Ham Radio General Class Practice Test 2025
The General class license gives you access to most amateur HF bands and allows you to send or receive emergency traffic. It also provides access to Winlink, an HF-based email system that works around the world.
In 1951, the FCC introduced three new license classes: Novice, Technician and General. Since then, there have been six amateur radio license classes.
Free Ham Radio General Class License Practice Test Online
General Class Ham Radio License
The general class ham radio license is the second level of amateur radio licensing. It is granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This license allows you to operate on all amateur bands. The HF radio bands are used for voice and data communication, and they can be accessed worldwide using repeaters. It is important to get a general license if you are interested in providing emergency communications.
Many hams take the Technician class test and remain technicians for their entire ham radio careers, but some upgrade to the general class to add to their operating privileges. In addition to allowing you to operate on the HF radio bands, it also gives you access to the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands.
You can find several study guides and practice tests to help you prepare for the General class exam. These guides include study flashcards and practice exams, and most of them are free to use. You can even join a group to study with other people online. This method of studying can help you pass the test on your first attempt.
General Class Ham Radio Frequencies
The General class license gives you access to more ham radio frequencies than the Technician class. It also allows you to operate on the HF (high-frequency) bands, also known as the shortwave bands. These bands offer worldwide communication via a variety of modes. Most new hams start with the Technician class, using an HT on 2m to talk with people in their local area and thru repeaters.
HF bands are used for long-distance communications in voice, CW, and data modes. They are highly dependent on the 11-year sunspot cycle. Many hams choose to upgrade from Technician to General class in order to gain more privileges on the HF bands.
To get the General class license, you need to pass the 35-question exam. Previously, only a small number of amateurs went from the Technician class to the General class. Incentive licensing was introduced to encourage more hams to upgrade their licenses. The program worked, and now more than 83% of amateurs have a General class license. This includes a substantial proportion of foreign-born non-citizen hams.
Ham Radio General Class Flashcards
Using repetition and thorough preparation, passing the General Class Amateur Radio license exam is within reach of anyone who wants to be successful. These free practice tests will help you learn the key concepts needed to succeed on your test. This page also provides links to resources that are available to instructors who teach license classes.
Mark Spencer, WA8SME has developed a number of helpful teaching aids that can be used in the classroom. One of these is a demonstration board that can be used to illustrate how far field patterns produced by two point sources are affected by their separation, amplitude and phase. It is especially effective when used in conjunction with a projection capable oscilloscope.
KB6NU offers “No Nonsense” study guides for the Technician, General and Extra class license exams. They are available in PDF and print formats. The Technician guide is free and is ideal for those teaching a one-day Tech class. Also available is a PowerPoint presentation on wave basics compiled by Ward Silver, N0AX.
Ham Radio General Class License Course
If you already have a Technician class license, it’s easy to upgrade your radio privileges by passing the 35-question General exam (element 3). This will give you access to all VHF and UHF amateur bands as well as most HF bands. This is a great way to connect with hams in your area and across the world using simple single-sideband radio communications.
If you’re interested in providing emergency communications, getting a General class license is a must. It also allows you to participate in global HF-based email systems like Winlink, which are used by disaster responders. The ability to communicate with people all over the world on HF radio is very valuable during emergencies and disasters.
The HAM Radio Prep course is an effective and affordable study system that will help you pass the ham radio general class test and enjoy all the benefits of being an amateur ham radio operator. It includes a comprehensive study guide, practice tests, and video presentations with expert instructors. The flashcards are proven to raise your score on the exam.
Ham Radio General Class License Study Guide
The ham radio General Class license is the next step up from the Technician class. It grants you permission to use all amateur frequencies below 30MHz and most HF bands. It is a 35 question exam that you take after passing the Technician class test.
There are a variety of study guides for the General Class test. Some focus on getting you to know all the information, regulations, theory, science and more that you could possibly need for the exam. Others are more focused on the most important material for the test and give you a much more concise way to prepare.
This is a great option for anyone who wants to get into Amateur Radio but doesn’t want to spend weeks and months studying. It’s also a good way to make sure that you are on the right track before taking your exam. The book has an easy to follow logical structure and provides explanations for all the questions. You can order a printed copy of the book or an ebook version.
Ham Radio General Class Privileges
The amateur radio licenses are called Technician, General and Extra. Each requires passing a 35 question exam and having some prior knowledge of basic electrical principles and radio phenomena. The questions are written so that you’ll need to know a little bit about things like Ohm’s Law and how power is used in electronics, as well as some basics of antenna radiation patterns and the Smith Chart.
The Technician license is the entry level and grants access to amateur radio frequencies above 30 MHz and voice and data transmission on the popular two-meter band. It also includes the ability to use FM repeaters and ham satellites for worldwide communication. The General license grants a bit more HF privileges, including voice and digital modes on part of the 10 meter band and a small CW segment on 15 and 40 meters.
