Amateur radio — ham radio — is a hobby enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Americans and millions more worldwide. Operators communicate over two-way radios and experiment with antennas, electronics, computers, and software.
Hams come in every shape: five-year-olds have earned licenses, and plenty of operators are still active in their 80s. On the air you'll run into teachers, engineers, mechanics, kids, and retirees, all sharing the same hobby.
It's not limited to handheld or base radios, either. Operators also reach the amateur bands through computers, Wi-Fi, and satellites — some even bounce signals off the moon or talk with astronauts on the International Space Station.
Many hams volunteer at local public service events like races, parades, and festivals. Those same skills become critical during disasters, when phones and cell networks go down. Read the ARRL's introduction to amateur radio for more, or keep reading below for how to get licensed.
Work through the question pool using a practice exam site until you're consistently scoring around 90%.
Practice exam sites
Apps & books
Prefer a classroom? Find an amateur radio class near you, or come to a club meeting — we're happy to point you in the right direction.
Once you're testing well on practice exams, find a scheduled testing session and register ahead of time if the organizer requires it.
W0OEL, based in Fayette County, can help you find testing resources — come to a meeting and talk through the process with us in person. Meeting times are on the club calendar.
If you've read through this and want more information about amateur radio or the W0OEL club, visit our Contact page and send us a message.
