How to become an Amateur Radio Operator
There are many, many links on the internet about this topic. This page is by no means an exhaustive reference. Our internet here is to give you some basic starting points for the totally un-initiated person who has an interest in Amateur Radio (also called Ham Radio) and its various uses and purposes, and how to go about getting licensed to operate Ham radio equipment in the United States.
The links in the box on the right of this page are current and are a nice sampling of information on how to become a Ham radio operator.
The author has been a licensed ham for 18 years now and I have gotten many benefits from being a ham, and I have met many, many wonderful people that I would most likely never have met if I were not in the hobby. Most hams will express similar reflections.
Anyone of any age, gender, race, profession, can get their license for this hobby. All that is required is a little bit of study of the rules, operating procedures, and small amount of radio theory, and a 35 question test.
EEEEEKK ! A TEST? EGAD – I can’t pass a test!!!
Sure you can, especially when you have all the questions in advance!
You can even practice and practice using one the links below to make sure
you are ready. Take practice tests until you comfortably can
get 80% or more correct – 70% is passing on the actual test.
If a 10 year old Child can do it, You can Too!
Check out these links. Give it a whirl. And send us an email to let us know you took the plunge
and GOT YOUR LICENSE, ‘cuz we know you can do it!
To learn more visit the ARRL’s Getting Licensed page – click here.
Good luck and 73 from XWARN
de W8XRN
Getting prepared for the license exams websites:
- ARRL Ham Radio License Exam Practice Includes exam review and some good information about taking the test
- ARRL Web Store – license manuals for all three license exams – or come to an XWARN meeting and we’ll get them for you with the instructor discount!
- HamStudy.org Web Site – Our favorite site for learning the material and taking practice tests
- KB6NU “No-Nonsense Study Guides” – No charge for Tech PDF, others are available for a fee
- HamBook.org Web Site – free and low-cost study guides for Tech and General license classes
- HamRadioPrep.com Web Site – Courses and guides to prepare for amateur licensing (fee-based)
- QRZ Ham Tests – practice tests for amateur radio license exam

