How To Get An Amateur Ham Radio License

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The Technician license study videos are here: Technician License Prep 2022-2026 kzbin.info/aero/PL1KAjn5rGhixvvb_jMZFWmbP97-t9Kyxk

[@sailormike1089]

I took the exam in person last Monday and made my payment to the FCC on Wednesday by 5pm Eastern but didn't get the link to my callsign until Thursday and the link didn't work as the FCC website was having tech issues for like 4 hours. But I got my call sign by the afternoon. Now I just need to get on the air...😉 Next up will be General possibly in May. 73....

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Good for you congrats!

[@jlevy31]

I passed the Technician exam today. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@quentinrawlins4876]

Was it hard?😮

[@rbuilder100]

Thank you for taking the time to do these videos.between your videos and ham study,I started studying for my tech last Monday and here it is Saturday,and took my test online and passed 31/35. Your videos really helped me retain the info. Thanks again

[@pale_2111]

I'm still a relatively new ham, just over 3 years in the hobby. Got my Extra back in August of 2022. Used ham study after having surgery. Two and a half weeks of studying and finally got that upgrade. I done my testing for General and Extra online over Zoom. Tested with the Anchorage Volunteer Examiner Coordinator both times. It's quick and easy to set up a date for testing. Just need to get my VE Test taken care of.

[@franklentz5388]

I just upgraded to general last Saturday, the test was administered by GLAARG at a church in lakeside, easy process

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Congrats!

[@hparkersd]

Hey Frank! I am in San Diego, too! Congrats!

[@derekcraig05]

Thank you for this video! I’ve been watching your content for a couple months now. I passed my technician license exam today ! Keep up the great work !

[@tubofpopcorn7242]

Passed my technician today! Thanks for the awesome video series! Now to buy that 1st YAESU.🎉

[@johnbaumert]

Thank you for this info!! I've been getting more interested in amateur radio lately and have been listening in with an SDR. This video helps a lot with the "next steps". You earned my sub today.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@TahoeRealm]

Thank you - just getting underway to try for my license - glad I found you. I'll thumbs up and comment on each video I watch. Much appreciated!

[@TheOirishhAmerican]

Good stuff man, my grandpa was a ham radio operator back in the 80s and I kind of took the reign as a kid being fascinated with anything audio, broadcasting, engineering, electronics, also former radio dj now IT, so having a knack for this I should be able to pass with a breeze.

[@JordanBreitling]

I just passed my technician exam! I opted not to take the general yet because I would like to study more for it. Thank you so much for the resources that you have provided! They definitely helped me study and I look forward to continuing to learn and prepare for my general

[@rogersherrill5741]

Good job on the test, finished mine last Thursday👍👏🥳🎉

[@rodneyhefner6596]

Just passed the Technician and General both tonight. Crammed for the Technician for 3 days, then the General for 4 days. Long week, but it was worth it. One testing fee. 😃 The last time that I took communications was in college back in '84. Had to knock off 40 years of rust.

[@TheWizard45134]

I'm just getting started on this! Thank you so much for taking your time for us new hams!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You are so welcome!

[@richhoule3462]

You can do it! I just passed my Tech yesterday. Now it should only take weeks more before our amazingly efficient government issues me my call sign.

[@eddiec9756]

Going for my technician license now! Starting today. I got my part 107 for drones at the start of the month and now I hope to end the month or go in April with another certification.

[@RonKimball]

I love the way you explain all of this.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks!

[@CitrusHook578]

(Narrowly) passed the exam on Saturday and just got my payment request from the FCC - here's hoping I get my callsign soon!

[@anthonydenton8190]

Josh, thank you so much for all the information that you put out. went through all of your technician videos last week, studied on ham study and took my test today online. and passed. once again thank you !!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Glad to help!

[@Mandarin110631]

going over to the General Study material- and also joined a local club with monthly meeting!

[@bobanderson1727]

What a GREAT channel for new Amateur Radio operators. Thanks!

[@gateofdivine582]

Thanks for the guide. I let my General license expire and have to start over. (Missed the 2 year renewal window by 3 months). Didn’t know where to start studying/ refreshing. The app is perfect so far. 👍 73’s.

[@Mandarin110631]

Hi @Josh, just passed my Technicians here in Phoenix!! so excited!!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Congrats!

[@betmulligan6192]

I passed the Technician level exam last night. Phew. If I haven't thanked you yet, please accept my thank you for helping me get this license. So, ok, are you putting a new course out for General? I'm not being pushy-much :)

[@LifeAtTerminalVelocity]

Excellent video as ever Josh.

