Interested in becoming a ham?
Are you interested in Amateur Radio? Wondering where to begin? The Amateur Radio Service is a Federally Licensed Radio Service requiring a license issued by the Federal Communications Commission. There are currently three license levels: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra.
To qualify for a license you must pass a written test. Tests are administered by certified Volunteer Examiners (VEs). The Yelm Amateur Radio Group has a pool of ARRL VEs to draw on and we offer testing sessions quartely. There is a $15 test fee to pay for materials and processing of tests. Cash or Check only.
Upcoming Test Sessions
If you wish, you may bring a copy of the NCVEC form already filled out.
NCVEC Form 605 (2018) - NCVEC Form 605_2018_Interactive.pdfTest Preparation
There are many resources available to help you in preparing for your test. Whether you learn best by reading books, taking practice tests, or watching videos, there is something out there you can use to learn what is needed to pass the test. The Technician and General tests are 35 questions each, with a passing score of 26. The Amateur Extra test is 50 questions, with a passing score of 37.
While CW (Morse Code) continues to be an extremely popular mode of operation on the ham bands, demonstration of proficiency with Morse code is no longer required to receive an Amateur Radio License.
Links to useful information
Link | Description | Tag |
|---|---|---|
| ARRL – Getting Licensed | ARRL - Getting Licensed | Info |
| ARRL – License Study Guides | ARRL - License Study Guides | Book,Exam Prep |
| HamExam.org – Practice Tests | Ham Radio Practice Tests | Exam Prep,Practice Tests |
| HamStudy.org – Exam Prep | HamStudy.org Exam Preparation | Exam Prep,Practice Tests |
| NCVEC Question Pools | NCVEC Official Question Pools | Info |
| The Fast Track to Your Ham Radio License | Fast Track Ham Radio License Manuals | Book,Exam Prep |
| What to Bring to an Exam Session | ARRL - What to bring to an exam session | Info |