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Licensing

Obtaining a ham radio license is the first step toward becoming an active member of the amateur radio community. This guide will walk you through the process of acquiring your license, utilizing study resources, finding testing locations, and joining the Utah County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (UCARES) to embark on your exciting ham radio journey.

Steps to Obtain Your Ham Radio License​

1. Choose Your License Class​

In the United States, there are three primary license classes, each offering different levels of operating privileges. The first license is the Technician license. This license focuses on the basics of radio and prepares you to start your radio journey. As you work with radio, you may decide "level up" your license to gain access to other operating privileges. Some individuals will test for all 3 exams on the same day, or spread out over time. We recommend focussing on passing the Technician test and getting started with radio rather than attempting to pass multiple tests at the same time.

  • Technician Class: Entry-level license with access to all VHF/UHF bands and limited privileges on HF bands.
  • General Class: Intermediate license with expanded privileges on HF bands.
  • Extra Class: Advanced license with full privileges on all amateur radio bands.

For more information on each license class, visit the FCC Amateur Radio Licensing page.

2. Prepare for the Exam​

  • Study Resources:
    • HamStudy.org: An excellent platform offering study guides, practice exams, and flashcards to help you prepare for your licensing exam.
      • Free online access, with paid iOS and Android apps.
    • Official Study Guides: Consider obtaining study materials from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) or other reputable sources.
  • Tips for Studying:
    • Focus on Elements: The question pool for each license exam is composed of multiple elements (T1, T2, T3...). Each element focusses on a particular aspect of radio. Using HamStudy.org, you can focus your study on one element at a time. This can help you gain confidence as you see the same topics repeatedly until you are proficient.
    • Consistent Practice: Regularly take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the question format and identify areas needing improvement.
    • Join a Study Group: Collaborate with fellow aspiring operators through local clubs or online forums to enhance your learning experience.

3. Locate a Testing Session​

4. Take the Exam​

  • Exam Day:
    • Arrive early with necessary identification.
    • Complete the multiple-choice exam for your desired license class.
  • Passing the Exam:
    • Upon successfully passing the exam, you will receive your call sign and operating privileges.

5. Join UCARES and Participate in New Ham Night​

  • Become a Member of UCARES:
  • Attend New Ham Night:
    • Participate in our New Ham Night event to meet experienced members, learn more about operating procedures, and kickstart your ham radio activities.
  • Get Involved:
    • Engage in training sessions, public service events, and emergency communication drills to fully immerse yourself in the ham radio experience.

Need Assistance? Contact Our Leadership​

If you have any questions or need further guidance on obtaining your ham radio license, feel free to reach out to our leadership team:

Our team is here to support you every step of the way as you embark on your ham radio journey.