[@dancastillo27]

You are so awesome to do this! Thank you so much. (I've liked the video and subscribed, lol)

[@cbmitchell]

Just what I was looking for, great job

[@GaryStango]

Do you have videos in the same format for the General License? This helped greatly. Just took/passed my test with some nice GLAARG VEs.

[@robertallen3133]

Fantastic video, thank you.

[@kcstafford2784]

Give me a good reason to get a licence i think the waves should be free...ive been in to radios since the 70s CB most all my stuff is illegle tho i have a good 20 and 10 m setup really GMRS and CB is my play ground...long time fan here...

[@tedmead465]

For one you get to legally experiment with broadcasting equipment. You can also run full legal power applicable to the bands. You can have a lot of fun bouncing signals off of the moon. And you have a much larger bandwith playground than you do with cb and gmrs. But best of all you gain a heck of a lot of knowledge about radio.

[@KD9ZHF]

Holy crap - listening to this was like drinking from a fire hose! I need to read this instead. LOL.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Slow down play back and replay.

[@KD9ZHF]

Thanks. Will do. :-) @@HamRadioCrashCourse

[@waynerichter3190]

Confused by the 605 form. I applied and got an FRN. I’ll be taking the test as soon as I watch a few more of your videos. Do I fill out the 605? If so what type of license do I select? How and when do I pay the FCC?

[@feelthepeace]

Wonderful channel, yes, ty for this work!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Bustamaru]

One question. Is possible to get a license as a foreigner? Also, it's possible to take the test from other country? Thanks a lot.

[@lmy5pence481]

Josh hi, yes, I did go through your sequence for the tech license, and it feels worse than doing a trade test. As a qualified programmer, instrumentation Tech this is getting out of hand my man. knowing that you are an engineer, dose everybody needs to be one to talk on a radio? We do not want to reinvent the weel or design new radios or antennas, like DX Commander and the like, we want to be able to have contact with ppl and have fun. But I love your videos keep up the good work.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You’re welcome to enjoy CB? I’m not sure I understand the issue here?

[@danielsnyder2288]

These rules prohibit many from getting a license. The nearest club to me is an hour and a half away.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

So study and test online. 👍

[@boosted2809]

I'm on ham study but I don't see the 605 form? Also are you saying to go to the FCC ULS and register correct? I'm planning on taking the test tomorrow. Thank you, great video!

[@Brent_Smith]

Thanks!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You’re welcome!

[@scrapperstacker8629]

Question: do you have to start at “technician” or can you go straight for your “general or extra” right away? And skip the technician level all together.

[@user-fg6fr1bm1g]

Hey I left the tower industry a month or two ago because I was tired of traveling. Really miss the work, I have been thinking about starting my own tower maintenance company on the side, do you know how I could get into doing that?

[@ChrisKD9YSW]

Now to figure do I take both tests or just the Tech test

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You always take tech first and then they sometimes ask if you want to take the next test immediately.

[@ChrisKD9YSW]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse well going to take Tech first. Just debating on taking the general right away

[@bdr518]

@@ChrisKD9YSW I’d take all tests offered, worst case scenario is you fail one, but you won’t be charged for a second test in the same session.

[@DavidMartinez-bp3uu]

Hello, I passed my Tech exam yesterday! But I am confused on what the next step is? Do I wait to get an email from the FCC? I 've tried to pay the $35 dollar fee on the CORES, but when I search using my FRN number. It comes back with no bills. Is there a step I am missing?

[@PlanetaryDefenseFoundation]

Thank you!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You're welcome!

[@baaronthal]

Thanks for laying this all out! I have a question- my grandfather (now deceased) was amateur extra. I was able to find his call sign. I understand it is possible to request a deceased family member's call sign. Do you know if I would have to pass the extra test before requesting or would I be able to request it going in. I imagine I can't have his call sign until I have a equal license level.

[@darrellgill804]

I think you can get his call sign with a general license. My uncle gave me the test called novice. Later when he passed I was able to get his call sign. K9DYN.. know it can be done but not too sure about the level.

[@iconstar1917]

What is the use of ham radio License is it useful for academics purpose like placements or resume

[@starkillermarex]

My grandfather passed a few years ago and he had a call sign. I'm studying to get a license and I want to take over my grandfather's call sign. How do I do that?

[@MairinGoBragh]

Do GROL next

[@dannydivine7699]

Define "Clean" room, I drive a truck and space is a premium, and clean as I'm reading online is probably not a way I would describe it. Am I the only one that thinks there sounds like a lot of pomp and circumstance for a 35 question multiple choice test???

