Education & Licensing
One of the first steps needed to really get into Amateur Radio is to get your Amateur Radio License. This license is required in order to transmit on any of the Amateur Radio frequencies – however, listening does not. Listening is only part of the fun, so we encourage you to get your license so you can get the full experience!
Study / Take a Class
There are numerous ways to learn about Amateur Radio. Below are some options, find the best that fit you:
- Local/Regional Options – the Maple Grove, MN Radio Club have classes both in-person and on Zoom for all Amateur License Classes.
- Self-learning Options – The ARRL has published books for each license class and can be purchases on their website, Amazon and other Booksellers
- Ham Radio License Manual (Technician – start here!)
- General Class License Manual
- Extra Class License Manual
- Online Options – Dave Casler, KE0OG, has videos online for the Technician Class license via the ARRL and YouTube. The ARRL has Dave’s videos for General and Extra Classes on the ARRL Learn website (you need to be an ARRL member for these two).
- Other Options – The ARRL has an entire site dedicated to Getting Licensed which you can find other classes, online training materials, testing locations, etc.
Take the Exam
The last step is to take the test with a VE (Volunteer Examiner) team. But, before you do that, it is best to take some practice exams first, to ensure that you are ready for it.
Online Practice Exams:
- ARRL Exam Review for Ham Radio
- HamStudy.org (both online and app)
License Exams:
- In-Person Options
- Rochester Amateur Radio Club
As of Feb 2024, please contact Steve Wiebke w0stv@yahoo.com - ARRL Exam Session Search
- Rochester Amateur Radio Club
- Online Options