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HAM Radio Operators License
ukiyo e
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
My friend and I are looking into getting HAM radio operators licenses. We are not serious about HAM radios or anything, we just like the idea of having more access to frequencies... and perhaps getting a license plate with a lightning bolt on it. I know this is very random, but that's the kind of people that we are.
Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has experience with taking and passing the operators license test. It looks relatively straightforward but any advice would be appreciated.
Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has experience with taking and passing the operators license test. It looks relatively straightforward but any advice would be appreciated.
ukiyo e on
0
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There are three classes of licenses. The two most common ones are Technician, which primarily give you privileges on frequencies above 30 MHz used for short-to-medium range communications, and General, which give you most of the remaining frequencies. (Shown here)
All questions on the tests are public, so you have some options on preparing for the test. You can look for a local class, pick up a study guide, or just memorize the answers. I wouldn't recommend just memorizing, having a basic knowledge of what the others will teach you can be useful in many situations. If you're using a book, the question pool was updated in 2010 so something printed fairly recently would be most helpful. The most recommended site for test practice is http://www.qrz.com/exams. You can search for testing sessions on the ARRL website, which has a lot of good information. The tests are volunteer run, so they may not be very often depending on where you are.
I've only tested at one club so I'm not sure if this is considered typical, but if you pass your first test you can take the next one without an additional fee. Last I heard the cost for testing was about $15. The club near me usually has their testing run long enough that if you fail your first test you can pay and try again the same day.