The San Bruno Amateur Radio Club
The San Bruno Amateur Radio Club
The San Bruno Amateur Radio Club
It's Time To Get Licensed
Getting Started with Amateur Radio
Understanding Amateur Radio Licensing
The Amateur Radio Service is governed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under 47 C.F.R. Part 97. This regulation outlines how the service operates in the U.S. While it’s a comprehensive resource, it might not be the best starting point for beginners.
The FCC allocates "twenty-nine small frequency bands throughout the spectrum" for amateur use. To access these frequencies, you need a license. There are three license classes:
- Technician
- General
- Amateur Extra
Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of operating rules and basic radio technology.
About the Exams
Since 1984, the FCC has delegated exam administration to the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC). They manage the exam content, organized into "elements":
- Element 2 – Technician
- Element 3 – General
- Element 4 – Amateur Extra
Each exam consists of 35 questions selected from a public pool of over 400 questions. No surprises—the pools are available online at the NCVEC website.
How to Study and Pass the Exam
The Technician license grants access to VHF/UHF bands and some HF privileges. You must answer at least 26 of 35 questions (74.29%) to pass.
1. Study a Book
ARRL Ham Radio License Manual – 4th Edition is a comprehensive guide published by the ARRL, the largest amateur radio association in the U.S.
2. Take Online Practice Tests
QRZ.com Practice Tests offer free online practice exams. Create an account to track progress. Aim for scores over 90% before taking the real test.
3. Use a Mobile App
Apps like the free one by Roy Watson (N1ZTL) on the Google Play Store and Apple Store provide mobile practice tests and progress tracking.
4. Attend a Workshop/Class/Test Session
The San Bruno Amateur Radio Club gives a class several times a year. To get notified when our next class will be complete the form located on the San Bruno Amateur Radio Club site.
Some groups offer same-day study and testing events. Check local clubs or the ARRL site for upcoming sessions.
Traditionally, tests are held in-person by local groups like the San Bruno Amateur Radio Club or via the ARRL Test Locator.
Remote Testing
Remote exams have become popular. You'll meet three Volunteer Examiners (VEs) via Zoom, take your test on a secure website, and may be asked to show your testing area with a second webcam. Screensharing is required so VEs can monitor the exam process. Results are processed immediately, and you may be invited to take the next-level test if successful.
Consider preparing for both Technician and General exams to take advantage of testing opportunities.
Where to Find a Test
Tip: Online sessions fill up quickly. Reach out to VE teams for waiting list opportunities. Some teams like AA7HW VE Team are very accommodating to motivated learners.
Good Luck!
Amateur radio opens up a world of exploration, community, and emergency communication. Study well, take the test, and we’ll see you on the air!
Getting Started with Amateur Radio
Understanding Amateur Radio Licensing
The Amateur Radio Service is governed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under 47 C.F.R. Part 97. This regulation outlines how the service operates in the U.S. While it’s a comprehensive resource, it might not be the best starting point for beginners.
The FCC allocates "twenty-nine small frequency bands throughout the spectrum" for amateur use. To access these frequencies, you need a license. There are three license classes:
- Technician
- General
- Amateur Extra
Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of operating rules and basic radio technology.
About the Exams
Since 1984, the FCC has delegated exam administration to the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC). They manage the exam content, organized into "elements":
- Element 2 – Technician
- Element 3 – General
- Element 4 – Amateur Extra
Each exam consists of 35 questions selected from a public pool of over 400 questions. No surprises—the pools are available online at the NCVEC website.
How to Study and Pass the Exam
The Technician license grants access to VHF/UHF bands and some HF privileges. You must answer at least 26 of 35 questions (74.29%) to pass.
1. Study a Book
ARRL Ham Radio License Manual – 4th Edition is a comprehensive guide published by the ARRL, the largest amateur radio association in the U.S.
