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In order to transmit radio signals on designated amateur radio frequencies, an individual must have an amateur radio operator license issued by the The Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  The FCC currently issues three classes of amateur radio licenses:

Technician class is the lowest level and allows licensees to use VHF and UHF frequencies above 30 MHz.  These frequencies are generally useful for local radio communications, although with Internet linked systems, such as EchoLink and IRLP (Internet Repeater Linking Project), technician operators can contact other amateur radio operators around the world.  The technician license also allows some very limited use of HF frequencies.

General class is a more advanced license level which allows use of most of the available HF frequencies between 1.8 and 30 MHz.  These frequencies allow amateur radio operators to talk around the world.  In addition to voice communications, the general class license also allows use of a number of other modes such as CW (continuous wave or Morse Code communications) and digital modes for sending text messages from keyboard to keyboard using personal computer connected to the radio equipment.

Extra class is the highest level of amateur radio license and requires the demonstration of advanced understanding of the the theory of electronic circuits and radio communications.  This license grants access to all allowed amateur radio frequencies and modes of operation.

All licenses require the applicant to pass a multiple choice exam with a minimum score of 70%.  The exams are given by volunteer examining teams on a regular basis.  The charge to take the exam is $15 (subject to change) and must be paid in cash at the time the exam is given.  Positive picture ID, such as a driver's license, is required.  You need not be a citizen of the United States to receive an amateur radio license, but persons acting as an agent of a foreign government may not receive a license, whether a U.S. citizen or not.  There is no longer a CW (Morse Code) requirement for any amateur radio license.

LICENSE EXAMS

For a list of exam sessions in your area, use the following link:

LICENSE PREPARATION CLASSES

In addition to the exam session, various amateur radio clubs also sponsor license exam preparation classes to help applicants better understand amateur radio in order pass the exam and also to operate efficiently and effectively on the air.

The following classes to prepare for the exam for the Technician and General class licenses are being offered in the East Bay Area during the winter and spring of 2012:

ORCA and ARCA are cosponsoring a Technician course which begins on Wed., Jan. 18 at 7:00 PM to 9:30PM.  The class will run for four weeks on the following Wednesday nights.  It will be held in the Alameda Fire Dept. training center located at 421 Stardust Place in Alameda.  This is on Alameda Point (the former Naval Air Station Alameda) near the intersection of W. Midway and Rainbow.  An exam session will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 9:00 AM.  There is no charge for the course.  The exam fee is $15.  For more information, contact David Haycock at ki6awr -at- arrl -dot- net or call him at 510-846-0011.

San Francisco NERT is sponsoring a Technician course to be held in San Francisco on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012.  The fee is $30 at the door.  You can register at www.baears.com or contact Ross Peterson at wb6zbu -at- arrl -dot- net or call him at 650-349-5349.

The Salvation Army Team Emergency Response Network (SATERN) is sponsoring General course to be held at the Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Rd. in Concord in the Fireside Room starting January 12th.  The fee is $31.  For more information, contact HamRadioClass -at- gmail -dot- com.  They will also be offering a Technician class starting on March 22, 2012.

"HamCram" courses will be offered in Tracy on Saturday, Jan. 29, and in Walnut Creek (Rossmoor) on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012.  These are intense one day courses followed immediately by an exam session.  The cost is $30 for the Jan. 29 course.  The cost for the Feb. 4 course is $35 and includes a lunch, since the location is far from restaurants.  The courses are primarily for Technician licenses, but there may also be an opportunity for current Technicians to upgrade to General class licenses.  For more information, call 209-565-HAMS or see www.hamcram.org