So, You Want to be a Ham
Becoming an Amateur Radio operator is not all that complicated. The “entry level” ham license is Technician license and requires successful completion of a 35-question multiple choice exam. The exam covers basic radio operation, FCC regulations, safety, and a little knowledge of electronics. Moreover, you are not required to know everything about everything to pass the examination; you need only 26 correct answers to pass, so even if you are completely lost on, say, electronics, getting enough questions correct is quite attainable.
The FCC licensing exams are conducted at what are called “VE sessions.” The letters, VE, stand for “volunteer examiners,” because the exams are administered by other Amateur Radio operators who volunteer their time. EGARA holds VE sessions about three times per year, and more if there is adequate interest. You can find information about EGARA’s VE sessions here on this page.
As for studying for a licensing exam, there are resources available, both online and in-person, discussed next.
Online Study Resources
There are many, many websites and Youtube videos to help you learn the information needed to pass an FCC license exam for Amateur Radio. Certainly “Google is your friend”, but to save you a great deal of effort scouring the Internet, here are some recommended sites.
…need sites…
In-person Licensing Classes
If you are interested in becoming an FCC licensed amateur radio operator, consider taking a class offered by The Capital Area Radio Enthusiasts (CARE) Group. Several times each year, the CARE group offers a weekend study program that includes:
- Full day of classes on Saturday, with live radio demonstrations;
- Review of lessons and FCC exam on Sunday. After you pass, you will be an FCC licensed amateur radio operator!
- Various reference charts a welcome letter containing class overview study practices,other info facts;
- The classes start at 8:00 AM at Shaker Road Loudonville Fire Dept
The cost for the program is $50 ($25 for students) and includes all of the above items, plus meals/refreshments and the exam fee. For more information and to register, click here to go to the CARE website.