Licensing & Study Guide
Everything you need to earn your amateur radio license, wherever you are. US FCC licensing, UK Ofcom, CEPT/HAREC for Europe, and links to licensing authorities worldwide.
US License Classes (FCC)
Amateur radio licensing varies by country. Below are the license tiers for major regions. Contact your national society or licensing authority for specifics.
Technician Class
Entry LevelThe entry-level license. Grants full privileges on all VHF/UHF bands (6 meters and above) and limited privileges on some HF bands. This is where most people start.
Exam: 35 multiple-choice questions (Element 2)
Privileges: All VHF/UHF, some HF (CW on 80/40/15m, all modes on 10m)
Study time: 1-2 weeks for most people
Best for: Local repeater use, VHF/UHF, getting started
General Class
IntermediateAdds substantial HF privileges, opening up worldwide communication on most amateur radio bands. The most popular upgrade for active operators.
Exam: 35 multiple-choice questions (Element 3)
Privileges: All Technician privileges + most HF bands
Prerequisite: Must hold Technician license (can test same day)
Best for: HF, DX, digital modes, worldwide contacts
Amateur Extra Class
AdvancedThe highest license class. Grants access to all amateur radio frequencies and modes. Required for some exclusive HF band segments popular for DX.
Exam: 50 multiple-choice questions (Element 4)
Privileges: All amateur radio frequencies and modes
Prerequisite: Must hold General license (can test same day)
Best for: Serious DX, contesting, full band access
Study Resources
HamStudy.org
FreeThe most popular free study platform. Practice tests, flashcards, progress tracking, and an exam session finder for all three license classes.
Start Studying →KB6NU Study Guides
Free (Tech)No-nonsense study guides in plain English. The Technician guide is free as a PDF. General and Extra guides available for purchase.
Download Guide →Ham Radio Prep
PaidVideo-based course with structured lessons for all license classes. Good for people who learn better from video instruction than reading.
Learn More →Educational articles and study resources with clear explanations of ham radio concepts. Books available for each license class.
Visit Website →AA9PW Practice Exams
FreeFree online practice exams for all three license classes using the current FCC question pools. Simple, no-frills interface.
Take Practice Exam →Official ARRL license manuals and online courses for all license classes. The ARRL license manuals are the most comprehensive study guides available.
Visit ARRL →Find an Exam Session
In the US, amateur radio exams are administered by Volunteer Examiners (VEs) through Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs). Exams are available in-person and online. For other countries, see the International Licensing section below.
ARRL VEC
OfficialFind ARRL-coordinated exam sessions. The largest VEC program. Exam fee: $15.
Find Exam →Laurel VEC
Free ExamsFree amateur radio exams. Laurel VEC teams do not charge any exam fees, making licensing accessible to everyone.
Find Free Exam →Find both in-person and online exam sessions. HamStudy's session finder includes options from multiple VEC programs.
Find Session →After You Pass
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Wait for Your Call SignYour exam results are submitted to the licensing authority. In the US, your call sign appears in the FCC ULS database within about 10 business days. In the UK, Ofcom processes Foundation licences within days. Processing times vary by country.
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Set Up Your QRZ PageCreate a free account at QRZ.com and set up your profile. This is how other operators will look you up after a contact.
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Get a RadioStart with a VHF/UHF handheld radio to access local repeaters. See our Hardware section for recommendations. Join a local club for advice on equipment choices.
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Find Local RepeatersUse RepeaterBook to find repeaters in your area. Program their frequencies and PL tones into your radio.
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Make Your First ContactListen first to learn the etiquette. When ready, key up on a repeater and say your call sign. Many nets welcome new operators. Don't be afraid, everyone was new once.
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Start LoggingKeep a record of your contacts (QSOs). Use free software like HAMRS or QRZ Logbook. Logging is not legally required but is standard practice.
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Join a ClubFind a local club through the ARRL club finder (US), RSGB (UK), or your IARU national society. Clubs offer mentoring (Elmering), equipment advice, and social connections.
FCC Information (US)
Amateur radio in the United States is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission under Part 97 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Key FCC resources:
FCC ULS License Search
Look up any amateur radio license, check your application status, or verify a call sign in the official FCC database.
FCC Amateur Radio Service
Official FCC page for amateur radio including rules, regulations, licensing information, and enforcement actions.
License renewal: Amateur radio licenses are valid for 10 years. Renewal is free and can be done online through the FCC ULS system. You can renew up to 2 years before expiration and up to 2 years after expiration (within the grace period).
Vanity call signs: After receiving your initial sequential call sign, you can apply for a vanity call sign of your choosing (if available) through the FCC ULS system. There is a fee for vanity call sign applications.
International Licensing
Amateur radio licensing is managed by each country's national telecommunications authority. The IARU coordinates internationally, and reciprocal agreements like CEPT allow cross-border operating in many countries.
United Kingdom
Three tiers: Foundation, Intermediate, and Full licence. Regulated by Ofcom, exams administered through RSGB-affiliated clubs.
Europe (CEPT/HAREC)
The CEPT T/R 61-01 agreement allows licensed operators to operate across 45+ member countries without additional permits. HAREC is the standard full licence.
Framework: CEPT Licensing Info
Coverage: 45+ European and associated countries
Note: Entry-level (CEPT Novice) also available for cross-border use
Germany
Two classes: Klasse A (full HAREC, all bands/power) and Klasse E (entry level, limited bands/power). Regulated by BNetzA.
Japan
Four classes (1st through 4th). 4th class is entry level. Exams are administered by JARD and can be taken in English.
Australia
Three tiers: Foundation, Standard, and Advanced. Regulated by ACMA, exams administered through WIA-affiliated clubs.
Canada
Two certificates: Basic (entry level, VHF/UHF + some HF) and Basic with Honours (5 WPM CW, all bands). Regulated by ISED.
Authority: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
National Society: RAC
Prefixes: VA, VE, VO, VY
Find your country's licensing authority: Visit the IARU Member Societies page to find your national amateur radio organization. They can direct you to your country's exam process and study materials.
Amateur Radio Glossary
Common amateur radio terms explained in plain English.