Welcome to the world of Amateur (Ham) Radio! Whether your interest is having reliable communication during severe storms when cell towers fail, chatting across the Midlands on local repeaters, experimenting with digital modes and satellites, or speaking with operators worldwide from your backyard, getting licensed is your first step.
You do not need a background in electronics or Morse code. All FCC exam question pools are completely public, so there are no surprises on test day. Most newcomers study casually for just one or two weeks using the resources below before easily passing their entry-level exam.
We’re Here to Help You Succeed
Getting started is easier with a community behind you. The Columbia Amateur Radio Club offers local support at every stage:
Local ARRL Testing Sessions: We host regular, in-person exam sessions right here in the Midlands using tablet-based testing through ExamTools. You get immediate, paperless test scoring and fast FCC processing.
Get an Elmer (Mentor): Don’t navigate the hobby alone. If you have questions about equipment, antennas, or study concepts, reach out through our Elmer (mentor) page to connect with experienced local operators.
Visit a Meeting: You do not need a license or a club membership to attend our monthly meetings. Come meet the team, ask questions in person, and see what the club is working on. Check out About Us or drop by our next meeting at the ETV building!
Quick 3-Step Path to Your License
Study the Material: Choose one of the recommended web apps, books, or video courses below. Focus on passing the 35-question Element 2 (Technician) exam.
Obtain an FCC FRN: Before sitting for an exam, you will need an FCC Registration Number (FRN) from the FCC CORES website. It is free and takes just a few minutes to create.
Take Your Exam: When you consistently score 80% or higher on practice exams, register for an upcoming session through HamStudy / ExamTools or contact us to test at the next CARC session.
Amateur Radio License Classes
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issues three progressive amateur radio license tiers. Each level is earned sequentially and unlocks broader frequency privileges:
Below are the most popular study resources and tools to help you prepare for and pass each exam.
Online Practice & Flashcards
HamStudy.org
Uses intelligent flashcards and spaced repetition with user-contributed explanations for every question across Technician, General, and Extra pools.
HamExam.org
A simple, no-login-required practice exam generator. Great for quick simulated exams to test your baseline score across any license tier.
ARRL Exam Review
Take random practice exams or review questions chapter-by-chapter matched directly to the official ARRL manuals.
Study Guides & Textbooks
KB6NU “No-Nonsense” Guides
Dan Romanchik’s conversational study guides. Focuses strictly on explaining the correct answers and underlying concepts (Technician guide is free).
ARRL License Manuals
The definitive manuals for Technician, General, and Extra. Thoroughly covers practical radio operation, antenna design, and electronics theory.
Gordon West (W5YI) Books
Known for lively writing, visual explanations, and memorable mnemonics designed specifically to ease test anxiety.
Video Lessons & Courses
Ham Radio Crash Course
Josh Nass (KI6NAZ) walks through full license pools question-by-question with live demonstrations and operating advice.
David Casler (KE0OG)
Classroom-style instructional videos structured chapter-by-chapter alongside the ARRL manuals for all three license tiers.
Ham Radio Prep
Step-by-step video courses and mobile apps for Technician, General, and Extra with modular quizzes and pass guarantees.
Ready to Test? Find a Session
ExamTools / HamStudy Sessions
Search and register for both fully remote (Zoom-proctored) and local testing sessions across multiple VECs.
ARRL VE Exam Locator
Search by ZIP code or state to locate an ARRL-affiliated Volunteer Examiner team holding in-person tests near you.