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).

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