Get Licensed
Start Your Amateur Radio Journey Today!
Why Get Your Ham Radio License?
🔹 Join a Thriving Community – Connect with local and global amateur radio enthusiasts.
🔹 Be Prepared for Emergencies – Stay connected when cell service and the internet go down.
🔹 Explore the World of Radio Communications – Experiment with HF, VHF, UHF, digital modes, and more.
🔹 Fun & Rewarding Hobby – Participate in contests, public service events, and emergency communications.
In-Person Classes Coming Soon!
For the season, we do not have in-person classes, but we are developing them for the near future. If you're eager to get started and don’t want to wait, you can begin learning today with our online training option!
Embarking on the journey to become a licensed amateur radio operator can feel daunting. However, with the right guidance and resources, this process can be straightforward and rewarding.
Let's break it down into manageable steps!
Step 1: Obtain Your FCC Registration Number (FRN)
The FRN (FCC Registration Number) is your unique identifier with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Obtaining it is a quick and simple online process that helps protect your personal information while managing your amateur radio license.
🔹 Why is an FRN Essential?
✅ Required for your amateur radio license exam – You cannot take the test without it.
✅ Facilitates license management – Easily update and renew your FCC licenses.
✅ Enhances privacy – Keeps your Social Security Number (SSN) confidential.
🔹 How to Get Your FRN:
1️⃣ Visit the FCC’s CORES website: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do - Play Video - Getting Started With the New CORES
2️⃣ Create an account by following the on-screen prompts. - Play Video - How to Register an FRN
3️⃣ Receive your FRN instantly upon completion of the registration process.
📌 Tip: Save your FRN number in a secure location, as you will need it for exam registration and future license management!
🚀 Now that you have your FRN, you’re ready for the next step—preparing for your exam!
Step 2: Prepare for the License Exam
Getting your amateur radio license starts with understanding the different license classes and choosing the one that best fits your goals. Each license level grants you more privileges on the air, from local communication to worldwide contacts!
📡 Technician License (Entry-Level)
The Technician license is the starting point for amateur radio enthusiasts. It covers basic radio operation, safety, and regulations and is designed to be accessible, even for those with no prior experience.
✅ Grants access to VHF/UHF bands for local & regional communication
✅ Ideal for emergency response, public service, and digital modes
✅ Great first step for anyone interested in amateur radio
📌 Exam Details:
🔹 35 multiple-choice questions
🔹 Must answer at least 26 correctly (74%) to pass
🌎 General License (Intermediate Level)
The General license builds upon the Technician class by expanding your privileges to high-frequency (HF) bands, allowing for long-distance and international communication.
✅ Grants access to most HF bands for worldwide contacts
✅ Covers more advanced topics like propagation, antennas, and circuits
✅ Great for DX (long-distance) communication and contesting
📌 Exam Details:
🔹 35 multiple-choice questions
🔹 Must answer at least 26 correctly (74%) to pass
🏆 Extra License (Advanced Level)
The Amateur Extra license is the highest level of amateur radio certification, providing full privileges on all FCC-authorized amateur bands.
✅ Full access to all amateur frequencies and modes
✅ Covers advanced radio theory, digital communications, and regulations
✅ Ideal for those who want to explore technical experimentation and mentorship
📌 Exam Details:
🔹 50 multiple-choice questions
🔹 Must answer at least 37 correctly (74%) to pass
🔹 All questions come from a public question pool, so you can study exactly what will be on the test!
📚 Study Tips for Success!
✔️ Utilize Practice Tests – Engage with online practice exams to familiarize yourself with the question format and identify areas for improvement.
✔️ Break Down Study Sessions – Divide study materials into smaller sections and tackle them one at a time to stay focused and avoid burnout.
✔️ Join Study Groups – Connect with local amateur radio clubs or online communities to share resources, ask questions, and get support.
✔️ Incorporate Visual Aids – Use diagrams, flowcharts, and videos to reinforce complex concepts like circuit design and radio wave propagation.
📌 Next Step: Find an Exam Session and get ready to take your test! 🚀
Pass Your Test
📜 Now that you've studied, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! The best way to ensure success is by practicing with online exams before scheduling your official test.
✅ Take Online Practice Tests – Familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify areas for improvement.
✅ Aim for 80% or Higher – Once you consistently score 80% or better on practice exams, you’re ready!
✅ Schedule Your Exam – When you’re confident in your knowledge, it's time to take the real test.
📌 How to Schedule Your Exam:
📧 Email our training department at training@w0phc.org to set up your official exam session.
