Get Licensed. Get on the Air. Keep Learning.
Amateur radio begins with a license, but it does not end with an examination.
LEVEL 3 – Extra Class License Class
The license gives you permission to transmit. Good training gives you the knowledge, judgment, and confidence to use that privilege safely and effectively. Experience then turns those fundamentals into practical operating skills, technical ability, public service, experimentation, and lifelong learning.
The Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club helps prospective operators prepare for their first FCC amateur radio license, assists licensed hams who want to upgrade, and provides continuing opportunities to learn by doing. You do not need a call sign, a radio, or an electronics background to begin. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and an interest in communication—we will help you find the next step.[1]
SARC welcomes visitors and learners at every experience level, including people who have not yet earned a license.[1]
Training at a Glance
| Where You Are | Your Next Goal | How SARC Can Help |
|---|---|---|
| Curious about amateur radio | Understand the hobby | Meet local operators, see equipment in use, and explore the many directions ham radio can take you |
| Preparing for Technician | Earn your first license | Learn basic regulations, operating practices, safety, radio theory, and practical VHF/UHF operation |
| Upgrading to General | Expand into HF | Study propagation, antennas, operating procedures, and the privileges used for regional and worldwide communication |
| Upgrading to Amateur Extra | Earn full privileges | Work through advanced regulations, electronics, station design, and specialized operating topics |
| Newly licensed | Become comfortable on the air | Learn radio programming, repeater operation, net procedures, call-sign use, and how to make your first contact |
| Active operator | Build practical skills | Explore antennas, portable stations, digital modes, troubleshooting, construction, emergency communications, and public service |
| Experienced amateur | Share knowledge | Mentor new operators, teach classes, lead demonstrations, support examinations, and help with club activities |
Training Path Flow Diagram
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flowchart TD
A["`Curious about
amateur radio`"]
B["`Visit SARC and
explore the hobby`"]
C["`Study for
Technician`"]
D["`Pass Element 2, complete licensing,
and receive Technician privileges`"]
E["`Get on the air and
build practical skills`"]
F{"`Choose the
next goal`"}
G["`Study for
General`"]
H["`Practice, nets, projects,
and service`"]
I["`Pass Element 3 and receive
General privileges`"]
J{"`Continue
learning`"}
K["`Study for
Amateur Extra`"]
L["`Pass Element 4 and receive
Amateur Extra privileges`"]
M["`Mentor, teach, experiment,
and serve`"]
A --> B
B --> C
C --> D
D --> E
E --> F
F -->|"More HF privileges"| G
F -->|"Local and portable operating"| H
G --> I
I --> J
J -->|"Full operating privileges"| K
J -->|"Broaden operating experience"| H
K --> L
L --> M
H --> M
>
Flow diagram: a learner can move from curiosity to Technician, General, and Amateur Extra while developing practical skills at every stage.
Three License Levels—One Learning Path
The United States currently has three amateur radio operator license classes: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra. Most people begin with Technician and advance as their interests and operating goals grow.[4][5]
Current Examination Snapshot
| License Class | Required Examination Element | Questions on the Written Examination | Practical Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technician | Element 2 | 35 | Entry-level license with extensive privileges above 30 MHz and limited privileges on specified HF bands |
| General | Element 3, in addition to Element 2 credit | 35 | Substantial HF privileges in addition to Technician privileges |
| Amateur Extra | Element 4, in addition to Elements 2 and 3 credit | 50 | All available United States amateur operator privileges |
The FCC rules define the examination elements required for each operator class, while ARRL licensing guidance summarizes the current 35-question Technician and General examinations and the 50-question Amateur Extra examination.[6][10][17]
Current Question-Pool Schedule
| License Class | Pool Effective Date | Pool Expiration Date | Schematic Diagrams in the Published Pool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technician | July 1, 2026 | June 30, 2030 | 3 |
| General | July 1, 2023 | June 30, 2027 | 1 |
| Amateur Extra | July 1, 2024 | June 30, 2028 | 10 |
Students should always study from material matched to the question pool that will be active on the examination date. The Technician pool changed on July 1, 2026; the General and Amateur Extra pools shown above remain current as of July 12, 2026.[7]
Quick Visual Graphs
Written examination question count
Technician | ███████████████████████████████████ 35 General | ███████████████████████████████████ 35 Amateur Extra | ██████████████████████████████████████████████████ 50
Schematic diagrams in the current published question pools
Technician | ███ 3 General | █ 1 Amateur Extra | ██████████ 10
Graph note: the schematic totals describe the published question pools, not the number of diagrams guaranteed to appear on an individual examination.[7]
Technician Class: Begin Your Amateur Radio Journey
Technician is the entry-level amateur radio license. The examination consists of 35 questions covering FCC rules, safe operation, basic electronics, radio equipment, antennas, and common operating practices.[6][8]