The top US license is the Amateur Extra class, which requires passing the same exams as General plus a 50 question theory test. It grants access to over 83% of all amateur HF bands and enables you to more easily contact DX stations under less crowded conditions.
Ham Radio General Class Question Pool
The FCC tasks local ham clubs with administering amateur radio licensing tests with Volunteer Examiners (VE’s). Each exam element is drawn from a pool of questions. This pool is revised by a national question pool committee every four years for the Technician, General and Amateur Extra license classes. The VE’s administer the exams and evaluate them for accuracy and clarity. They then submit their evaluations to the question pool committee.
The ham radio general class test pool has 50 questions and covers a wide range of topics. To pass the ham radio general class test, you must answer at least 37 of them correctly. This is a fairly challenging test, but the ARRL’s Extra Q&A book and the ARRL Extra Class License Manual will prepare you for it.
The new General class question pool will be used starting July 1, 2025. It will replace the current one. Until then, the ARRL will continue to supply its officially appointed, field-stocked VEC’s with the same General exam booklet design that was used in 2019. This question pool is also available from the NCVEC website.
The Fast Track to Your General Class Ham Radio License
The next level up from the Technician exam is the General class license, which opens up the HF (for High Frequency) bands to you. This upgrade lets you talk to hams all over the world. It also opens up new modes of communication, such as single-sideband phone and digital operating techniques. It’s like getting an instant passport to a whole new universe.
Getting your license will give you the skills you need to get a job in a technical field, and it can help you prepare for any disruption of communications you might experience during a disaster. It’s a great way to keep in touch with your loved ones. You’ll be able to exchange information and get updates on what’s going on around the globe.
The Ham Radio Prep General License course teaches you everything you need to pass the FCC’s Element 3 exam. It’s easy to learn, and it includes practice tests that can raise your score on the real exam. It explains the logic behind each correct answer so you can understand the subject matter and remember it.
Ham Radio General Class Questions and Answers
An FCC-issued amateur operator license is required for the operation of a station. You must pass an examination performed by a team of volunteer examiners before getting a license (VEs).
Obtaining your Technician license will cost roughly 85 dollars. This is merely an average; depending on the study tools you select, you may be able to save a little money. The goal is to prepare well and pass the exam on the first attempt so that you do not have to pay the $15 exam cost many times.
The FCC developed this program to meet the demand for a pool of specialists who could give backup during emergencies. In addition, the FCC recognized the hobby’s capacity to increase the communication and technical abilities of radio and to promote worldwide understanding. Whether during an earthquake in Italy or a hurricane in the United States, countless lives have been saved when talented enthusiasts engage as emergency communicators to assist.
Ham radio is a popular activity and service that brings together people, electronics, and communication. People use ham radio to communicate across the city, the globe, and even into space without the use of the Internet or cell phones. It is entertaining, social, educational, and a lifeline in times of need.
Ham radios function by tapping into a variety of radio frequencies slightly above the AM range. Actual frequencies of individuals can be categorized into three fundamental frequency bands: VHF, UHF, and Microwave. You must first obtain a license from the FCC to experiment with these frequencies.
Nearly 3,000,000 hams exist worldwide, and there are roughly 700,000 licensed ham operators in the United States.
Once you know when your license expires, there are numerous ways to renew it. Note that licenses can only be renewed 90 days before expiration or within two years after expiration (more about that later). Renew through the FCC’s website. Using the FCC License Manager System 90 days or less before your license expires is the simplest way to renew it. Navigate to https://www.fcc.gov/universal-licensing-system in your web browser.
Sign in to your FCC account by selecting Filing > File Online. If you do not have an existing FCC account, you must create one. Enter your FCC Registration Number (FRN) and password, then click “SUBMIT.”
Click the “Renew Licenses” link on the “My Licenses” page. Then, you will be able to choose which license you wish to renew. The FCC’s system will ask you to make a $35 payment to renew your license for the next 10-year term. The FCC began collecting license fees on April 19, 2025, in compliance with a congressionally enacted federal statute. You have 10 days to submit payment to the FCC before your renewal application is removed, Renewal via mail Send FCC Forms 605 and 159 directly to the FCC to renew via mail. Download and complete Form 605 for the renewal by visiting https://www.fcc.gov/fcc-form-605. You must also send Form 159 with your payment. Form 159 and its instructions are available for download at https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/fees/fcc-remittance-advice-form-159. Form 159 must accompany your $35 renewal payment. Include a check with both forms and mail to: FCC, 1224 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325-7245. Note that the FCC may require several weeks to process your modification or renewal.
The governing body in their native nation issues licenses to those who wish to use radio waves. The types of ham licenses and the procedures for obtaining them vary from country to country. A ham radio license provides access to worldwide radio frequencies for communication.
