How to Get Your First Amateur Radio License

A Complete Technician Class Guide

Getting your first Amateur (ham) radio license is one of the most rewarding steps you can take if you’re interested in radio communications, emergency preparedness, electronics, or simply talking to people around the world using your own equipment. The entry-level Technician Class license is designed for beginners and opens the door to a wide range of operating privileges.

This guide walks you through the entire process—from understanding what amateur radio is, to passing your exam, to getting on the air for the first time.

What Is Amateur (Ham) Radio?

Amateur radio is a federally regulated radio service that allows licensed individuals to communicate for personal, educational, and emergency purposes. Unlike CB or FRS radios, amateur radio operators (called hams) are permitted to use a wide range of frequencies, power levels, and equipment.

Ham radio is used for:

Local and long-distance communication
Emergency and disaster response
Experimenting with electronics and antennas
Public service events
International contacts and contests

To operate legally, you must hold a license issued by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission).

Why Start With the Technician Class License?

The Technician Class license is the first and easiest license to obtain in the U.S. It provides:

Full privileges on VHF and UHF bands
Limited HF privileges for long-distance communication
Access to repeaters, satellites, and digital modes
A lifelong FCC-issued callsign (no renewal cost)

Most new hams start here, and many remain active Technicians for years before upgrading.

Technician License Privileges (In Plain English)

Local communication using repeaters (often 20–100+ miles)
Statewide or regional coverage via linked repeaters
Satellite and ISS communications
Digital modes such as APRS and FT8 (on permitted bands)
Limited HF operation on the 10-meter band

What’s on the Technician Exam?

The Technician exam (Element 2) consists of:

35 multiple-choice questions
Questions taken from a public question pool
A passing score of 26 correct answers (74%)

No Morse code is required.

Exam topics include FCC rules, operating practices, basic electronics, antennas, frequency allocations, and safety.

How to Study for the Technician Exam

Use the Question Pool

All possible exam questions are published ahead of time. Studying directly from the pool removes any surprises.

Choose a Study Method

Online practice exams
Printed or digital study guides
Mobile apps
Video courses
Local ham radio club classes

Take Practice Tests

Practice exams are the most effective preparation. Aim for consistent scores above 85–90%.

Finding and Taking the Exam

Amateur radio exams are administered by FCC-authorized Volunteer Examiners (VEs).

In-person testing sessions at clubs or events
Online remote-proctored exams

You’ll typically need a photo ID, an FCC Registration Number (FRN), and a small exam fee.

Getting Your FCC Callsign

After passing the exam, your results are submitted to the FCC. Within a few days, your license appears in the FCC database and you are issued a unique callsign.

Once your callsign is active, you may legally transmit.

Your First Radio: What You Really Need

Most new Technicians start with a VHF/UHF handheld radio (HT). A quality antenna often provides more improvement than a higher-priced radio.

Common accessories include spare batteries, programming cables, speaker microphones, and upgraded antennas.

Learning How to Operate

Repeaters extend your range and are ideal for beginners. Learn repeater offsets, tone settings, and identification rules.

Good operating etiquette includes listening before transmitting, identifying with your callsign, and keeping transmissions professional.

Joining the Ham Radio Community

Local clubs provide mentorship, training, and access to repeaters. On-air nets are structured conversations that help build confidence.

What’s Next After Technician?

Many operators later upgrade to:

General Class – Expanded HF privileges and worldwide communication
Amateur Extra – Full operating privileges and advanced knowledge

Final Thoughts

The Technician Class license is your gateway into amateur radio. With minimal cost and a supportive community, it offers lifelong learning, technical growth, and real-world communication skills.

Study, pass the exam, and get on the air—your first contact is closer than you think.