License Classes
The Three License Classes
| Feature | Technician | General | Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | 35 multiple-choice questions | 35 multiple-choice questions (plus Technician) | 50 multiple-choice questions (plus General) |
| Difficulty | Basic radio theory, regulations, safety | Intermediate theory, more regulation detail | Advanced theory, complex signal processing |
| HF privileges | Limited (small portions of 10m, 15m, 40m, 80m) | Substantial (most HF bands) | Full (all amateur frequencies) |
| VHF/UHF privileges | Full | Full | Full |
| Typical first use | Local repeaters, public service, FM voice | Worldwide HF contacts, SSB voice, CW | Exclusive sub-bands, DX contest advantage |
| Minimum age | None | None | None |
| License term | 10 years (renewable) | 10 years (renewable) | 10 years (renewable) |
Exam
- Technician
- 35 multiple-choice questions
- General
- 35 multiple-choice questions (plus Technician)
- Extra
- 50 multiple-choice questions (plus General)
Difficulty
- Technician
- Basic radio theory, regulations, safety
- General
- Intermediate theory, more regulation detail
- Extra
- Advanced theory, complex signal processing
HF privileges
- Technician
- Limited (small portions of 10m, 15m, 40m, 80m)
- General
- Substantial (most HF bands)
- Extra
- Full (all amateur frequencies)
VHF/UHF privileges
- Technician
- Full
- General
- Full
- Extra
- Full
Typical first use
- Technician
- Local repeaters, public service, FM voice
- General
- Worldwide HF contacts, SSB voice, CW
- Extra
- Exclusive sub-bands, DX contest advantage
Minimum age
- Technician
- None
- General
- None
- Extra
- None
License term
- Technician
- 10 years (renewable)
- General
- 10 years (renewable)
- Extra
- 10 years (renewable)
Progression Path
Most new hams start with the Technician license. It gives you full access to VHF and UHF frequencies, which means you can use local repeaters, participate in public service events, and communicate on the popular 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands. Many Scouts earn their Technician license during a single weekend study-and-test event.
The General license opens up HF (shortwave) frequencies, which is where worldwide long-distance communication happens. If you want to talk to someone on the other side of the planet, you need General class privileges.
The Extra license grants access to small exclusive portions of the HF bands that are less crowded and often used by experienced DXers and contesters.
Who Administers the Exams?
Amateur radio exams are not administered by the FCC directly. Instead, the FCC authorizes Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) — organizations of licensed amateurs who create, administer, and grade the tests.
The three major VECs are:
- ARRL VEC (American Radio Relay League) — the largest
- W5YI VEC
- Laurel VEC — notable for offering free exams (no session fee)
Exams are given by a team of at least three Volunteer Examiners (VEs) — licensed hams who have been accredited by a VEC. Sessions are held at ham clubs, libraries, Scout camps, and sometimes online.
Find an Amateur Radio Exam Session — ARRL Search for upcoming Volunteer Examiner sessions near you. Link: Find an Amateur Radio Exam Session — ARRL — https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session