Quick Answer
Your General Class ham license is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance and must be renewed prior to expiration.
License Renewal Process
To renew your General Class ham license, you will need to submit an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) within the 90-day window preceding the expiration date. This can be done online through the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS) or by mail. You will be required to pay a renewal fee and provide proof of completing continuing education requirements.
Continuing Education Requirements
The FCC requires that all ham license holders complete a set of continuing education requirements every 10 years to maintain their license. For the General Class license, this includes passing a written examination on amateur radio regulations, operating practices, and technical topics. The examination is administered by the FCC-authorized testing centers. You will need to pass the examination with a score of 74% or better to be eligible for renewal.
Examination Content and Format
The General Class license examination consists of 35 questions that cover a range of topics, including amateur radio regulations, safety, operating practices, and technical topics. The examination is multiple-choice, and you will have 3 hours to complete it. The examination is administered by the FCC-authorized testing centers, and the results are reported to the FCC. You will need to provide proof of passing the examination as part of the license renewal application.
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