Getting Your License is Easy!
You can obtain your license through self-study. Although this is more difficult, it can be done. Many hams of all ages have
studied this way AND OBTAINED A LICENSE!
You can obtain your license via a classroom setting. Amateur radio license manuals prices are approximately $25.00 each and
can be purchased online or at the start of scheduled classes (if available). There is no age limit.
Classroom training is probably the best way to learn what it takes to get your amateur radio license as interaction is a
very good learning tool. There are usually multiple instructors that will help you get through the material.
Feel free to contact one of our instructors (listed below) for more information.
There are currently 3 classes of Amateur Radio licenses:
Technician
[Element 2]
– pass a 35-question written exam
– all VHF/UHF Amateur band privileges (frequencies above 30 MHz)
– limited operations in certain HF bands
General
[Element 3]
– pass a 35-question written exam
– all VHF/UHF and most HF Amateur band privileges (10 through 160 meters)
Amateur Extra
[Element 4]
– pass a 50-question written exam
– all Amateur band privileges
Note: As of February 14, 1991, demonstration of proficiency in Morse code telegraphy was removed from the Technician
license requirements. Morse code is no longer a requirement for any amateur radio license class.
The following external websites contain practice exams (question pool and answers).
Ham Study – https://hamstudy.org/
QRZ – https://www.qrz.com/hamtest/
EHam – https://www.eham.net/exams/
ARRL – http://www.arrl.org/question-pools
Exams are given locally every month in Abilene, TX.
Sessions are held the 1st Saturday of every month.
You should be able to take an exam any month of the year.
Contact:
Ron Harden, WT5X,
Abilene VE Team Leader
Key City Amateur Radio Club (KCARC) Instructors:
NAME CALL SIGN E-MAIL
Bill Shaw KJ5DX
Nathan Howk AF5FJ
Randy Robinson N5JZH
Ron Harden Jr. WT5X
Elmers (Mentors) are experienced hams that are available to help you obtain your license and for questions about Ham radio.
Key City Amateur Radio Club (KCARC) – Although club membership is not required, it is highly encouraged.
Club meetings are usually held on the second Monday of every month [except December] at 7:00 pm / 1900 hrs.
Abilene Public Library,
Mall of Abilene
4310 Buffalo Gap Rd
Abilene, TX 79606
KCARC members can provide guidance on how to install a radio; operate a radio; program a radio among other facets of the
hobby. The club also offers some training in emergency communications. For advanced emergency training, you might consider
joining several local organizations like SKYWARN, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency
Service (RACES).
KCARC meets the 2nd Monday of the month [except December] at 7:00 pm.
