Become an Amateur Radio Operator!
What is "Ham Radio?"
The ARRL has created a helpful site to introduce new or prospective hams to the history and overview of Amateur Radio. This site answers questions like the following:
-
What is Ham Radio?
-
Who is the typical Ham?
-
What is the appeal of Ham Radio?
-
Why do you need a license?
-
Why do they call themselves "Hams?"
-
What does Ham Radio sound like?
For answers to these questions and more, visit the What is Ham Radio page.
Interested in Becoming an Amateur Radio Operator?
Getting your first Amateur Radio license "ticket" is as simple as passing a 35 question multiple choice exam. Exams are given by volunteer examiners that are licensed Amateur Radio Operators (Hams) themselves at different locations throughout the year. There are several great free resources out on the Internet to help you with passing the test. Some of those links are listed here for convenience. Remember, Morse Code is no longer a requirement, so you need only be able to pass the 35 question Technician license exam to get started.
Exam Dates
W4VEC testing
Please note to take the exam:
- No walk-in candidates, everyone must pre-register.
- You must bring your own pens and pencils. Both pen and pencil are required to complete the exam paperwork.
- Photos/video showing the session arrangements will be captured and delivered to W4VEC at their request, which will include photos of all the candidates and their seating arrangements.
- You must bring the exam fee ($12 cash ONLY) as exact change. No change will be made.
The High Point session is on the last Saturday of the month, except June, November, and December. Location is Hickory Chapel Wesleyan Church, 301 Hickory Chapel Road, High Point 27260. Reservations are required, please contact Keith Thomas at KA4JAH@aol.com or 336.906.2469 at least 3 days before the scheduled test session. Testing starts at 10:00 AM.
The Greensboro session is the second Saturday of each month (except for March) at Hinshaw United Methodist Church located at 4501 High Point Road, Greensboro, NC 27407. Reservations are required, please contact Keith Thomas at KA4JAH@aol.com or 336.906.2469 at least 3 days before the scheduled test session. Testing starts at 9:00 AM.
For either session, if you are not licensed, you are required, prior to the session, to obtain an FCC FRN and bring printed evidence to the session (a printed screenshot of the FRN database showing your name and your FRN is sufficient). FCC.GOV/). If you are currently licensed, you are required to bring a signed copy of your existing license that we can keep (if you are upgrading). You must print the "official copy" from the FCC ULS and sign it, and bring it with you. (http://www.arrl.org/obtain-license-copy).
At the session, you need to bring printed evidence of your FRN or license, two forms of ID including a Photo ID and the testing fee of $12.00 payable by cash only. Other dates and locations can be found on the W4VEC.ORG web site.
High Point
Greensboro
Study Guide and Practice Tests
Free website study guides are available online and will enhance your knowledge for each test. Practice tests are available for Technician, General and Amateur Extra license classes.
http://www.arrl.org/exam-practice
http://www.arrl.org/tech-prep-resource-library
QRZ.com Practice Tests
QRZ.com produces a terrific interactive practice test. The questions are the same as what you will actually find on the exam and there are 100 possible practice tests. If you really want to test your knowledge, practice tests are also available for the General and Amateur Extra license classes as well.