Get Your HAm Radio License

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Minnesota Ham Radio was founded for someone like you. We’re dedicated to supporting new ham radio enthusiasts by providing a wealth of resources and guidance tailored to beginners. We know the value of getting you connected to the right information — and we want to help. If you have more questions please consider joining our Discord server to get in-depth help from hundreds of other Minnesota-based ham radio operators.

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Different levels of Ham Radio Licenses

Technician

The exam is a 35-question test covering basic FCC regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory. There is no Morse code required.

General

The exam is a 35-question test that covers more in-depth topics on electronics and radio theory. The primary attraction to upgrading your Technician class license is you gain significant High Frequency (HF) radio privileges. There is no Morse code required.

Extra

The exam is a 50-question test that covers more obscure FCC regulations and advanced questions on operating practices and radio equipment design. This license grants you an incremental benefit over the General class but does include all available privileges granted by the FCC. There is no Morse code required.

Resources to help you start studying

We recommend two outstanding study resources for aspiring amateur radio operators: Ham Study and Ham Radio Prep. Ham Radio Prep offers an engaging, easy-to-follow online course designed to simplify the process of learning and passing the licensing exams. Their interactive lessons and practice tests ensure that users retain key information and are well-prepared for exam day. Ham Study, on the other hand, provides a free robust platform with an extensive question pool, flashcards, and practice exams, allowing users to customize their study experience.

HamStudy

HamStudy offers free ham radio flash cards, practice tests, and question pools to help those interested in ham radio study for their exam.

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Ham Radio Prep

Ham Radio Prep makes it fast, easy, and fun to get your license in just 10 carefully narrated lessons. Money-back guarantee!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ham radio is a hobby for anyone that has a fascination with radio. We have millions of licensed ham radio operators around the world. In the United States alone there are over 750,000 licensed operators. Simply, ham radio is about communication. How do you communicate and exchange information with someone else without the help of the Internet or a telephone? Well…ham radio, of course. Communication can occur across the state, across the world, and even throughout space, utilizing Radio Frequency (RF).

Ham radio operators come from a variety of backgrounds and ages. Hams can be five years old all the way up to 100 years old. Nurses, construction workers, IT engineers, school bus drivers, physicians, and more. Ham radio is a diverse hobby full of different professional backgrounds, nationalities, income levels, and perspectives. This is what makes the amateur radio community so great. Many operators self-identify as “tinkerers” who love to understand how electrical devices or RF works.

The exact reason why amateur radio is referred to as “ham radio” is a hotly debated topic. Most ham radio historians agree that the term dates back to 1909. Radio operators that had poor skills were called “hams” as a derogatory term by operators in commercial and professional radio communities. Amateur radio operators embraced it and began using it to describe our hobby. The term was not widely used until around 1920 and really grew to other countries around the world from that point.

No, Morse code (CW) is no longer required for any level of ham radio licensing. However, many hams enjoy using CW, and it can be a valuable skill for efficient and long-distance communication.

Yes. Ham radio operators are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. You must pass a test, however, Morse code is not required to pass your exam. There are many books and online study guides that can help you study the concepts and even let you take practice examinations. Most people find with 3-4 weeks of study and practice exams they’re able to pass their Technician class license exam.

At a minimum, you’ll need a radio transceiver and an antenna. Many beginners start with a handheld transceiver (HT), sometimes called a walkie-talkie. But those are limited in their range. As you progress, you may want to invest in more advanced equipment that allows you to communicate over longer distances more reliably.

The cost varies depending on the equipment you choose. A basic handheld transceiver (HT) can cost around $50 to $125. More advanced equipment, like an HF transceiver, high-end HTs, etc., can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. There may also be costs for study materials and the licensing exam fee. You can spend very little ($50-$200) to get started and you can easily spend $10,000+ on high-end equipment – it’s up to you!

You can find local ham radio clubs in Minnesota here and local events here. Many clubs offer licensing classes, mentorship, and social activities.

Ready to get licensed?

If you’re ready to take your ham radio license exam click below to find an examination session near you.

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