Discover the Exciting World of Amateur Radio
Are you curious about communicating across the globe, experimenting with cutting-edge technology, or being part of emergency response teams? Getting your FCC Amateur Radio License is the first step toward an exciting new hobby that connects you with people and possibilities worldwide.

Start Here – Get this easy step done first. You are required to signup with the FCC to obtain your FCC Registration Number (FRN) before taking an exam and applying for your license

Examinees are required by the FCC to submit your FRN with your license application form. New license applicants must create an FCC user account and register their Social Security Number (SSN) in the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES) before attending exam sessions.  Registrants will be assigned an FRN which will be used in all license transactions with the FCC. For instructions on how to register your SSN and receive an FRN from the FCC, visit the CORES Registration page and the FCC’s registration instructions or these instructions from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) . Per FCC rules, a valid email address is also mandatory on the application form to receive FCC correspondence, including the official copy of your Amateur Radio license.

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Next Choose Your Path to Success
Whether you prefer learning in a classroom or from the comfort of your home, there are resources tailored to your needs. You might enjoy a short read by Michael Burnette callsign AF7KB on Five Easy Steps to Your Ham License from his guide called How To Get Your Ham Radio License. Michael offers The Fast Track license courses

In-Person Training

Learn the essentials, ask questions, and practice with real equipment.

• BEARS In-Person Classes: BEARS has enjoyed tremendous success over many years in offering in-person instructor led training for the FCC Technician and General licenses. The BEARS classes are typically held one night a week for five weeks with the fifth week reserved for quick review and time for a few final questions followed by an exam for your FCC license that very same evening.
  
  Our next class starting in March 2026 is filled and we are unable to accept any new registrations at this time. If you like you can send us a request to be put on a waiting list.
  
  
• Send BEARS a request for in-person training at secretary@w1brs.com and let us know which FCC license you are seeking training for (Technician, General or Amateur Extra). We will contact you when we have another class scheduled.

Exam Question Pools and Study Guides:

Question Pools are developed and maintained by the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) Question Pool Committee (QPC) by FCC instruction and Part 97 Rules & Regulations. The exam question pools for Technician, General and Extra FCC licenses are updated periodically. You will want to verify that the study guides you use will be valid for the anticipated date when you will choose to take your exam. Each guide or resource will clearly indicate the time period that the material is good for.

Online Study Resources

Popular Study Guides

Find an Exam Near You:

Ready to take the next step? If you attend one of our BEARS in-person classes we always offer an exam for our students at the end of the course. If you chose a self study option and would like to take the exam with BEARS check our website home page. The website will announce when the BEARS scheduled exam session will take place. If you can’t wait for the next BEARS exam session and are looking for a convenient testing location try these tools:

Costs:

BEARS in-person classes are free but there are some costs you will want to prepare for.

There is a $15 exam fee commonly charged when taking your exam with BEARS and most other places you will take your test with. This is a fee to print the exams and for the time spent by the volunteer examiners who administer the exam. When you receive a passing score you will apply for your FCC amateur radio license. The FCC charges a $35 application fee. This fee applies to new license applications which when approved are valid for 10 years, license renewals (also valid for 10 years), rule waiver, and modification applications that request a new vanity call sign (also valid for 10 years). The FCC application fee is $35 per application. Administrative updates, such as a change of name, mailing or email address, and modification applications to upgrade an amateur radio licensee’s operator class or to request a sequentially issued call sign, are exempt from fees. Most people will optionally spend an additional $25 – $75 on study tools. A study tool is a good investment to help you study faster and more efficiently, and ensure that you pass your exam. 

What to Expect:

Exams are multiple-choice and cover basic regulations, operating practices, and electronics. You’ll need a photo ID and any materials required by the testing site. Read about What To Bring To An Exam Session from this ARRL post.

Success Stories:

“I never thought I could pass the exam so quickly. The in-person classes made all the difference!” — Jane D.
“The online resources were spot-on. I studied at my own pace and felt fully prepared.” — Mark R.