Technician licensees receive extensive privileges on amateur frequencies above 30 MHz, including the popular 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands, along with limited operating privileges on several HF bands. This is an excellent starting point for local repeaters, club nets, public-service events, satellites, digital communication, and portable operation.[6][8]
You do not have to learn Morse code to earn a Technician license.[8]
General Class: Open the Door to HF
The General Class license is the second level. It requires passing another 35-question examination and provides substantial operating privileges throughout the HF spectrum.[9]
HF operation makes it possible to communicate across the country and around the world without depending on the internet or commercial communication infrastructure. General Class study introduces broader operating privileges, propagation, antennas, transmission lines, electrical principles, digital modes, safety, and more advanced station practices.[9]
Amateur Extra Class: Earn Full Operating Privileges
Amateur Extra is the highest current U.S. amateur radio license class. The 50-question examination covers advanced regulations, electronics, radio-frequency safety, antennas, propagation, digital techniques, and station design.[10]
Passing the Amateur Extra examination provides all available U.S. amateur operating privileges on all authorized bands and modes. It is a worthwhile goal for operators who want maximum frequency access and a deeper understanding of radio technology.[10]
More Than Memorizing Answers
Practice examinations are useful, but successful amateur radio education should do more than teach someone to recognize the correct answer.
SARC training is intended to help students understand why an answer is correct and how that knowledge applies at an actual station. A rule about identification becomes part of a real contact. A question about feed lines becomes a discussion about choosing coax. A lesson about repeaters becomes practice programming a radio. A safety question becomes a habit that protects the operator, the equipment, and everyone nearby.
The objective is not simply to pass an examination. The objective is to become a capable, responsible, and confident amateur radio operator.
Learning-to-Operate Flow Diagram
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A["`Read and discuss
the concept`"]
B["`Answer current-pool
practice questions`"]
C["`Explain why the
answer is correct`"]
D["`See or perform a
practical demonstration`"]
E["`Apply the skill at a real
or supervised station`"]
F["`Record questions and
lessons learned`"]
G["`Review, correct,
and practice again`"]
H["`Operate independently
and responsibly`"]
A --> B
B --> C
C --> D
D --> E
E --> F
F --> G
G --> H
Flow diagram: effective training connects the published examination material to explanation, demonstration, supervised practice, reflection, and independent operation.
Clear Classroom Instruction
License preparation organizes a large question pool into understandable subjects. Instead of approaching the material as hundreds of unrelated questions, students learn the principles that connect them:
- FCC rules and authorized operating privileges
- Radio signals, frequencies, bands, and modes
- Station equipment and basic electronics
- Antennas, feed lines, grounding, and safety
- Repeaters, simplex operation, nets, and emergency procedures
- Good amateur operating practice
SARC recommends established study resources, including the appropriate ARRL license manual, and announces scheduled classes through the club calendar and news pages.[2][18]
Guided Practice
Students benefit from practice questions, but they also benefit from being able to ask why a particular answer matters.
Instructors and experienced club members can explain unfamiliar terminology, work through calculations, demonstrate equipment, and connect examination subjects with situations encountered on the air. This turns test preparation into usable knowledge.
A Direct Path to Testing
When students are ready, SARC sponsors Volunteer Examiner sessions for new licenses and license upgrades. Current schedules, candidate requirements, identification instructions, and examination information should always be confirmed on the SARC License Tests page before attending.[3]
Support After the Examination
Passing the test is an important milestone. It is not the finish line.
Many new licensees still have practical questions:
- Which radio should I purchase?
- How do I program a repeater?
- What should I say during my first contact?
- Which antenna will work at my home?
- How do I join a net?
- What do the controls on my radio actually do?
- How can I participate without overspending?
SARC members help new operators move from a license document to meaningful on-air activity. The club’s broader mission includes mentoring, technical demonstrations, equipment guidance, station setup, public service, digital modes, antennas, and operating events.[1][18]
Training That Continues After You Are Licensed
Amateur radio is too broad to fit into a single class. Every new skill leads to another possibility.
Get Comfortable on the Air
Learn how to select a frequency, listen before transmitting, identify properly, call another station, give a signal report, use phonetics, and complete a courteous contact.
Local repeaters and club nets provide an approachable place to practice. These activities help new operators become familiar with radio procedures while getting to know other members of the amateur radio community.[15]
Understand Your Equipment
A radio becomes much easier to use when someone explains its controls in practical terms.
