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How To Become A Ham

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First off, there are three classes of license for Amateur Radio (aka Ham Radio)

First: Technician License –> Element 2 Study Materials
Element 2 test: is 35 questions multiple choice.

Second: General License –> Element 3 Study Materials
Element 3 test: is 35 questions multiple choice.

Third: Extra License –> Element 4 Study Materials
Element 4 test: is 50 questions multiple choice.

You can take Practice tests for all three license classes here: QRZ Ham Radio
Each requires a score of greater than 70% to pass. Tests cost $14 to take. If you pass Element 2, you can take Element 3 (and Element 4 if you pass again) in the same sitting for free.

Once you pass a test your license is good for 10 years, at which point you renew your license for free. You do not need to take any further tests.

Each Class license increases your privileges on the air. Primarily the Technician Class license is for VHF/UHF communications, which work well for regional contacts. There are exceptions to this, but generally speaking this is the case. The General class license opens up 90% of the HF bands for you. These work for around the world communications. Even with low power and modest antennas. The Extra class license gives you the last small piece of the Pie.

There are books from Gordon West to help you prepare for the tests.
Technician ClassTechnician Class General ClassGeneral Class Extra ClassExtra Class
I have a couple of these books I might be willing to loan out for someone interested in learning.

Written by W9ZEB

July 24th, 2008 at 9:49 am

Posted in Ham Radio

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2 Responses to 'How To Become A Ham'

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  1. [...] become a ham. Great info here Become a Ham | W9ZEB Dot Org Regarding first radios in general I just got my license. What should I buy? | W9ZEB Dot Org [...]

  2. [...] and missed the Tech license by 1 question just using common sense. Take a look at this link: Become a Ham | W9ZEB Dot Org It’s really not difficult, and certainly (at least from a licensing stand point) not expensive. [...]

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