Quick Answer
In the United States, ham radio operators must obtain a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which requires passing a written exam administered by a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC). The licensing process offers three levels of certification: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra. The Technician license requires passing the 35-question Technician class exam.
Licensing Requirements
To obtain a ham radio license, you must pass a written exam administered by a VEC. The exam covers topics such as transmission modes, antenna theory, and safety procedures. The Technician class exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 26 correctly to pass. The exam is administered in a proctored environment, and the results are transmitted to the FCC.
Frequency Allocation
As a licensed ham radio operator, you are allocated specific frequency ranges for communication. The Technician class license grants access to frequencies between 30 MHz and 108 MHz, as well as 144 MHz and 148 MHz. These frequencies are divided into amateur radio service allocations, and you must adhere to the regulations for each service. For example, the 30 MHz frequency range is allocated for Morse code transmissions, while the 144 MHz frequency range is allocated for voice transmissions.
Operating Practice
To maintain your license, you must adhere to good operating practice. This includes following proper call sign procedures, respecting frequency allocations, and using antennas in a safe manner. You must also keep a log of your transmissions, which can be used to demonstrate your compliance with FCC regulations. This log should include date, time, frequency, and location of each transmission.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.