The Three License Classes
In the United States, there are three amateur radio license classes, each with progressively more privileges.
Technician Class
The Technician license is your entry point into amateur radio.
What You Get
- Full privileges on all amateur frequencies above 30 MHz (VHF, UHF, and microwave)
- Limited privileges on some HF bands (small portions of 10m, 15m, 40m, and 80m)
- Can use voice, data, image, and all other modes on VHF/UHF
What You Can Do
- Talk on local repeaters
- Communicate through amateur satellites
- Use packet radio, APRS, and digital modes on VHF/UHF
- Some HF voice on 10 meters when the band is open
- CW (Morse code) on portions of 80, 40, and 15 meters
The Exam
- 35 multiple choice questions
- Must get 26 correct (74%)
- Covers basic regulations, operating practices, and electronics
General Class
The General license opens up HF and worldwide communications.
What You Get
- Everything a Technician gets, PLUS
- Voice privileges on most HF bands (160m through 10m)
- Access to popular bands like 20 meters (the workhorse of HF)
What You Can Do
- Work DX (distant stations) around the world
- Participate in HF contests
- Operate portable from parks (POTA) and summits (SOTA)
- Use digital modes like FT8 on HF
The Exam
- Must already hold Technician license
- 35 multiple choice questions
- Must get 26 correct (74%)
- Covers more technical material and HF operating
Amateur Extra Class
The Amateur Extra is the highest license class with full privileges.
What You Get
- Everything a General gets, PLUS
- Access to exclusive Extra-only portions of HF bands
- These portions often have less interference and better DX
What You Can Do
- Everything! No frequency restrictions on amateur bands
- Better chance at rare DX in the Extra portions
- Eligible for special callsign (shorter, like W1AW)
The Exam
- Must already hold General license
- 50 multiple choice questions
- Must get 37 correct (74%)
- Most technical of the three exams
Which License Should You Get?
Start with Technician if:
- You want to get on the air quickly
- You're interested in local VHF/UHF communications
- You want to try amateur satellites or APRS
- You're not sure about the hobby yet
Go straight to General if:
- You're motivated and want HF from the start
- You want to work DX and talk to the world
- You're interested in FT8 and digital modes
- You can pass both exams in one session
Get Extra when:
- You want the full amateur radio experience
- You're into DXing and want access to Extra portions
- You want a shorter vanity callsign
Exam Tips
- Study at hamstudy.org (free) or use apps like Ham Radio Exam
- The question pools are public - you're studying the actual test questions
- Find a local exam session at arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session
- Many sessions are free or very low cost ($5-15)
- You can take multiple exam elements in one session