Before you can get on the air legally, you need to be licensed. US licenses are good for 10 years before renewal and anyone may hold one except a representative of a foreign government. In the US there are three license classes, which build upon each other, meaning you must past each one in the order listed below before advancing to the next license.
Technician License
The Technician class license is the entry-level license for ham radio operators. To earn the Technician license requires passing one examination totaling 35 questions on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. The license gives access to all Amateur Radio frequencies above 30 megahertz and use the local repeaters to communicate with each other.
General License
The General class license grants some operating privileges on all Amateur Radio bands and all operating modes. This license opens the door to world-wide communications. The General class license requires passing a 35 question examination. General class licensees must have passed the Technician license class written examination before they can sit for this exam.
Extra License
The Extra class license grants all available U.S. Amateur Radio operating privileges on all bands and all modes. Earning this license is more difficult; it requires passing a thorough 50 question examination. Extra class licensees must also have passed all previous license class written examinations before they can sit for this exam.
Exam Candidates: You are REQUIRED to register in the FCC CORES system and receive a FCC Registration Number (FRN) before exam day. For FRN registration information Candidates could go directly to the FCC CORES User Account and Registration page to register for your FRN. FCC CORES Tutorial Videos are available to assist you in registration HERE.
For more information on what expect at an exam visit ARRL “What to Bring to an Exam”
EXAMS
Can be taken online or in person. For more information about online exams please visit ARRL Online Exam.
Known In Person Exams offered in counties adjacent to Lee County, TX are listed below, or you can visit ARRL to search for an exam near you.
Bastrop TX 78602
Sponsor: Bastrop County Amateur Radio Club (BCARC)
Location: TBD
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Rockdale TX 76567-2517
Sponsor: Milam Amateur Radio Club
Location: TBD
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