An Overview of FCC Amateur Radio License Classes

A longtime resident of Syosset, New York, Paul Angelides has led his own engineering firm since 1987. Outside of his professional life, Paul Angelides pursues a diverse range of hobbies that includes hiking, attending charitable events, and snorkeling. An amateur radio enthusiast for almost six decades, he holds an FCC Extra Class license.

A popular hobby in the United States and around the world, amateur radio (also known as “ham” radio) dates back more than 100 years and involves licensed radio operators communicating with one another as hobbyists. Regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US, ham radio operators must hold licenses earned by passing examinations. Currently, the FCC maintains three classes of amateur radio licenses. 

Technician Class: This entry-level license requires successful completion of a 35-question written test about FCC regulations and radio operation. While this license gives operators access to all UHF/VHF frequencies, Technician Class license holders have limited access to high-frequency bands and are restricted to certain operating modes there.

General Class: More advanced amateur radio operators may find Technician Class frequencies crowded and operating privileges limited. To access a wider spectrum of high-frequency bands and operating modes, hams can upgrade to a General Class license by passing another, more complex 35-question test.

Extra Class: The most advanced license available, the Extra Class affords holders the highest privileges available to ham radio operators, and allows access to all frequencies in the amateur bands. To achieve the Extra Class, applicants must pass a 50-question exam covering some of the more obscure elements of FCC regulations as well as advanced electronics theory and radio operation.