Interested in Getting Your Ham Radio License?

Getting licensed is easier than you think. There are three license levels — Technician, General, and Extra — each earned by passing a multiple-choice exam. No Morse code is required for any level. Many people pass the entry-level Technician exam after just a few weeks of studying.

The Three License Classes

The Technician license is your entry point. It gives you access to all amateur radio frequencies above 30 MHz, including local repeaters, satellites, and most digital modes. This is where most new hams start.

The General license opens up the HF bands, letting you communicate across the country and around the world. You’ll need to pass both the Technician and General exams.

The Extra license gives you access to all amateur radio frequencies and privileges. It requires passing all three exam levels.

Study Resources

There are excellent free and paid resources to help you prepare:

  • HamStudy.org (hamstudy.org) — Free online practice exams and flashcards for all three license levels.
  • ARRL Online Courses (arrl.org/online-courses) — Structured courses for beginners and experienced hams.
  • ARRL License Manuals — Available at the ARRL store (arrl.org/shop). The standard study guides for each license class.
  • Ham Radio Crash Course (hamradiocrashcourse.com) — YouTube-based study videos and online exam sessions.
  • ARRL Exam Practice (arrl.org/exam-practice) — Free practice questions directly from the ARRL.

Find an Exam Session

RARA does not currently host license exams, but there are sessions available throughout the area:

  • ARRL Exam Finder (arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session) — Search by zip code to find in-person sessions near Rockford.
  • HamStudy.org Session Finder (hamstudy.org/sessions) — Find both in-person and remote online exam sessions.
  • Online Exams (arrl.org/online-exam-session) — Take your exam remotely via video conference from home.

What to Bring to the Exam

  • A valid photo ID
  • Your FCC Registration Number (FRN) — register at the FCC CORES website (apps.fcc.gov/cores) before your exam
  • The exam fee (typically $15, varies by team)
  • Note: The FCC charges a separate $35 application fee for new licenses. Candidates under 18 may qualify for the ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program, which reimburses this fee.

Already Licensed? Welcome to the Area!

If you’re a licensed ham who’s new to the Rockford area, check in on one of our repeaters (146.610 or 147.000 MHz) and say hello. Check out our net schedule and events calendar to get connected. And if you’re looking to upgrade your license, the same study resources and exam finders above will help you prepare for the next level.

Questions?

Reach out through our Contact page or join us at our next meeting. Our members are always happy to help point you in the right direction.

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