Continuing training may include memories, offsets, tones, squelch, power levels, scanning, microphone gain, filters, digital interfaces, power supplies, batteries, connectors, and software programming. Good instruction can also help a new operator choose equipment based on actual operating goals rather than advertising or impulse.
Build and Improve Antennas
Antennas are one of the most educational parts of amateur radio. Even a simple antenna introduces frequency, wavelength, impedance, feed lines, matching, polarization, radiation patterns, and practical installation concerns.
SARC’s hands-on culture gives members opportunities to learn about antenna construction, measurement, troubleshooting, and station improvement.[13]
Recent club material also emphasizes establishing repeatable measurement baselines and using practical test equipment rather than relying on guesswork.[14]
Operate Away from Home
Portable operation teaches planning, flexibility, and resourcefulness.
SARC in the Park encourages participants to bring portable radios, antennas, batteries, and go-boxes into the field. Operating under less-than-ideal conditions helps members test their equipment and improve the same skills that may be needed during a temporary or emergency deployment.[11]
Explore New Modes and Activities
A license can lead to many different areas of the hobby:
| Area | What You Can Learn |
|---|---|
| Local VHF/UHF | Repeaters, simplex contacts, nets, and mobile operation |
| HF communication | Propagation, worldwide contacts, special events, and contesting |
| Digital modes | Computer-assisted communication, interfaces, software, and logging |
| Satellites | Tracking, Doppler shift, antennas, and brief operating passes |
| Morse code | Efficient communication, operating skill, and low-bandwidth signals |
| Portable radio | Batteries, compact antennas, field stations, and deployment planning |
| Radio direction finding | Signal hunting, antennas, mapping, and teamwork |
| Construction | Soldering, test equipment, kits, cables, interfaces, and troubleshooting |
| Public service | Organized event communication and disciplined net operation |
| Emergency communications | Message handling, preparedness, deployment, and interagency procedures |
No operator needs to pursue every part of amateur radio. Training helps you discover the parts that interest you most.
Continuing-Training Opportunity Map
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flowchart TD
A["`Licensed amateur
operator`"]
B{"`What interests
you now?`"}
C["`Repeaters, simplex,
and nets`"]
D["`HF, propagation, antennas,
and operating`"]
E["`Digital modes, satellites,
software, and interfaces`"]
F["`Construction, soldering, analyzers,
and troubleshooting`"]
G["`Portable stations, batteries,
antennas, and deployment`"]
H["`Public service and
emergency communications`"]
I["`Practice, document,
and share`"]
J["`Mentor others and choose
the next skill`"]
A --> B
B -->|"Local communication"| C
B -->|"Long-distance communication"| D
B -->|"Technology"| E
B -->|"Building and measurement"| F
B -->|"Field operation"| G
B -->|"Community service"| H
C --> I
D --> I
E --> I
F --> I
G --> I
H --> I
I --> J
Flow diagram: continuing education can branch into operating, technology, construction, field work, or service and then return to practice and mentoring.
Training for Service and Preparedness
Amateur radio has a long history of supporting communities when normal communication systems are overloaded, damaged, unavailable, or unsuitable for a particular assignment.[12]
SARC’s emergency communications activities help members develop knowledge through training, practice, teamwork, and interaction with organizations involved in emergency preparedness. The club encourages relevant FEMA Incident Command System training and introduces members to organizations and programs such as ARES, RACES, SATERN, AUXCOMM, and CERT.[12]
Emergency communications training can include:
- Preparing radios and frequency plans before deployment
- Operating from temporary or field locations
- Using directed-net procedures
- Passing information accurately and efficiently
- Maintaining station and activity logs
- Working within an organized communication structure
- Supporting public events as practical training
- Remaining calm, concise, and professional under pressure
The goal is not simply to own emergency equipment. The goal is to become an operator who can use it effectively as part of a team.
Preparedness Skills Table
| Training Area | Practice Activity | Operational Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Station readiness | Check radios, power, batteries, cables, programming, and documentation | Reduces preventable failures during deployment |
| Net procedure | Practice check-ins, directed traffic, concise transmissions, and acknowledgements | Improves order, speed, and message accuracy |
| Portable operation | Deploy antennas, go-boxes, power systems, and temporary stations | Builds confidence under non-ideal conditions |
| Message handling | Copy, verify, relay, and log information | Reduces ambiguity and preserves an operational record |
| Team coordination | Work within assigned roles and established communication plans | Helps an operator contribute effectively without creating confusion |
Your Path from First Question to First Contact
- Explore the hobby. Visit a SARC meeting or activity and speak with local operators.
- Choose your next license level. Begin with Technician or prepare to upgrade to General or Amateur Extra.
- Use current study material. Select the manual and question pool that correspond to the examination you will take.
- Attend training and ask questions. Build understanding instead of relying entirely on memorization.
