Licensing

FCC Licenses and Amateaur Radio

Amateur Radio licensing was restructured in December 1999 by the FCC. At that time the exsisting six classes of licenses was reduced to three. This change does not make it easier to obtain a Ham license, but it does allow you to progress from entry-level to higher class licensing more quickly. In addition to a streamlined licensing program, the Morse Code (CW) requirement has been eliminated for all licenses.

• TECHNICIAN CLASS LICENSE - While this is sometimes referred to as an entry-level license, it is not a 'low level' or low quality' license. The Techical Class License requires one exam consisting of 35 questions covering regulations, operating practices, and theory. This class allows some limited usage of the HF bands as well as access to all Ham bands above 30MHz.


• GENERAL CLASS LICENSE - To obtain a General License, you must currently hold a Technician License or pass the equivalent test for the Technician Class as well as a 35 question General Class Exam. Obtaining the General License will provde you with the Technician privileges, as well as additional privileges on all Ham bands as well as all operating modes.


• EXTRA CLASS LICENSE - This is the pinnacle of Ham Radio. You will have full privileges on all Ham Bands with all modes of operation. You will need to possess a General Class License or take the exams equivalent to the Technician and General Class Licenses as well as a 50 question exam for the Extra Class License.