2. Take Online Practice Tests
QRZ.com Practice Tests offer free online practice exams. Create an account to track progress. Aim for scores over 90% before taking the real test.
3. Use a Mobile App
Apps like the free one by Roy Watson (N1ZTL) on the Google Play Store and Apple Store provide mobile practice tests and progress tracking.
4. Attend a Workshop/Class/Test Session
The San Bruno Amateur Radio Club gives a class several times a year. To get notified when our next class will be complete the form located on the San Bruno Amateur Radio Club site.
Some groups offer same-day study and testing events. Check local clubs or the ARRL site for upcoming sessions.
Traditionally, tests are held in-person by local groups like the San Bruno Amateur Radio Club or via the ARRL Test Locator.
Remote Testing
Remote exams have become popular. You'll meet three Volunteer Examiners (VEs) via Zoom, take your test on a secure website, and may be asked to show your testing area with a second webcam. Screensharing is required so VEs can monitor the exam process. Results are processed immediately, and you may be invited to take the next-level test if successful.
Consider preparing for both Technician and General exams to take advantage of testing opportunities.
Where to Find a Test
Tip: Online sessions fill up quickly. Reach out to VE teams for waiting list opportunities. Some teams like AA7HW VE Team are very accommodating to motivated learners.
Good Luck!
Amateur radio opens up a world of exploration, community, and emergency communication. Study well, take the test, and we’ll see you on the air!
Getting Started with Amateur Radio
Understanding Amateur Radio Licensing
The Amateur Radio Service is governed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under 47 C.F.R. Part 97. This regulation outlines how the service operates in the U.S. While it’s a comprehensive resource, it might not be the best starting point for beginners.
The FCC allocates "twenty-nine small frequency bands throughout the spectrum" for amateur use. To access these frequencies, you need a license. There are three license classes:
- Technician
- General
- Amateur Extra
Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of operating rules and basic radio technology.
About the Exams
Since 1984, the FCC has delegated exam administration to the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC). They manage the exam content, organized into "elements":
- Element 2 – Technician
- Element 3 – General
- Element 4 – Amateur Extra
Each exam consists of 35 questions selected from a public pool of over 400 questions. No surprises—the pools are available online at the NCVEC website.
How to Study and Pass the Exam
The Technician license grants access to VHF/UHF bands and some HF privileges. You must answer at least 26 of 35 questions (74.29%) to pass.
1. Study a Book
ARRL Ham Radio License Manual – 4th Edition is a comprehensive guide published by the ARRL, the largest amateur radio association in the U.S.
2. Take Online Practice Tests
QRZ.com Practice Tests offer free online practice exams. Create an account to track progress. Aim for scores over 90% before taking the real test.
3. Use a Mobile App
Apps like the free one by Roy Watson (N1ZTL) on the Google Play Store and Apple Store provide mobile practice tests and progress tracking.
4. Attend a Workshop/Class/Test Session
The San Bruno Amateur Radio Club gives a class several times a year. To get notified when our next class will be complete the form located on the San Bruno Amateur Radio Club site.
Some groups offer same-day study and testing events. Check local clubs or the ARRL site for upcoming sessions.
Traditionally, tests are held in-person by local groups like the San Bruno Amateur Radio Club or via the ARRL Test Locator.
Remote Testing
Remote exams have become popular. You'll meet three Volunteer Examiners (VEs) via Zoom, take your test on a secure website, and may be asked to show your testing area with a second webcam. Screensharing is required so VEs can monitor the exam process. Results are processed immediately, and you may be invited to take the next-level test if successful.
Consider preparing for both Technician and General exams to take advantage of testing opportunities.
Where to Find a Test
Tip: Online sessions fill up quickly. Reach out to VE teams for waiting list opportunities. Some teams like AA7HW VE Team are very accommodating to motivated learners.
Good Luck!
Amateur radio opens up a world of exploration, community, and emergency communication. Study well, take the test, and we’ll see you on the air!