What Is Amateur Radio?

Amateur radio, or "ham radio," is a hobby and a licensed radio service that lets people communicate locally, across the country, and around the world, using their own equipment and no cell towers or internet required. Hams talk over the air via voice, Morse code, digital modes, and even by bouncing signals off satellites and the moon. Beyond the hobby side, amateur radio operators provide a valuable public service. Hams serve as emergency communicators when disasters knock out phone and internet service, support public events like marathons and parades, and pursue technical experimentation in electronics and radio science. It's also a welcoming community: contests, radiosport, clubs, and mentorship ("Elmering") are all part of the culture. In the United States, amateur radio is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), but licensing exams are administered by volunteers, like the W0ISU VE Group, through organizations called Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs). For more background, see ARRL's What Is Ham Radio page.

How to Get Your License

1. Choose a license class

There are three U.S. amateur radio license classes. Each higher class requires passing a more difficult exam and grants access to more frequencies. All hams start at Technician and it is considered the entry point into the hobby. General and Extra grant HF and additional frequencies. All hams must progress from Technician→General→Extra, however, you can technically take all three in one testing session. But you must pass all three in order. Some other information about each class:

Technician: The entry-level license most new hams start with. Requires passing a 35-question exam on radio theory, regulations, and operating practices. Grants access to all amateur frequencies above 30 MHz (local and regional communication, plus some limited HF privileges). Think of this like getting your undergraduate degree.

General: Requires already holding a Technician license and passing a 35-question exam. Opens up most of the HF (3-30 MHz) bands used for worldwide communication. The General license opens up not only new frequencies, but a whole new world of communication. Think of this like getting your Masters degree.

Extra: The highest class (like a Ph.D.), requiring a 50-question exam. Grants all available U.S. amateur radio operating privileges on every band and mode. While Extra does not grant a lot of extra frequencies, the exam is longer and more difficult. Therefore Extra has some “bragging rights” with it and those with an Extra can volunteer to be an examiner and can administer all three exams.

2. Study for the exam

All exam questions come from a public question pool, so you can study the exact material you'll be tested on. Two free resources are some good starting places:

• HamStudy.org: Offers a smart Study Mode that tracks which questions you know and focuses your review on your weak spots, plus unlimited practice exams. Also lists upcoming VE testing sessions nationwide at hamstudy.org/sessions.

• HamExam.org: Free practice tests and flashcards covering the Technician, General, and Extra question pools. Most people can prepare for the Technician exam in a few weeks of casual study.

Students enrolled at Iowa State University can also sign up for a Canvas page that has materials and lectures from Professor Nelson as well. Contact Professor Nelson to get enrolled.

3. Register for a test session

The W0ISU VE Group holds exam sessions on the Iowa State University campus at Howe Hall. Typically, we try to hold around three sessions a semester and at least one in the summer. Sessions are open to anyone testing for Technician, General, or Extra class. See the full, up-to-date schedule and registration details at rfgeeks.com/w0isu-testing-schedule.

What to bring to your session

• A valid photo ID

• Your FCC-issued FRN (Federal Registration Number), you can register for one for free at the FCC's CORES system

• The exam fee (the 2026 ARRL VEC fee is $15, or $5 for examinees under 18; one fee covers all exam elements attempted in the same session)

• If upgrading, your current license (original downloaded from the FCC) and any Certificates of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCEs) from prior exam elements if any exam credits have not posted to your license yet.

4. Get your results

Volunteer examiners grade your exam on the spot, so you'll know right away whether you passed. Results are then filed with the FCC electronically, and your license typically appears in the FCC database within a few business days to about two weeks. You'll receive an email with your CSCE at the end of the session as proof of passing while you wait.

What to Do After You Get Your License

Congratulations! You're a licensed amateur radio operator! Here are some good next steps:

• Get on the air: A handheld radio ("HT") is the most common first purchase and is enough to make local contacts through repeaters. Learn how repeaters work and program in some local frequencies.

• Join a club: Local clubs are the best way to meet other hams, borrow expertise, and find "Elmers", experienced operators, happy to mentor newcomers. Ask about local clubs at your testing session, or search ARRL's club finder. In Ames, we have two clubs. On the campus of Iowa State University, we have the Campus Amateur Radio Club (CARC). The club typically meets once a week during the semester in Coover Hall. The other club is the Story County Amateur Radio Club (SCARC). SCARC meets the first Thursday of the month.

• Learn the basics of operating: Get familiar with the phonetic alphabet, the RST signal report system, repeater etiquette, and how to log contacts. You can learn from “Elmers” or the ARRL has other good resources as well.

• Explore the hobby's many directions: From HF communications to satellite operating to contesting, digital modes, and antenna building, there's a lot to explore as you grow into the hobby. Local clubs can be a great source for a lot of activities including contesting, fox hunts, and even workshops on how to build some of your own equipment.

• Consider emergency communications: Many hams get involved with ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) or similar groups that provide backup communications during disasters and public events. The Story County ARES group is quite active and you can contact the SCARC group for more information. Many hams in Iowa are also involved in storm chasing.

• Keep learning and consider upgrading: If you start with a Technician license, studying for General opens up worldwide HF communication and HamStudy.org and HamExam.org are just as useful for upgrade exams. ARRL's New Ham Resources page is a great hub for glossaries, operating guides, and articles on where to take the hobby next.