Getting Started
How Do I Get Into Ham Radio?
One of the most asked questions for people interested in the hobby is “How do I get into Amateur/Ham Radio?”. This is a loaded question!! First off, Amateur Radio is a hobby that has quite a number of sub-hobbies and many technology adjacent interests. I am going to keep this simple and talk to how a person can get licensed and make that first transmission and talk to another person. Amateur radio is a science, technology, engineering and math related hobby. Don’t panic! There are different levels of required knowledge to advance in the hobby.
An FCC license is required. There are three levels of licenses and associated privileges:
Technician Class
Most people start — and many stay — at this level. Technician gives full access to local VHF/UHF repeaters and handheld radios, the easiest way to jump in and start talking to other hams right away. It also includes limited HF privileges, so even Technicians can get a taste of long-distance communication.
General Class
General class removes the biggest limitation of Technician: it unlocks most of the HF bands, the ones that travel far beyond line-of-sight — across the country and overseas. If you’ve caught the bug and want to reach farther than your local repeater, this is the license that gets you there.
Extra Class
Extra is the highest license class and opens 100% of the amateur bands, including reserved frequency segments only Extra-class operators can use. It takes the most study, but it’s the finish line for operators who want every privilege the hobby offers — and it’s a badge of technical expertise in the community.
The Exam
How Do I Get a License?
You have to take a test. Once again don’t panic! There are many books, online tools, in-person classes and apps that will help you get ready.
The exam bank is public knowledge and multiple choice.
There are both in-person and online opportunities to take the exam.
FCC fees are paid online and a FRN is required.
Volunteer examiners may charge a fee to take a test. These fees only support recouping the costs to support the testing process.
Get Licensed
Ready to Test? Exam Sessions
Exam sessions are held the 4th Saturday of odd-numbered months — January, March, May, July, September, and November. We start at 9:00 AM.
You don’t have to test with us — license exams are offered all over the country. But KCARC’s sessions are free and quick, thanks to our partnership with the Laurel VEC, a nonprofit that oversees volunteer-run testing programs like ours and keeps the process simple.
When
4th Saturday, odd months
Jan · Mar · May · Jul · Sep · Nov
9:00 AM start
Where
100 Oyster Bay Ave. N.
Bremerton, WA 98312
Bremerton Public Works Bldg, Meeting Room — near the 100 ft antenna tower
Save Time — Do These 2 Things First
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1
Register for the session
Sign up at hamstudy.org — look for the FREE session hosted by Kitsap County Amateur Radio Club.
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2
Get your FRN
Register at apps.fcc.gov. New to this? Check out the FCC How-To page.
Questions? Contact ve@kcarc.org
Next Steps
I Have My License, Now What?
One of the best skill accelerators is to find a club or seek out another Amateur Radio operator. Most amateur radio operators want nothing more than share all the information in a quick burst which can be overwhelming for a person new to the hobby.
Once again, Don’t Panic! Every club has a personality and many Amateur radio operators belong to multiple clubs. Some of these clubs meet both in person, online only and a mix of the two.
If you go to a club meeting and have a bad experience don’t give up, try another club or reach out to a club leader. Honestly, most amateur radio operators want to share their knowledge to help a new operator navigate the hobby.
There is nothing wrong with radio club shopping, find the one that aligns with your goals.
YouTube has a lot of content regarding the hobby and is also a great resource to learn new skills.
What radio and accessories do I get?
It Depends! This is the most dreaded answer in the hobby. There is not a best radio, antenna or power supply option. As a new operator understanding your short-term goals, long term goals, location and resources really define what gear you will get.
For technicians a dual band UHF/VHF handheld transceiver is usually the first step into the hobby. Many clubs have scheduled nets (On the air meetings) that allow member/visitors to test their equipment and practice their skills.
Resources
Places to Start Your Journey into Amateur Radio
Local Kitsap Clubs
Books... Just a Few of the Many Options
Online/Apps Examples
I Have My Technician License But Can’t Get on the Repeater for a Net!
Our very own NJ7N has a Facebook video that will cover most entry-level Hand-Held Transceiver programming.
This information is provided to provide a high level look at how to get started in Amateur Radio. There are many paths to getting your license and the trick is to find one that aligns with your learning style. If you have more specific questions please reach out on Facebook or join us in the #new-hams channel on our Discord.