[@tedmead465]

What the mean by clean room is one thats devoid of any materials pertaining to the test. Such as band charts, notes, or visual clues to answers. You are more than free to take the test in your vehicle but again it must be clean of the above items. Also anything that can distract you to look away from your screen or scratch paper can disqualify you so doing it in your truck would not be a good idea.

[@dannydivine7699]

@@tedmead465 Thanks, just went and did it in person to avoid the hullabaloo, 73

[@georgecook1374]

question, if you already have the GMSR license does that mean if you upgrade to ham you don't need to pay an additional $35.00??? thnx for the great explaination of how to go about this much appreciated

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

No, they are completely unrelated services.

[@georgecook1374]

@HamRadioCrashCourse thnx for the quick reply much appreciated

[@gusaroonic5925]

My grandfather was a HAM. Died last year at 99. Was a radio operator and IC tech in the USN during WWII. I want to get my HAM to snag his "handle"...not sure if that's the right lingo....sorry...not even sure if that's possible? Bottom line is if I can keep it in the family and going I want to do this. Any info would be greatly appreciated. BTW...I'm rural so on line testing would be best for me; But am willing to travel to make sure this is as seamless as possible....if possible.

[@gusaroonic5925]

I do have my GMRS license so if that helps with the 605 then even better.

[@AAADredre]

I passed my Technician Exam on 2/10/24 and still have not received my call sign. I reached out to my VEC and apparently the FCC aren’t filing and new applications.

[@tedmead465]

It should be in their database by now. Mine was in the database the following day for tech and when i upgraded it was only 2 days.

[@Kylecombes4]

Thanks bro

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Welcome

[@HealNone]

If you already have a GMRS call sign in your FRN,… and you pass your technician exam and pay your licensing fee,… do you get a different Call Sign than the GMRS Call Sign?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes. Completely different callsigns.

[@crowsgarage6669]

I bought the programming cable you recommend for baofengs with the FTDI chip, but i cannot get it to work. I've spoke with the seller to get the "drivers", but it doesn't seem like those even work properly. radio will shut off and turn back on when CHIRP tries to clone the radio. Pls help

[@gamep112]

Hello if i bout a uv5r to play with my daughter , i can get in trouble?

[@glenndipasquale7117]

Hello, I just got my Technician's license about a month ago and was wondering what mobile or HAM shack radio is good for someone just starting out? I'd like to have one in the house and one in the truck. I currently have a Baofeng GT-5R but live in a residential area, and can hit a few repeaters, but I don't hear much traffic on the ones I programmed using Chirp. Your video on programming using Chirp was very helpful. Any advice or recommendations are appreciated. Thanks.

[@tedmead465]

2 meter usually does not have a lot of traffic per frequency unless its prearranged. There is such a wide range. Prearrangine frequency use is a matter of advertising it first. Duplex or repeater nets do not count in logging contests but aee great for the ragchew or weekly net checkin. Simplex contacts do count in logbooks. Get in contact with a few clubs, most are willing to set up events such as emergency comm nets.

[@michaeleber4752]

I have one question for you. I took the practice test and they STILL require you can read electrical diagrams. How does that ensure I know how to use HAM radio??? I'm going to read the manual and ... "press the button"...I'm not going to look at an electrical diagram and declare "ohhh THERE is the button I push".

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Amateur radio is more than just operating a radio. GMRS and CB exist for that type of operation.

[@michaeleber4752]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Well here in Colombia GMRS an CB are banned. But until you get into a higher level of HAM (especially with HF broadcasting) you need more technical knowledge. However to get a beginner license I'm not going to design a radio. And designing a radio is the only reason to know how to read an electrical diagram.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It sounds like you should lobby for CB or GMRS.

[@DocLVG]

Question: do you have to have the technician before going for the General or extra licenses? Or can you test for all three at once?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You have to take all tests in order. But can do them in one sitting.

[@T_Burd_75]

Is the felony check box still on the application? If you have to check that box, the FCC won't give you a call sign.

[@amateursandairwaves]

That’s incorrect, it goes on red light review which can take time and isn’t always approved but depending on the time since the offense and the nature of it, you may be approved. I know several

[@T_Burd_75]

@@amateursandairwaves I've been waiting since April 24 2019 and it still shows it is pending. Why do they even care anyway? Are they afraid I'm going to talk someone to death? You think a criminal mind will even bother with a license? This is proof that the ham radio hobby is for the "elite". Not for people who have made mistakes in life.

