Find an exam session
HamStudy.org keeps a searchable list of upcoming ham radio exam sessions. Use it to find a session near you, then write to us with anything else you would like to know about testing.
W8ARA
Resources
Useful amateur radio, licensing, emergency communications, weather, and ARA maintenance links.
Volunteer Examiners
Take your ham radio exam with ARA
ARA fields its own team of Volunteer Examiners, so you can sit your license exam with local hams instead of travelling to a session run by a club you have never met.
ARA's Volunteer Examiners
- WV8CHChristopher HatcherAmateur Extra
- KE8RBRandall KerbawyAmateur Extra
- KR8NMark GrayAmateur Extra Email
- W8KBMBrian KeatleyAmateur Extra
- W8ZBRBerlon Roberts JrAmateur Extra
- WV8TRonnie LeflerAmateur Extra
- KE8RFPJoshua GilkersonGeneral
- AD8NQJeffrey WoodsAmateur Extra
- AB8DDavid SextonAmateur Extra
- WV8EZLittlejohn GrovesAmateur Extra
Ask a question
Common questions about license testing
Do I need a license before I can get on the air?
Yes. You need an FCC amateur radio license before you transmit on the amateur bands, and passing a written exam is how you earn one. ARA's Volunteer Examiners can give you that exam.
Which license do I start with, and can I move up later?
Most people start with Technician. General and Amateur Extra come after that, and you can sit more than one exam at the same session if you are ready for both.
What is the exam like?
Multiple-choice questions drawn from the national question pool: 35 questions each for Technician and General, and 50 for Amateur Extra. It is a written test — you do not need to bring a radio, and nothing is built or operated at the session.
How do I study, and does studying cost anything?
Current question pools and free practice tests are on HamStudy.org, and the ARRL getting-licensed guide points to printed and online study material. Studying on your own costs nothing.
Is there a fee to take an exam?
No. ARA does not charge you to sit an exam. After you pass, the FCC emails you directly with a $35 application fee; once that is paid the FCC processes your test and issues your call sign.
Do I have to join ARA to take the test?
No. Testing is open to anyone and you do not need to be a member to sit an ARA exam. We ask that new hams join and help support the group — membership dues and donations keep the repeaters running — but it is entirely your choice.
When is the next ARA exam session?
ARA has not published a standing exam schedule on this page. Two ways to find a date: search the sessions published near you in HamStudy's exam session finder, or email VE@ara.radio and we will tell you what is coming.
How do I book a seat at a session?
Use the booking instructions on the session listing you find in the session finder. For an ARA session, email the exam team and we will confirm the time, the place, and what to bring.
What should I bring with me?
A government-issued photo ID. If you already hold a license, bring your call sign or a copy of your license so the exam team can look up your record.
I passed. When can I transmit?
The FCC emails you a $35 application fee. Once that is paid the FCC processes your test and issues your call sign. When your call sign shows in the FCC license search, you can transmit.
Who do I contact about license testing?
Email VE@ara.radio — that reaches the whole exam team — or use the contact form and choose General. The cards above list who is on the team.
ARA
Emergency Communications
Licensing
Operating
Weather
New to ham radio / Get licensed
Getting started in amateur radio
Amateur radio lets licensed operators communicate locally, regionally, and worldwide while learning radio technology and serving their communities. Most newcomers begin with the FCC Technician license, then may upgrade to General and Amateur Extra.
Study with ARRL or other current question-pool materials, locate an exam session, receive your FCC call sign, and then learn local operating practices. ARA repeaters provide a friendly place to listen, learn, and check in once licensed.
Volunteer Examiners
Take your ham radio exam with ARA
ARA fields its own team of Volunteer Examiners, so you can sit your license exam with local hams instead of travelling to a session run by a club you have never met.
ARA's Volunteer Examiners
- WV8CHChristopher HatcherAmateur Extra
- KE8RBRandall KerbawyAmateur Extra
- KR8NMark GrayAmateur Extra Email
- W8KBMBrian KeatleyAmateur Extra
- W8ZBRBerlon Roberts JrAmateur Extra
- WV8TRonnie LeflerAmateur Extra
- KE8RFPJoshua GilkersonGeneral
- AD8NQJeffrey WoodsAmateur Extra
- AB8DDavid SextonAmateur Extra
- WV8EZLittlejohn GrovesAmateur Extra
Find an exam session
HamStudy.org keeps a searchable list of upcoming ham radio exam sessions. Use it to find a session near you, then write to us with anything else you would like to know about testing.
Ask a question
Common questions about license testing
Do I need a license before I can get on the air?
Yes. You need an FCC amateur radio license before you transmit on the amateur bands, and passing a written exam is how you earn one. ARA's Volunteer Examiners can give you that exam.
Which license do I start with, and can I move up later?
Most people start with Technician. General and Amateur Extra come after that, and you can sit more than one exam at the same session if you are ready for both.
What is the exam like?
Multiple-choice questions drawn from the national question pool: 35 questions each for Technician and General, and 50 for Amateur Extra. It is a written test — you do not need to bring a radio, and nothing is built or operated at the session.
How do I study, and does studying cost anything?
Current question pools and free practice tests are on HamStudy.org, and the ARRL getting-licensed guide points to printed and online study material. Studying on your own costs nothing.
Is there a fee to take an exam?
No. ARA does not charge you to sit an exam. After you pass, the FCC emails you directly with a $35 application fee; once that is paid the FCC processes your test and issues your call sign.
Do I have to join ARA to take the test?
No. Testing is open to anyone and you do not need to be a member to sit an ARA exam. We ask that new hams join and help support the group — membership dues and donations keep the repeaters running — but it is entirely your choice.
When is the next ARA exam session?
ARA has not published a standing exam schedule on this page. Two ways to find a date: search the sessions published near you in HamStudy's exam session finder, or email VE@ara.radio and we will tell you what is coming.
How do I book a seat at a session?
Use the booking instructions on the session listing you find in the session finder. For an ARA session, email the exam team and we will confirm the time, the place, and what to bring.
What should I bring with me?
A government-issued photo ID. If you already hold a license, bring your call sign or a copy of your license so the exam team can look up your record.
I passed. When can I transmit?
The FCC emails you a $35 application fee. Once that is paid the FCC processes your test and issues your call sign. When your call sign shows in the FCC license search, you can transmit.
Who do I contact about license testing?
Email VE@ara.radio — that reaches the whole exam team — or use the contact form and choose General. The cards above list who is on the team.