULL FAQ (Expandable Section)

❓ How exactly do I study?

You can study using:

  • HamStudy.org (small cost, excellent explanations)
  • Ham Radio Prep app (free)
  • Printed Technician manuals (optional)

These tools quiz you using the actual FCC question pool, with explanations for each answer.

Here's the syllabus for the upcoming class.

(Personal note: I used HamStudy only for my Technician license and did not use a manual.)

❓ How long does studying take?

For the Technician license:

  • ~30 minutes a day
  • Most people are ready in 2–3 weeks

❓ How hard is the test?

  • 35 multiple-choice questions
  • You need 26 correct to pass
  • Questions are drawn from a pool of ~300

Pass rates are 80%+ when people study even a little.

❓ Where should I take the test?

You can test:

  • Online from home (recommended for flexibility)
  • In person (search by zip code)

Recommended online testing group - Anchorage Alaska Group
https://kl7aa.org/vec/

(They provide clear instructions and are very helpful.)

In-person exam search:
https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session

❓ What happens after I pass?

  1. Pay the $35 FCC license fee
  2. Receive your call sign (usually within 10 days)
  3. You are officially licensed 🎉

You can look up your call sign here:
https://www.arrl.org/advanced-call-sign-search

❓ Can I upgrade my license?

Yes.

If you pass Technician, you may attempt:

  • General (often free, same session)
  • Amateur Extra (also free)

If you want to pursue Amateur Extra later, pay close attention during General studies — Extra builds directly on it.

❓ What radio do I need?

A beginner radio like the Baofeng UV-5R costs ~$17.

With a better antenna, these radios can perform surprisingly well. You do not need expensive equipment to start.

❓ Do I need a license to listen?

No.
You need a license only to transmit.

❓ Why not just use walkie-talkies?

Short explanation: range, reliability, legality, and coordination.

Full explanation here:
https://ontariostakeerc.blogspot.com/2024/04/why-ham-why-not-just-use.html

❓ Why do I need a license at all?

Some frequencies require a license by law, with significant penalties for misuse.

As church members, we also want to:

  • Obey the law
  • Set good examples
  • Protect the church’s reputation

❓ Is ham radio actually used by the Church?

Yes.

Ham radio is used at:

  • Church headquarters
  • Bishop’s storehouses
  • Emergency preparedness operations

It is referenced in the Church handbook as part of preparedness.

❓ Do I need Morse code?

No.
It’s no longer required, though still widely used.

If you want to learn it for fun, apps like Morse Mania are helpful.

“73” means best regards — you’ll hear it often.

⭐ Final encouragement

Everyone starts knowing almost nothing.
Stage fright is normal.
People on the air are usually excited to help.

Hams are made on the air, not on the test.
The license is a license to learn.

We’re all amateurs.
Welcome to the club. 73 📡



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