[@chriss7393]

Youvshoukd be fine in cali..no crimes here.

[@T_Burd_75]

@@chriss7393 😂🤣😂 Screw ham radio. I don't have time for it anymore anyway. Looks like the white socks and sandals and pleated khaki shorts wearing yuppies won this time.

[@feelthepeace]

​@T_Burd_75 this is a 'big topic' ... I think not 'screw ham radio' ... I say learn the difference between public and private, law and legal, the unlawful conversion (along with any instance a 'name' is spelled in capitus maximus; this can be looked up in a law dictionary, which is available online). Knowledge must be understood, not just learned. We of mankind can learn to hold those, the man or woman, who sometimes act as public servants' to account. We can learn to comprehend that obedience to those who trespass upon our rights -just means that we are to learn how to express our rights (or we do not have them), not 'give in', or give up. Ask yourself, are you a thing, or are you flesh and blood, a man? Come forward as a man. The condition this planet is in, heavily relies on this; the pinnacle of personal responsibility. ✌️🫶💪

[@BibiProvenceBBSmoothMusic]

As a dutch citicen can I take the exam at the fcc? Or do i need to take it in dutch? And where do I find my dutch fcc?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You need your home country license to transmit in your country but you can also get the US license. We test online too.

[@amadrigalme]

I'm a dumbdumb, I cannot figure out the FCC page to save my life, I have an FRN now but stuck as to what to do next, I intend to test within the month.

[@jeffporter8532]

I aced technician exam but apparently lack the intelligence to navigate the FCC site. I see no way I can register for this license much less pay for it. Any advice? I feel my 10 day window will lapse

[@vaderx5]

Did you figure it out in time?

[@redeyegooner]

GLAARG sounds like a supervillain from the MCU

[@KariSimmerman]

I got my Tech license and now want to apply to take over my Dad's old ham license. Do you have any insight into the process. The FCC website is clear as mud. I know I need to cancel my Dad's license first and then apply for a Vanity call sign but I can't find out EXACTLY how to do both of those things. I only know that those are the steps. I can't find where to actually get that done. Any help??

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Hi Kari. Here is an article that might help. www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/amateur-radio-service/amateur-vanity-request-types-2 I think you’ll need to be licensed before you attempt the transfer.

[@u.s.homeinspectionservices7358]

Are you located in Cerritos ca??

[@AlvinMcManus]

Online would be nice, but I don't have access to the required physical environment as in I don't have a place in my house where I could guaranty I would not be interrupted by a person on a pet. Small house. So I am going with in-person in May.

[@danaleks29]

If you fail, how many times can you retake the Technician test? Do you pay each time?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You can take it as many times as you want you (not at the same time) generally repay each time.

[@notsure7874]

If you get in there early enough, fail, and there's enough time - they very well may let you take it again right on the spot. A couple of boy scouts going for tech license took it twice when I went for mine. When I got my general there were a ton of people and I got there a little bit late so I had one shot at it - but I think they'd have let people try again too.

[@tedmead465]

That depends on the ve's One fellow in our club was allowed to retest because he was havig trouble reading the test booklet Got a fresh copy for him all was good.

[@danielemanuelsson4233]

It would be impossible to contact the authorities by radio in Sweden, everything is digital.

[@Yugo-CA]

I am not very good with learning from a book, whats the easiest way for me to do this? I need like a basic ham for dummies for me to study. Any input would be great. Thanks.

[@ko4otv43]

I did mine through ham radio prep. You can take practice tests as many times as you want. I didn't like a book either but found this way much easier. I made it to General with it. Good luck my friend

[@richhoule3462]

Ham Tech app on your phone. It's free. I used that and passed

[@wrem9706]

I really want to get my technician license - i have a GMRS license

[@wrem9706]

and i can't get into arrl

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You don’t need to get into the ARRL. follow the HamStudy.org recommendations I made in the video.

[@gaylecoombs5510]

Are you able to use your phone to take test online if you have zoom or does it have to be on a computer?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Pretty sure you can use a tablet/phone. But you would need to ask.

[@gaylecoombs5510]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse ok I'm able to do my test in your discord?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You can sign-up on my Discord, but no, you take it on a Zoom call. @@gaylecoombs5510

[@tedmead465]

If doing the online tests any device that has a camera such as a phone, tablet, or laptop will be acceptable Zoom meeting is set up and the coordinator will contact you first to set things up and assure its working. Follow their directions then the test will be administered. When you pass the certificate of completion will be emailed to you and the reference copy and original licence pdf will be available usually the following day. I did my tech test with the alaskan radio club. They are a great group.👍

[@martincar1002]

I'm too dumb. It seems so hard when I get into T5,T6, and T7.

