HOW TO GET YOUR HAM RADIO LICENSE IN 5 EASY STEPS

How to Get Your Ham Radio License in 5 Easy Steps

Your beginner’s guide to joining the world of amateur radio — with confidence.

Getting your ham radio license might seem intimidating at first… but it’s actually simpler and faster than most people think.

In fact, tens of thousands of people pass their exams every year, and many of them are complete beginners — just like you.

Here’s how to do it in 5 easy steps:

Step 1: Choose the License You’re Going For

In the U.S., the first license you’ll need is the Technician Class License.

It’s the entry-level license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and gives you access to:

  • All VHF/UHF amateur bands (local + regional range)
  • Some limited HF privileges (for longer-distance comms)
  • The ability to use DMR, repeaters, and hotspots

This is the license you want to start with.

Note: After Technician, you can upgrade to General and Extra, but you don’t need those to get started.

Step 2: Study the Right Material

You’ll need to learn the basic concepts of:

  • Radio frequency rules
  • Electrical components
  • Safety protocols
  • Operating procedures

But don’t worry, there’s no math and most of the test is multiple choice.

Best Option: We recommend HamRadioPrep.com — a video-based training course that’s beginner-friendly and easy to follow.

Use code BRIDGECOM at checkout for 10% off the Technician Class Study Program.

Other great resources include:

Once you’re ready to test, reach out to us — we’ll help you find an online exam session or connect with a local club in your area.

Step 3: Take Practice Exams Online

Once you’ve studied the material, you should start taking practice tests. The real exam has 35 multiple-choice questions, and you only need 26 correct answers to pass.

Here’s where you can practice:

Aim to consistently score 85% or better on these before moving on.

Step 4: Schedule Your Exam (Online or In Person)

Once you're ready, it’s time to take the real thing.

You can:

  • Take the test online via Zoom with an accredited Volunteer Examiner (VE) team
  • OR schedule an in-person session in your local area

Here’s where to find testing options:

Note: The exam fee is around $15. If online, you’ll need a webcam + quiet environment

Step 5: Get Your FCC Callsign and Start Transmitting

After passing, your test results will be submitted to the FCC.

To finalize your license, you’ll:

  1. Receive an email from the FCC’s CORES system asking for payment (a $35 fee, separate from the test fee)
  2. Pay online through the FCC’s website
  3. Receive your callsign and official license, usually within a few days

Once you have your callsign, you’re officially a licensed ham radio operator!

You can now:

  • Operate on amateur bands
  • Use higher-powered gear
  • Transmit legally using your callsign
  • Access repeaters, DMR networks, and more

What’s Next?

Now that you're licensed, it's time to get on the air — and we’re here to help you do that with confidence!

At BridgeCom Systems, we specialize in:

  • Plug and Play radio packages
  • Training and programming help
  • Support for brand-new operators

One more thing: If you're planning to use DMR, make sure you also register for your free DMR ID — it's required to access digital networks like BrandMeister and TGIF.

➡️ Finally a Licensed Ham Radio Operator? Explore beginner-friendly radios and bundles here!

And remember, we’ve got your back every step of the way. 7 3!

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