Amateur Radio Licensing & Study

Amateur radio is not a ladder you have to climb. Choose the license that matches how you want to operate now, then upgrade whenever your interests take you farther.

Start with the license you want

Technician: local radio, handhelds, and repeaters

Technician privileges are a strong fit for local conversations: handheld and mobile radios, simplex contacts, repeaters, club nets, public-service work, digital modes, and satellites. It includes all amateur privileges above 30 MHz and limited HF privileges.

General: HF and longer-distance contacts

General keeps every Technician privilege and opens most amateur HF bands. If regional, nationwide, and worldwide contacts are what excite you, General is a practical first goal or a natural next step after Technician. Its exam is another 35-question written element.

Amateur Extra: the widest HF access

Extra adds the remaining amateur operating privileges, including the most sought-after HF segments. It is for operators who want full access and a deeper technical understanding—not a requirement for enjoying the hobby. The Extra exam is a 50-question written element.

You may take more than one exam element at a single session if you are prepared. A Volunteer Examiner team can explain the local process; confirm its rules and fees before you attend.

FCC, Study & Exam Resources

Classes and Tests

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM MDT (00:00Z)

Licensing class

OARC Technician Licensing Class

Weber State University, Noorda Engineering Building, Ogden, UT; Zoom available

September 2026 hybrid Technician course. Confirm classroom and Zoom details with OARC before attending.

View all classes/tests

Coming up after that

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM MDT (00:00Z)Licensing class:OARC Technician Licensing Class(Weber State University, Noorda Engineering Building, Ogden, UT; Zoom available)
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM MDT (00:00Z)Test session:Weber County VE Test Session(Utah Military Academy, 5120 S 1050 W, Riverdale, UT 84405)
Wednesday, February 3, 2027 at 6:00 PM MST (01:00Z)Test session:Weber County VE Test Session(Utah Military Academy, 5120 S 1050 W, Riverdale, UT 84405)

We hope we have answered your questions! If not, please email OARC with any other questions you have.

VE Testing

VE contacts

VE Liaison: Rick Morrison (W7RIK)
VE Co-Liaison: Robert Smith (KG7EIZ)
VE IT Assistant: Jason Miles (KE7IET)

Volunteer Examiners

Volunteer Examiners (VEs) are accredited amateur radio operators who administer FCC amateur radio license examinations through a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC). OARC welcomes volunteers who would like to help candidates earn or upgrade their licenses.

Explore the accreditation paths offered by W5YI VEC (external) and ARRL VEC (external). Requirements and application processes are maintained by each VEC; review their current instructions before applying.

Interested in volunteering with OARC’s VE team? Please email OARC.