Quick Answer
In the United States, the Technician and General licenses have distinct differences in licensing requirements. The Technician license requires a 35-question multiple-choice test, while the General license requires a 35-question multiple-choice test with an additional 5-element Morse code test for those who apply before June 30, 2022. The General license offers more privileges, including higher power limits and access to more amateur frequencies.
Technician License Requirements
To become a Technician, you must pass a 35-question multiple-choice test administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The test covers the basics of radio theory, operating practices, and FCC rules. The test is offered at a local testing center and is proctored by a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC).
General License Requirements
The General license has two paths: the 35-question multiple-choice test, and the 5-element Morse code test. Those who apply for the General license before June 30, 2022, must pass the Morse code test in addition to the multiple-choice test. This is because the FCC grandfathered in Morse code proficiency for those who had it before the test requirement was dropped. The General license allows for more privileges, including higher power limits and access to more amateur frequencies.
Practical Differences
The main difference between the Technician and General licenses is the level of power and frequency access. Technician license holders are limited to 400 watts output power and 30 kHz bandwidth, while General license holders can operate up to 1,500 watts output power and 3,000 kHz bandwidth. Additionally, General license holders have access to more amateur frequencies, including some VHF and UHF bands.
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