Become A Ham

Welcome to Amateur (Ham) Radio.   A ham operator is licensed by the FCC, but that process has become much simpler over the years.    Here's the information you may need.

What is the license process?

The first ham license, called "Technician Class" is earned by passing a 35 question multiple choice exam.  A very good study guide called "The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. First edition, third printing. © 2006-2007, The American Radio Relay League, Inc. (ISBN: 0-87259-963-9) #9639 -- $24.95" is available from www.arrl.org, on the publications link.   It may be purchased locally at electronic supply shops, such as the large one on Joppa Rd near Loch Raven Blvd, east of Towson, MD.   There is no Morse code required test for any Amateur Radio license anymore.   Practice exams may be taken at www.aa9pw.com.    It takes most people 10 to 30 hours to study.   Write to us

Is Morse Code still a testing requirement?

No.  It's gone, but there are still many amateurs willing to teach new hams and who use it every day. But there is no test for morse code anymore.

Where do I take the exam?

See our training and testing page, button at the top.   BARC gives the exam for free every month.   There are other places to take the exam, and they are also detailed on that page.

I still have questions, what do I do now?

Write to us at we should normally respond within a day or two.