[@dkbryant67]

I am. Blind. What is the best and easiest way to get audio study material and to test for someone who is blind?

[@amateursandairwaves]

There are several study guides available as audio books from audible and sources

[@tedmead465]

One on one test by proxy One licensed amatuer marking the card asking the questions to the individual and the three ve's must observe the proxy is actually marking the verbal answer given by the individual. But this is up to the ve coordinator

[@busymoms]

what if you are in Canada

[@tedmead465]

Canada has its own licensing authority

[@janetusa5129]

Eo you need a license to operate GRMS?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes. No test. Just $35 and it covers you and your family.

[@janetusa5129]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse hmm. I thought I got an email from Josh in the meantime saying something different.

[@janetusa5129]

"For ham radio, the test is absolutely required to transmit. You can listen all you like." - Josh

[@janetusa5129]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse why the studying and testing if no test is required?

[@theonlytalkinggoat]

Cant you just memorize the questions and answers?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

sure

[@stephengunrunnerhanson3550]

It's not all good heard people saying this repeater is not for m6 learners and if we do not answer the learner he will get sick it's not all candy cake and its still going on the Rsgb have done nothing

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Best piece of advice is find another repeater or join a club.

[@davidincolorado4684]

Too bad being a radio operator in the military just doesn't allow you to bypass the test for technician.

[@tedmead465]

But you already have the knowledge to breeze through the test. The hardets part of the tests are the fcc regulations And there are ony 2 of them on the tech and general test.

[@stevengarrison8107]

Unless you live in a big city good luck finding a test session much less any kind of class to teach the material

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Just test online and get the tests past you.

[@joshuasons2300]

Lol meanwhile you can carry a gun and badge be sovereign without taking such rigorous tests or knowing and understanding the constitution state and federal of which they take an oath to uphold,no test.😅😂 We are doomed my friends. 😅😂

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Stand fast gents. We have a land boat captain wadding through. Lmao sovereign

[@mortalman6761]

Quit Dickin' around and put out a webpage with the answers. Done. Cash in your hand..........

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s called HamStudy.org and it’s free.

[@mortalman6761]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I'm picking' up what you're putting' down, Brother! 😁

[@AlreadyThere1965]

They literally give you the answers to the test. How can it possibly get easier? There are Extra class licensees that know absolute zero about radio. If you don't believe me, turn on a radio and listen.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You sound kinda salty. I’m just trying to help give confidence to people interested in amateur radio.

[@AlreadyThere1965]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Not trying to be. I am amazed how people stress themselves out about the test. I hear people on repeaters talking about how hard it is to study for the test and I don't know how it could be easier. I didn't have a clue what the questions were going to be when I took my first test. There were no calculators, and you had to show your math calculations on paper. The code test was several minutes of solid copy, any mistake on the paper and you failed. All I had to study was an ARRL handbook and an SWL receiver. Everyone should lighten up, with all the tools you have today people are their own worst enemy.

[@channelview8854]

I've been a ham over 50 years. Everything you say is ABSOLUTELY correct!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

@@AlreadyThere1965 OK, understood, yes I too think it is pretty easy now. 73.

[@eljuano28]

​@@AlreadyThere1965-- The more people you make feel uncomfortable with your superior attitude, the quicker the HAM community will lose collective bargaining power with the FCC. There are an awful lot of commercial interests who would love to have the bands to themselves. Why waste the energy being negative in a positively beneficial hobby community? Sheesh! 🙄

[@channelview8854]

I've always been a big promoter pushing people to get their ham license. Now, I'm not so sure. Now that our government has turned toward totalitarianism, do you want to advertise that you have radio equipment capable of communicating at any distance up to worldwide and the expertise to use it? That's the kind of knowledge that gets you unalived when the wrong people take over. Besides, ham radio is not nearly what it used to be. Most people getting licensed today are preppers and seem to have little sense of community that made hamming great when I started. Don't waste your time.

[@channelview8854]

@@wildcatcomms your view of our government is, shall we say, quaint.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

@HamRadioCrashCourse >>> Great video...👍

[@Meltedbutta7]

Do you have to renew your license? Or is this good for a lifetime?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s good for ten years. Then you pay $35.00 to renew it.

[@rickstreifel4691]

In Canada, you only need one examiner. The examiner is typically sponsored by a local club, but not that is not necessary. VE7AA

[@stephenpatton8690]

Thanks!