Emergency Communications (EmComm)
The primary means of communication within Kings County REACT is with General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and Amateur (Ham) Radio.
Getting your GMRS license is as easy at paying a fee. No test required.
If you wish to obtain your Ham “Ticket” we are here to mentor you through the process and guide you through taking you test when you are ready.
It’s easy to get your Ham Radio License
Basic Requirements
Must have a valid US Mailing Address
Must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number, such as a Social Security Number (SSN) or an FCC Registration Number
Steps to get your HAM License
Step 1: Know the Level of Licenses
There are three classes of licenses that are offered by the FCC (The Federal Communications Commission, the branch of government that controls ham radio licenses). You have to pass a test for each level, and you have to start at Technician and advance upward.
The 3 Types of Ham Radio Licenses
Level 1
Technician License
Access to all of the amateur VHF and UHF radio bands
Some Access to HF bands
HF restricted to Single Side Band and Morse Code
Level 2
General License
Access to all of the amateur VHF and UHF and VHF bands
More HF privileges for voice communications
Good choice for those interested in global communications
Level 3
Amateur Extra License
Access to all of the amateur VHF and UHF and VHF bands
Access to all HF bands
Top of the line license
Step 2: Study For The Exam
Now that you have decided which license is best for you, you need to start preparing for the test.
The entry level Technician License Exam requires around 10 hours of study for most people. The Technician and General License exams each have 35 questions, and the Amateur Extra has 50. In order to pass the each test, you must get at least a 74%. For Technician and General, this means you must get 26 questions right out of the 35 questions.
As far as study materials, there are free options as well as more premium paid options. Considering that study materials will greatly enhance your experience and actually teach you a lot about ham radio, most people decide to invest at least a small amount into study materials. Overall, we estimate that the Technician License will cost you $85 when you take into account the cost of study materials, the FCC license fee and the cost of actually taking the exam.
Let’s take a look at some of the study options to get ready for the exam.
» Take an Online Course:
Free Options:
ARRL Learning Center - Free registration required
AmateurRadio.com - Free Online Ham Radio Course
HamStudy.org - by Signal Stuff
High Desert Amateur Radio Club of New Mexico - Free Online Courses
» Books:
Some people prefer having study materials they can put their hands on – and we don’t blame them! There are no shortage of different books with different learning styles. For example, the ARRL has manuals which are more dense and take longer to read, but many hams buy them to keep as a reference.
ARRL Ham Radio License Manual – Complete Study Guide with Question Pool to Pass the Technician Class Amateur Radio Exam - 5th Edition
Gordon West Technician Class FCC Element 2 Amateur Radio License Preparation - 10th Edition 2022-2026
Ham Radio For Dummies - 4th Edition
» Mobile Apps:
If you’re looking to study on your phone or tablet, a mobile app could be a great addition to your study materials.
Android and iOS available:
HAM RADIO PREP - Download the Ham Radio Prep Study App (Requires in-app purchase of courses)
HamStudy.org - Offline Apps ($3.99 purchase for app)
» In Person:
Ham Radio University - Saturday, January 4, 2025, LIU-Post University, Brookville, NY
Step 3: Take Your Exam In-Person or Remotely
The moment of truth arrives – you must now take the test by an FCC accredited Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC). VECs are the only organizations legally allowed to conduct ham radio license exam sessions in the United States
» In-Person Exam Sessions
For most people, the easiest way to take the exam is with a friendly local ham radio club. Many local clubs are ARRL affiliated. You can search for an in-person exam with one the ARRL exam search page. It’s easiest to search this page using only your zip code. These exam sessions are run by friendly local ARRL affiliated clubs who want nothing more than to see you pass!
» Remote/Online Exam Sessions
What if an in-person exam session just isn’t available? According to a recent notice by the FCC, it is now 100% possible to take the exam online, and there are several VECs that offer remote exams, such as listed below:
Congratulations, You've Earned Your License!
Once you pass the exam, the volunteer examiners will provide you with an official signed certificate. You'll also receive an email from the FCC instructing you how to download a PDF of your official license with your call sign, ready to print and display. The best part? You can start transmitting as soon as your name appears in the FCC database—no need to wait for the physical copy! Start practicing for emergencies, connect with fellow amateurs, and dive into your exciting new hobby.
Be Radio Active. Join ARRL Today!
Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL)
When you join ARRL, you'll have access to information, learning, programs, and services to help you get (and stay) active and on the air. Your membership supports ARRL’s work to promote and protect amateur radio and provides you with benefits that help you do more with your amateur radio license. Join now and get immediate access to the full benefits of ARRL membership. Learn More.