Guide for Obtaining Amateur Radio (HAM Radio) License
Overview of HAM radio:
HAM radio or amateur radio is a reliable way to communicate using individual frequencies independent
from ground based facilities. HAM radio operators are able to function when ordinary modes of
communication go down, making them a vital component to disaster response. There are a variety of
types of radios, including portable ones, which can be vital to emergency response efforts in a disaster
area. For example, during Hurricane Katrina more than a thousand HAM radio operators came to New
Orleans to provide emergency communication support.
Three levels of HAM radio license:
1. Technical-Allows for local communications
2. General-Allows for communications all around the world
3. Extra-Allows for use of any amateur frequency
Steps for signing up for Technical HAM radio license:
1. Find a class in your area:
a. Classes can be taken online or in a classroom setting.
i. Online: http://www.HAMclass.net/
ii. Find a class in your area: http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-class
iii. Local Los Angeles classes: http://www.arrllax.org/classes.php
b. Local clubs may also offer classes, review sessions, and/or administer exams
i. List of local Los Angeles clubs: http://www.arrllax.org/index.php?page=local-clubs
2. Register for an exam:
a. Search on ARRL to find an exam date making sure that you allow enough time to take
classes and study.
b. Select the link of the date and location that best fits your schedule.
i. Make sure to take note of whether or not the exam allows walk-ins or if you must
pre-register first.
ii. If necessary, contact the volunteer examiner (VE) who will administer the exam.
3. Prepare for the exam:
a. Study possible questions from the current pool of test questions:
i. Current test pool (valid through June 30th 2014):
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=50893
ii. Next test pool (valid after July 1st 2014): http://ncvec.org/page.php?id=362
b. Take a practice exam online:
i. http://aa9pw.com/radio/technician/
ii. http://www.radioexam.org/
iii. http://www.eHAM.net/exams/
4. Taking the exam:
a. What to bring to an exam:
i. A legal photo ID or two forms of non-photo ID (SS Card, Birth Certificate, Social
Security Number or FCC-issued Federal Registration Number (FRN))
ii. Two number 2 pencils, erasers, and a pen
iii. A calculator with memory erased and formulas cleared (no smartphones, tablets,
etc.)
iv. Test fee: $15
b. About the exam:
i. Consists of 35 multiple choice questions from a pool of 392.
ii. A passing score is 26/35 answers correct.
c. If failed, the test may be retaken at any time but another $15 test fee must be paid.
5. After the exam:
a. If you pass the exam the VE should provide you with a Certificate of Successful
Completion of Examination (CSCE).
b. The next step is to send your paperwork into the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) who will issue you your call sign and license, making you a legal HAM radio
operator.
6. Registering with the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES):
a. ARES is a network of licensed HAM radio operators who have committed to volunteering
their expertise and equipment for public service in the event of a disaster. For more
information visit: http://www.arrl.org/ares
b. To qualify you must have a HAM radio license. In some cases additional training may be
required.
c. To sign up fill out this registration form and turn it into your local emergency coordinator.
Resources:
1. Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group (GLAARG)
o http://glaarg.org/
2. HAM Radio Expert Gordon West:
o http://www.gordonwestradioschool.com/
3. HAM Radio Outlet
o http://www.HAMradio.com/
4. Los Angeles Community Emergency Response Team (CERT):
o http://www.cert-la.com/radio/commplan.htm
5. Success of HAM radio during Katrina:
o http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2005-09-30
6. The National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL):
o http://www.arrl.org/home
o Technical License info: http://www.arrl.org/getting-your-technician-license
o Find a HAM class in your area: http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-class
o Flashcards to practice for technical license exam: http://www.box.net/shared/on45xtf5th
o Find a HAM exam in your area: http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-examsession/
o For more information about ARES visit: http://www.arrl.org/ares
o ARRL-Los Angeles:
 http://www.arrllax.org/
 Local L.A. Clubs: http://www.arrllax.org/index.php?page=local-clubs
 Local L.A. Classes: http://www.arrllax.org/classes.php