How Do I Get A License – HeadwatersAmateurRadioClub

Getting Licensed

Getting Started with Amateur Radio Licensing

Amateur radio licenses come in three classes, each offering increasing levels of privileges, especially in the HF (High Frequency) radio bands:

Communicate with people around the world who share your passion for radio communication.
Enjoy a completely free method of communication that doesn’t rely on paid service providers like internet, cellular, or landline services.
Maintain worldwide communication even during emergencies or service outages when other forms of communication are unavailable.
Conduct high-power radio experiments, create custom remote-control projects, and engage in hands-on learning opportunities.

Register with the FCC to Get Your FRN (FCC Registration Number)
Start by creating an account and obtaining your FRN:
👉 FCC Registration
Study for the Test
We recommend starting with HamStudy.org.

Create an account and begin taking practice tests for your chosen license class.
Aim for 80% or better on practice exams. The minimum passing score for the actual exam is 74%.
License classes must be taken in order: Technician → General → Extra
CW or Morse code proficiency is no longer required to obtain your license.

Additional Study Resources:
While HamStudy.org is a fantastic platform, you might benefit from supplementing your studies with other resources:
📚 Books and Manuals

ARRL License Manuals (Technician, General, Extra)
Comprehensive and officially published by the American Radio Relay League.
- Available at ARRL.org or Amazon
- Includes online practice test access
“The Fast Track” Series by Michael Burnette (AF7KB)
Friendly, conversational guides available in print, digital, and audiobook formats.

David Casler (KE0OG) on YouTube
Walkthroughs for every exam topic with helpful visuals.
👉 David Casler YouTube Channel
Ham Radio Crash Course (HRCC)
Engaging and beginner-friendly content.
👉 HRCC YouTube Channel
HARCMT Hams and Coffee 9A.M.-Noon every Saturday at Cafe M in Belgrade. We will be happy to point you in the right direction to getting your license. This is a great group to talk about all things ham radio. You won’t be disappointed.

HamStudy.org App (iOS & Android)
Amateur Radio Exam Prep Apps
Various options exist—check your app store for reviews and features.

Local Amateur Radio Clubs
Many offer free or low-cost classes. Check the ARRL’s directory:
👉 Find a Class
Online Zoom Courses
Some instructors offer real-time virtual sessions for structured learning.

Find a Testing Session Near You
HARCMT offers testing sessions on every 2nd Saturday of the month at 10AM at the Belgrade Chamber of Commerce located at 10 E Main St, Belgrade, MT 59714 – next session is tentatively scheduled for February 2026.

We will need you to preregister for one of our testing sessions to ensure that all the paperwork is in order on your end and ours before you take your exam.

Exam Fee: $14.00 per session
FCC License Fee: $35.00
- This is a one-time fee issued by the FCC upon passing your exam to obtain your new license.
- Note: Amateur radio licensing was free, but recent federal law changes now require this fee.

Valid Proof of Identification – Government issued photo ID card or drivers license
The FRN you received from the FCC when you registered.
$14.00 cash or check
Basic calculator – No phone calculators or programmable calculators
You may test for multiple license classes (Technician, General, and Extra) in succession, during the same examination session and can continue testing up until an exam is not passed.
If you do not pass the exam on your first try you may re-take the exam during the same testing session for an addition $14.00 fee.