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Getting Your Technician License

LEVEL 1: Technician Class License

  • Exam Requirement: 35-question Technician Written Exam (Element 2).
  • Privileges: All VHF/UHF Amateur bands (frequencies above 30 MHz).
    Limited operations in certain HF bands.

The FCC Technician License exam covers basic regulations, operating practices and electronics theory, with a focus on VHF and UHF applications. Morse code is not required for this license. With a Technician Class license, you will have all ham radio privileges above 30 MHz. These privileges include the very popular 2-meter band. Many Technician licensees enjoy using small (2 meter) hand-held radios to stay in touch with other hams in their area. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), television, single-sideband voice and several other interesting modes. You can even make international radio contacts via satellites, using relatively simple station equipment. Technician licensees now also have additional privileges on certain HF frequencies. Technicians may also operate on the 80, 40 and 15 meter bands using CW, and on the 10 meter band using CW, voice and digital modes.

Why Should I Get Licensed?

Before you can get on the air, you need to be licensed and know the rules to operate legally. US licenses are good for 10 years before renewal and anyone may hold one except a representative of a foreign government.

Learn More About Getting Licensed

Resources

  • Preparing for the Tech Exam

    ARRL offers resources to help you prepare. Learn More

  • Technician Question Pool

    All of the possible questions that may appear on the exam are published for you to review. Learn More

  • Ham Radio License Manual

    While studying the Ham Radio License Manual, you may find that you need a bit more background to fully understand a topic. Learn More

  • Find a Class

    Find a license class offered in your local area. Learn More

  • Find a Test Location

    Find an in-person ham radio exam location in your area or schedule an online exam. Online and in-person tests are given regularly. Learn More

  • What Do I Bring?

    What form of ID do I need at an exam session? How do I pay for the exam? What else? Learn More

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