How to Become a "Ham" or Upgrade

Each new amateur radio operator must study and learn about the hobby and pass a test of knowledge before they can become licensed radio amateurs with on-air privileges. Obtaining a license issued by the government in which country the amateur radio operator resides is required. In the United States, the license is issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Study guides are available thru many sources. Two good sources are the ARRLat http://www.arrl.org or Click: The w5yi.org Group for your review of study manuals. The "Technician Class" study manual will contain the complete question pool with answers plus all other information needed to become a licensed amateur radio operator. The General & Extra Class manuals will contain the complete questions pools with answers needed to study for your upgrade of your current class of license.

NOTE: As of February 23, 2007 the Morse Code has been eliminated as a requirement in Amateur Radio Testing in the United States by their FCC. The 3 classes of license in the U.S. - Technician, General or Extra Class require no morse code. 

If you think you can pass the examine now then take a practice Technician class exam at AA9PW's web site. The General & Extra Class practice exams are also available there for those wanting to practice for to upgrade their class of license.

Most areas have a local amateur radio club that should be able to provide some information about when and where the next testing session is in your area. If you currently need to search for testing sessions  near you  try searching the ARRL web site for testing information. In Michigan where we are at, there is The Prescott Testing Group that has scheduled Amateur Radio Exams on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. The contact for testing here is Dale AB8BU at (989) 873-6920 or mailto:2hamitup@verizon.net. The local club here ( the Ogemaw-Arenac Amateur Radio Society ) schedules Amateur Radio Classes when needed. Contact AB8SY Charlie mailto:charrood@sch-net.com if you are interested in an Amateur Radio Class for Technician, General or Extra. ( Details of testing & club meetings are available on the Club Information page on this site or mailto:oaars@k8oar.com any questions or for information )

Community Service

Ham radio operators can also be of service to their communities by becoming volunteers for local emergency management agencies. Amateur radio operators can provide communications in and out of disaster areas when no phone service nor electricity is available.

Many radio amateurs become trained weather spotters and report local severe weather information via ham radio. These volunteer hams are often members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and/or the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)