About Amateur Radio

What is Amateur Radio

When cell phones, regular phones, the internet and other systems are down or overloaded, Amateur Radio still gets the message through. Radio amateurs, often called “hams,” enjoy radio technology as a hobby. But it's also a service –a vital service that has saved lives when regular communication systems failed (ARRL).


How do I become licensed?

You can take your test in-person or online. The tests are quite easy with a little studying.

Check Hamstudy.org and the ARRL for exam sessions near you!

There is an FCC fee of $35 (payable to the FCC) and a testing fee between $10 and $15 depending on testing organization. In the Los Angeles Area GLAARG and ARRL are popular options. GLAARG's well run sessions in particular are are a very fast and effective to get licensed if one has studied well for the exam.


Recommended Study Method (by Noji Ratzlaff)

  • Go to HamStudy.org and register for a free account (confirm by email)

  • Log in as yourself (not as Guest)

  • Select Technician

  • Click Study Mode

  • At the top of the page click the All Questions dropdown and select T1

  • Answer each question in the flash cards for T1 until you've mastered the material

  • Simply guess at the answers if you need to, but resist the temptation to click I don't know

  • Move on to T2, etc.

  • Once you have mastered all ten sub-elements, click the return arrow in the upper-left corner (not your browser Back button)

  • Select Practice Test, and start taking the practice exams until you've achieved at least 85% on several in a row

  • When you go to take the actual exam, and after you pass the Technician exam, you'll be offered to take the General exam free-of-charge, so it might be in your best interest to go over the General exam questions as well