Ham Radio Technician License Exam


Ham radio operators are amateur radio operators. Its popularity has grown in recent years and it is regulated by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) under the Communication Act of 1934. Ham Radio license tests are administered by VEC- Volunteer Exam Coordinators and they are approved by FCC to undertake the exam execution.

In the US, all Amateur Radio operators must be licensed and currently, there are three license classes. Depending upon the class of the license, an operator can access the frequencies. Earning each class requires passing an examination. It is important for a candidate to obtain a license so he is aware of the rules that are mandatory to operate legally.

For candidates who are interested in radio communications, can begin learning its operation as a hobby and can eventually take it up as a career.

Eligibility for Ham Radio Technician License Exam


Ham Radio Technician Exam is an entry-level exam meant for the new ham radio operators in the USA. To earn the license, a candidate has to perform successfully in the exam and to be able to appear in the exam-

  • No formal education is required.
  • It is not mandatory for the candidate to be a US citizen however must possess a valid photo identity.
  • There is no upper or lower age limit for the candidate appearing in the exam.

Syllabus for Ham Radio Technician License Exam


Ham Radio Technician Exam is an entry-level license exam and the syllabus of the exam majorly covers-

  • Basic regulations and practices for Amateur Radio
  • Operating practices
  • Basics in electronics theory- Radio wave characteristics
  • VHF and UHF applications.
  • Electrical principles and components
  • Note- Candidates are not required to understand Morse code to obtain this license.

    Format of Ham Radio Technician License Exam


    The format of the exam is relatively simple-

    1. It includes 35 questions.
    2. The exam is in the form of MCQs- Multiple Choice Questions.

    How to apply for the HAM Radio Technician Exam?


    To apply for the exam, candidates can search for the license exam in the nearby area or can apply online.

    For an in-person exam, find a Radio license exam in your area.

    • Before the exam, the candidate is required to receive an FCC registration number (FRN). This can be obtained by registering in FCC core systems online.
    • You can search for an in-person exam on the ARRL exam search page.

    For Online Exams

    • If candidates are not able to locate sessions for an in-person exam in a particular area can apply online.
    • Several VECs offer remote exam facilities.
    • Exams can also be taken via video supervised sessions which can be chosen from volunteer examiner teams.

    The standard exam fee set by VEC is USD 15.

    Scores for Ham Radio Technician License Exam


    • For candidates to obtain the technician license from the FCC, a passing score of 74% is required.
    • The exam covers 35 questions and you should be able to answer at least 26 questions correctly during the exam.

    Candidates who successfully perform in the exam obtain a license and are provided with-

    • Access to all Amateur Radio frequencies above 30 megahertz.
    • Can communicate locally and within the North American region.
    • Technicians can operate on additional frequencies and certain HF frequencies.

    *In the US, candidates are allowed to utilize the license for 10 years before the renewal.


    Study Guide for Ham Radio Technician License Exam


    Ham Radio Technician License Exam Study Guide

    A Complete Ham Radio Technician License Exam Study Guide that includes sample questions, test tips, and a complete study plan prepared by a team of expert and dedicated researchers. Cost-effective and qualified exam help from a committed exam preparation company.



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