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How to get your Technician license
The exam is given by volunteer examiners, in person or online. Here is the whole process, with the official links.
1. Get ready
Practice until you pass our 35-question practice exam with 26 or more correct a few times in a row. The real exam uses the same question pool.
2. Get an FCC Registration Number (FRN)
You need an FRN before the exam. Create a free account in the FCC's registration system, CORES, and register to get your number.
3. Find an exam session
Sessions run almost every weekend across the US, and many teams also test online by video. Most sessions ask you to register in advance. The same sessions also give the General and Amateur Extra exams.
Search sessions on HamStudyARRL in-person sessionsARRL online sessions
4. What to bring
- One photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Without one, two non-photo IDs.
- Your FRN and an email address. The FCC sends your license by email.
- The session fee set by the exam team, usually $15 or less. Ask how they want to be paid.
- For in-person sessions: two pencils and a pen. A calculator is allowed if its memory is cleared; a phone calculator is not.
Source: ARRL, What to bring to an exam session. Rules can change, so confirm with your session team.
5. After you pass
The FCC charges a $35 application fee for a new license, paid directly to the FCC, not to the exam team. Once your license is granted, the FCC emails you and your call sign appears in the FCC license database. Then you can get on the air.
Details: ARRL, FCC application fee.
Next: upgrade
When you are ready for more privileges, practice for General and then Amateur Extra.