So you’re interested in becoming a licensed amateur radio operator? Excellent! You’ll discover that amateur radio is a fun and rewarding hobby which includes many different specialties.

You can use the 2 meter band FM repeaters to talk with other “hams” locally, or the HF bands to talk around the world. Maybe you’re interested in digital modes? Today DMR is the most popular digital mode on the UHF/VHF bands. On the HF bands you’ll find a wide variety of digital modes in use with unique names like Olivia and FT8.

Here in the United States the Amateur Radio Service is governed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Part 97 of their rules. You are required to have an amateur radio license to transmit on the amateur radio bands. You can, however, own amateur radio equipment and listen without a license.

The FCC currently issues licenses for three different amateur radio classes of licenses. There are other types of licenses, such as the Novice class license, which are no longer issued but you may encounter a Novice class operator on the bands from time to time. Morris code proficiency is no longer required however it’s still actively used on the radio bands. The current amateur radio license types are:

  • Technician — this is the introductory level license. You only need to pass a 35-question test. This license will allow you to use any of the amateur radio frequencies or modes above 30 MHz and allows some very limited privileges below 30 MHz.
  • General — this license requires that you previously passed the Technician class test and pass of a 35-question General class test. This license allows you to use almost all of the amateur radio spectrum, as defined by the FCC.
  • Extra — this license requires that you have previously passed the General class test and a 50-question Extra class test. It allows you to use all of the FCC-defined amateur radio spectrum.

The question and answers, known as question pools, for all three license classes are available in book form and free of charge online. To get started you’ll need to pass the Technician class examination. The Technician Class question pool is available free of charge on-line here: Technician Class Question Pool

If you would like to purchase a study book which contains all the questions, please select from the links below:

The current Technician Class Question Pool is effective from July 1, 2022 and is valid until June 30, 2026.  If you are purchasing study materials be certain they are labeled with the correct dates to ensure you have the current question pool.

The amateur radio license tests are administered by amateur radio operators who have qualified to be Volunteer Examiners. Test sessions are conducted here in Clearfield as well as at other nearby amateur radio clubs. Here at CCARC, there is no cost to sit for the examination, however the FCC does charge a $35 processing fee to actually issue the license. Other clubs may charge an administration fee in addition to the FCC processing fee.

VE Examination Test Sessions

The Clearfield County Amateur Radio Club periodically hosts Volunteer Examination Test Sessions in Clearfield.  These VE Test Sessions are conducted under the Laurel Amateur Radio Club VEC program.  Laurel does not charge any fee to sit for an examination for any class of amateur radio license, nor do they allowed to accept donations for providing this service.  The only cost associated with these examinations is the FCC processing fee (currently $35) which is paid directly to the FCC electronically after a test candidate successfully passes an exam.  For more information about the VE Test Sessions in Clearfield please contact John Szwarc N3SPW at johnszwarc@gmail.com.

Next VE Test Session:

Test Sessions are scheduled for the following dates at the Clearfield County Emergency Management Agency Building, Conference Room, 911 Leonard Street, Clearfield PA 16830:

  • Friday April 18 2025, 7 PM
  • Friday June 20 2025, 7 PM
  • Friday August 15 2025, 7 PM
Test Sessions are scheduled for the following dates at the Central PA Hamfest, Clearfield County Fair Grounds, Agriculture Building:
  • Sunday September 14 2025, 8 AM

Those testing for Technician Class license need two forms of identification, one of which is a photo ID (IE: drivers license, state issued ID card, etc.). Those upgrading need one form of ID and an original copy of their current amateur radio license.

If you would like to find out more information about becoming licensed please contact John Szwarc N3SPW at johnszwarc@gmail.com or 814-553-5649.