- Take practice examinations. Use the results to identify subjects that need additional review.
- Complete a Volunteer Examiner session. Confirm the current SARC testing schedule and candidate requirements before attending.
- Get on the air with support. Program a radio, listen to local activity, join a net, and make your first contact.
- Keep learning. Attend meetings, demonstrations, construction activities, portable operating events, public-service assignments, and advanced classes.[16]
Study-to-First-Contact Flow Diagram
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flowchart TD
A["`Explore
amateur radio`"]
B["`Choose Technician, General,
or Amateur Extra goal`"]
C["`Use the current manual
and question pool`"]
D["`Attend training
and ask questions`"]
E["`Take practice
examinations`"]
F{"`Ready for the
examination?`"}
G["`Attend a Volunteer
Examiner session`"]
H{"`Passed?`"}
I["`Complete licensing steps
and confirm the grant`"]
J["`Program the radio
and listen`"]
K["`Join a net or make a
supervised contact`"]
L["`Make the first
independent contact`"]
M["`Keep learning, operating,
building, and serving`"]
A --> B
B --> C
C --> D
D --> E
E --> F
F -->|"Not yet"| C
F -->|"Yes"| G
G --> H
H -->|"Not yet"| C
H -->|"Yes"| I
I --> J
J --> K
K --> L
L --> M
Flow diagram: the path includes review loops before the examination and practical support after the license is earned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electronics background?
No. Entry-level training begins with the fundamentals. Technical subjects are introduced gradually and connected to practical examples.
Do I need to own a radio before attending?
No. It is often better to learn about operating goals and equipment choices before making a purchase.
Is Morse code required?
No. Morse code is not required for any of the three current U.S. amateur radio license classes. It remains an enjoyable and effective operating mode for those who choose to learn it.[8][10][17]
Can I visit SARC before I am licensed?
Yes. SARC welcomes visitors, prospective hams, newly licensed operators, returning operators, and experienced amateurs. You do not need a call sign to attend a meeting, ask questions, or begin learning about the hobby.[1]
What happens after I pass?
After your license is issued, the most valuable next step is to begin using it. SARC can help you learn local repeaters, make contacts, participate in nets, improve your station, and explore the many activities available within amateur radio.[1][15]
Start Your Amateur Radio Journey
Whether your goal is to earn your first call sign, reach stations around the world, upgrade to Amateur Extra, build antennas, explore digital communication, operate outdoors, support public events, prepare for emergencies, or simply understand radio technology, SARC provides a place to learn and participate.
Come with questions. Leave with a plan.
Study the material. Pass the examination. Make the contact. Build the station. Serve the community. Then keep learning.
On the Air. Hands On. Ready to Serve.
Suggested page buttons:
View Upcoming Classes ·
View License Testing ·
See the SARC Calendar ·
Contact SARC ·
Join SARC
References
- “Home.” Publisher: Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.n9rjv.org/
- “Get Licensed.” Publisher: Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.n9rjv.org/ham-resources/get-licensed/
- “License Tests.” Publisher: Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.n9rjv.org/activities/license-tests/
- “Amateur Radio Service.” Publisher: Federal Communications Commission. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/amateur-radio-service
- “Examinations.” Publisher: Federal Communications Commission. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/amateur-radio-service/examinations
- “Getting Licensed—Step by Step.” Publisher: ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.arrl.org/getting-licensed-step-by-step
- “Question Pools.” Publisher: ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.arrl.org/question-pools
- “Getting Your Technician License.” Publisher: ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.arrl.org/getting-your-technician-license
- “Upgrading to a General License.” Publisher: ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.arrl.org/upgrading-to-a-general-license
- “Upgrading to an Extra License.” Publisher: ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.arrl.org/upgrading-to-an-extra-license
- “SARC in the Park.” Publisher: Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.n9rjv.org/activities/sarc-in-the-park/
- “Emergency Communications.” Publisher: Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.n9rjv.org/activities/emergency-communications/
- “Construction Project.” Publisher: Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.n9rjv.org/activities/construction-project/
- “Portable Measurement Baselines and Troubleshooting.” Publisher: Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club, Radio Hill Gazette. Published July 9, 2026. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.n9rjv.org/2026/07/portable-measurement-baselines-and-troubleshooting/
- “Nets.” Publisher: Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.n9rjv.org/info/nets/
- “Public Service.” Publisher: Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.n9rjv.org/activities/public-service/
- “47 CFR Part 97—Amateur Radio Service, Subpart F: Qualifying Examination Systems.” Publisher: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Office of the Federal Register and U.S. Government Publishing Office. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-F
- “Activities.” Publisher: Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 12, 2026. Full URL: https://www.n9rjv.org/activities/