Date:
January 4th , 2025
TBD
Exam Start Time:
08:45
13:00
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Amateur Radio License exam is a certification process for individuals who want to operate amateur (ham) radio in the United States. The exam is administered by Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) and consists of multiple-choice questions covering various aspects of radio communication, rules, and safety. There are three classes of licenses, each offering different privileges and requiring a separate exam.
A proctored exam session will be offered at the Rising Stars Conference!
There is no fee to take any exam, but you must register for the exam session to be held at the conference, download the study materials and obtain your FRN in order to take the exam at the conference.
About the Exam
The exam offers three levels of certification—Technician, General, and Amateur Extra—each progressively granting more privileges. The exams cover a range of topics, from basic radio theory to advanced communication techniques, with multiple-choice questions testing your knowledge. Achieving a passing score opens up a world of amateur radio communication, from local to worldwide contacts.
Number of Questions: 35 multiple-choice questions
Passing Requirement:A score of 74% or higher (at least 26 correct answers)
Summary: The Technician Class license is the entry-level license for amateur radio. It grants access to all VHF/UHF amateur bands (frequencies above 30 MHz), which are ideal for local and regional communication. Some limited privileges on the HF bands (below 30 MHz) are also available.
Exam Content: Basic radio theory, operating practices, FCC regulations, and safety. Topics include basic electronics, antennas, propagation, and emergency communication.
Number of Questions: 35 multiple-choice questions
Passing Requirement: A score of 74% or higher (at least 26 correct answers)
Summary: The General Class license grants more operating privileges than the Technician Class, including access to a larger portion of the HF bands, which enables worldwide communication.
Exam Content: More advanced concepts in radio theory, operating practices, and regulations. Topics include HF operating procedures, additional antenna theory, and international communication protocols.
Number of Questions: 50 multiple-choice questions
Passing Requirement: A score of 74% or higher (at least 37 correct answers)
Summary: The Amateur Extra Class license is the highest level of amateur radio certification. It grants full operating privileges on all amateur bands and modes, including exclusive access to certain HF sub-bands.
Exam Content: The most advanced level of radio theory, operating practices, and regulations. Topics include detailed electronics, advanced antenna theory, complex circuit analysis, and advanced communication modes.
For each exam, a passing score requires answering at least 74% of the questions correctly. The exams are multiple-choice, and you must correctly answer a specific number of questions to pass each level:
- Technician: 26 out of 35 questions
- General: 26 out of 35 questions
- Amateur Extra: 37 out of 50 questions
Exam Process:
- The exams are administered by Volunteer Examiners (VEs) from organizations like the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) or W5YI.
- Exams are offered at various locations, including local amateur radio clubs, community centers, and online (in some cases).
- After passing the exam, your results are submitted to the FCC, and you’ll be issued a call sign and license, which is valid for 10 years.
Study Materials
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dkaVWsNBSNCwGpgy6f2OfrOltS3GWYg_
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wX7dJX3n2HuXONO1zIm1xMYrz5wMD1b0
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ZHeKOvBU37ClASdm9xau5etwkARAByAF
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1mHa18aMljyyTKcL7NwjRgc3Px9y_33hR
About the FRN
An FRN (FCC Registration Number) is a unique 10-digit identifier issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to individuals and organizations that interact with the FCC. The FRN is used for all transactions with the FCC, including applying for licenses, making payments, and updating personal information. For amateur radio operators, having an FRN is a requirement when applying for an FCC Amateur Radio License or managing an existing license.
Applying for an FCC License: If you’re applying for an amateur radio license, you need an FRN to complete the application process.
Managing Your License: Once you have an FCC license, the FRN is used to log in to the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS) to update your information, renew your license, or apply for additional licenses.
Fee Payments: If any fees are associated with your license, the FRN is used to track payments.
Step 1: Go to the FCC’s CORES System
- Visit the FCC’s CORES (Commission Registration System) website
Step 2: Create an Account
- If you do not have an FCC account, you will need to create one by clicking on “Register” and following the prompts to set up your username and password.
Step 3: Register for an FRN
- Once logged in, select “Register New FRN” to begin the process of obtaining your FRN.
- You will be prompted to enter personal information, such as your name, contact information, and Social Security Number (for individuals) or Taxpayer Identification Number (for organizations).
Step 4: Submit and Receive Your FRN
- After submitting your information, you will be assigned an FRN. Make sure to save this number, as you will need it for any future interactions with the FCC
Additional Notes:
- Existing License Holders: If you already have an FCC amateur radio license but do not have an FRN, you can obtain one and associate it with your existing license by following the same steps. The FCC has instructions on how to associate your FRN with an existing call sign.
- Security: Keep your FRN secure, as it’s linked to your personal information and FCC activities.
By obtaining an FRN, you’ll be able to easily manage your FCC licenses and other communications-related transactions.