Simple Steps to Obtaining Your Ham Radio License:
- Basic Requirements.
- Choose the License Level.
- Review for the Exam.
- In-Person or Remote Exam.
- You Have Acquired The License.
The FCC has assigned a certain range of AM radio band frequencies beginning at 1.6 MHz and ending at 1240 MHz.
Follow these general steps to obtain a shortwave radio license:
- Research the regulatory authority in your country responsible for amateur radio licenses.
- Study the licensing requirements and regulations.
- If necessary, prepare for the licensure exams.
- Seek out training and education resources like local organizations and internet materials.
- Fill out the application for a license and submit the required documentation and fees.
- Schedule and pass an examination covering radio operation and regulations to obtain a license.
- If applicable, submit to practical tests to demonstrate operating skills.
- Obtain a shortwave radio license from the regulatory authorities, which specifies your call sign and operating capabilities.
Technician and General amateur radio licenses in the United States provide varying levels of privileges and operating capabilities. The Technician license is an entry-level license that grants access to particular frequency bands, primarily in the VHF and UHF ranges. Technicians also have restricted access to the HF bands, specifically the 10-meter band. They can employ voice, digital, and Morse code as ways of communication. On the other side, the General license provides extended frequency rights, including access to a greater spectrum of frequencies, especially the HF bands where long-distance communication is allowed. Generals now have greater access to HF bands, allowing them to participate in international communications and competitions. The General license is also required for those who wish to pursue the highest degree of amateur radio license, the Extra class. Noting that exact privileges and laws may vary from country to country, it is best to consult the applicable regulatory authorities or amateur radio groups for accurate and current information.
Determine the license class, such as Technician, General, or Extra, that you wish to achieve before applying for a ham radio license. Next, prepare for the licensure exam by studying radio theory, regulations, protocols, and safety measures. Identify an upcoming examination session offered by Volunteer Examiner (VE) teams or local ham radio groups. Bring identification, pencils, and any applicable fees to the examination session. To earn a qualifying score, you must pass the multiple-choice examination. Complete the application form provided by the VE team, including personal information, exam results, and the necessary costs. Apply and wait for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review it and issue your license. After approval, you will receive your amateur radio license in the mail, which will include your unique call sign. Remember to prominently display your license and stick to the regulations and operating procedures that correspond to your licensing class. Keep in touch with the FCC and other pertinent organizations for any modifications or updates to the application process.
To earn a license, you must first demonstrate competence in an examination conducted by a panel of unpaid experts (VEs). The VEs use tests of your knowledge and experience to decide which category of license operator you qualify for.
Here are the steps you need to do to get an amateur radio license in the USA:
- Select a License Type: Determine whether the privileges and skills offered by the Technician, General, or Extra license levels are what you’re after.
- To pass the licensing exam, you must first learn radio theory, regulations, procedures, and safety standards. To better your understanding, use study guides, online resources, and mock exams.
- Seek for an upcoming examination session Look for an upcoming examination session advertised by Volunteer Examiner (VE) teams or local ham radio clubs. Exam session dates and places can be found by checking websites, and forums, or contacting nearby clubs.
- Take the test: Show up to your scheduled exam time with proper identification, a pencil, and any applicable costs. To earn your radio operator’s license, you must first pass a multiple-choice exam testing your knowledge of relevant topics.
- Apply by sending in: Fill out the VE team’s application form with your information, test scores, and payments. Make sure everything is correct and complete before you send the form in.
- Processing of license: The VE team or collaborating organization will submit your application to the FCC. The FCC checks and double-checks the application details.
- After passing the exam, the FCC will give your ham radio license. Get your license. It will be sent to the address listed on your application. Your station will be identified by its call sign, which will be included in the license.
On April 30, 2020, the FCC published a notice informing the public that the ham radio licensing test may be taken online.
Depending on where you live and the particular license you want, the procedure for getting a HAM radio license can change. Studying for and passing the exam necessary to earn a license can often take a few weeks to a few months. After passing the test, it can still take some time before your application is processed and a license is granted. For more detailed information on the licensing procedure in your area, I advise contacting the Federal Communications Commission or a nearby ham radio organization.
To obtain a ham radio license in California, you must pass a test administered by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Amateur Radio Service. You must pass the Technician class examination, which covers fundamental regulations, operating procedures, and electronics theory. You may find study materials and sample exams online, and you can also take lessons and join study groups to prepare. After passing the exam, you will be assigned a call sign that will serve as your unique identifier for operating your ham radio. You can then use your ham radio to converse with local, national, and even international ham radio operators. Remember that you must renew your license every ten years.
Classes in Group C include General, Technician, and Technician Plus. Group C consists of 1-by-3 callsigns beginning with the letters K, N, or W. W8ABC is an example of a call sign in this category.