🎉 Once you pass your test, you’ll be officially licensed and ready to get on the air! 🚀
Explore Digital Modes
(Optional Step)
Once you’ve earned your amateur radio license, a whole new world of communication opens up! While not required for licensing, digital modes offer exciting ways to enhance your radio experience by enabling clearer audio, networked repeaters, and worldwide connectivity.
DMR (Digital Mobile Radio)
DMR is a digital voice mode that provides clearer audio quality compared to analog signals.
✅ Enhanced Clarity – Less background noise and interference.
✅ Talk Groups – Connect with local, national, or global amateur radio communities.
✅ Used in Commercial & Amateur Radio – Popular among emergency services and hobbyists alike.
✅ Requires a DMR-Compatible Radio & ID – Register for a free DMR ID at RadioID.net to access the network.
Wires-X (Wide-coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System)
Wires-X is a digital linking system that extends amateur radio communication over the internet, allowing for worldwide connectivity.
✅ Global Communication – Contact hams across the world via digital repeaters.
✅ System Fusion Compatible – Works with Yaesu C4FM radios.
✅ Connect to Rooms & Nodes – Join digital chatrooms or link to other stations effortlessly.
📌 Interested in digital modes? You can explore DMR, Wires-X, and more once you’ve obtained your license and are ready to expand your ham radio capabilities! 🚀
Understand the Benefits of Licensing
📡 Getting your amateur radio license isn’t just about talking on the air—it’s about joining a worldwide network of operators who share a passion for communication, emergency preparedness, and technological exploration. Here’s what you gain by becoming a licensed ham:
✅ 🌎 Global Connections – Communicate with fellow radio enthusiasts across the world, whether through HF bands, digital modes, or satellite communications.
✅ 🚨 Emergency Preparedness – Learn critical skills to assist in emergency disaster communications when traditional systems fail.
✅ 🤝 Community Engagement – Join a supportive and welcoming network of ham radio operators who share your interests in technology, public service, and experimentation.
✅ 🔬 Hands-On Learning – Explore radio electronics, antenna design, propagation, and cutting-edge digital communication methods like DMR and Wires-X.
✅ 📡 Expand Your Hobby – With additional privileges at higher license levels, you can upgrade to General or Extra Class and unlock even more frequencies and operating modes.
🎉 Your journey into amateur radio starts with getting licensed—take the first step today! 🚀
Utilize Available Resources
📡 Amateur radio is a lifelong learning experience, and there are plenty of resources available to help you succeed! Whether you’re preparing for your exam, looking for mentorship, or exploring new aspects of the hobby, these tools and organizations can guide you along the way.
🔹 ARRL (American Radio Relay League)
The ARRL is the national association for amateur radio and provides comprehensive resources, including:
✅ Licensing guides and study materials
✅ Technical articles and publications
✅ Advocacy for amateur radio regulations
✅ Training programs and workshops
📌 Visit: www.arrl.org
🔹 Online Practice Exams
Before taking your official test, you can practice using free online exams. These tools simulate the real FCC test and help identify areas for improvement.
✅ QRZ Practice Tests – www.qrz.com
✅ HamStudy.org – www.hamstudy.org
✅ ARRL Practice Exams – www.arrl.org/exam-practice
🔹 Local Amateur Radio Clubs
Connecting with local radio clubs (like us!) provides a support network, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities. Clubs can offer:
✅ Elmering (Mentorship) – Learn from experienced operators
✅ Hands-on Training – Participate in field days, club meetings, and special events
✅ Networking & Community – Meet others who share your passion for radio
📌 Join us at Pueblo Amateur Radio Club (PARC)!
🎉 Keep Learning & Stay Active!
Remember, the path to becoming a licensed amateur radio operator is a personal journey. By taking it one step at a time and utilizing these resources, you’ll find that getting licensed is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding!
🚀 Start today and get on the air!
Ready to Take Your Exam?
Once you feel prepared, we’ll help you take the next step!
📧 Email us at training@w0phc.org, and we’ll get you scheduled for a Volunteer Examiner (VE) testing session so you can officially earn your amateur radio license.
Join PARC and Get On the Air!
PARC is dedicated to helping new and experienced hams succeed in the hobby. Whether you prefer to learn online or need additional guidance, our club is here to support you.
📅 Looking for Local Mentors?
We also offer in-person meetups, licensing exam sessions, and Elmer (mentor) support to help you every step of the way.
📨 Have Questions?
Contact us at training@w0phc.org or visit one of our meetings to learn more!
🚀 Start your amateur radio journey today—Get licensed, get on the air, and join the fun with PARC! 🚀