Licensing Requirements
While anyone can freely listen to amateur radio transmissions, transmitting requires an amateur radio license.
In order to obtain one, you must first pass a written exam. Once you’ve successfully completed the exam, the FCC will assign you a unique call sign. For instance, my call sign is “NØXUT,” and I’m the only licensed operator in the world with that exact identifier.
Previously, aspiring hams were also required to pass a Morse code exam in addition to the written test. However, that changed several years ago when the FCC eliminated the Morse code requirement. As a result, there are no longer any Morse code tests needed to earn your license.
The FCC has three classes of amateur radio licenses:
Technician
The Technician license is primarily useful for local communications, especially when using repeaters to talk around town. In addition to these capabilities, it also grants access to all modes of communication on the VHF and UHF bands. Moreover, it includes limited privileges on certain HF frequencies, which—despite their restrictions—can still enable contacts with operators around the world.
General
In contrast to the Technician license, the General class license offers significantly expanded privileges on the HF bands. With these additional privileges, you gain access to a wide range of frequencies that make it possible to communicate across continents. As a result, you can potentially reach operators in every country around the globe, opening the door to truly worldwide amateur radio contacts.
Extra
As you progress through the levels of amateur radio licensing, the Amateur Extra class stands out as the “crown jewel.” Not only is it the highest license class available, but it also grants full operating privileges across all amateur radio bands and modes. In other words, once you earn this license, you gain unrestricted access to the entire spectrum of amateur radio possibilities.
Amateur Radio is a family-friendly activity. The use of profanity and vulgar language is prohibited. This is not CB radio.
What can I do with it?
Ham radio is, at its core, a social hobby. Whether you’re chatting with fellow operators around town, reaching out across the globe, or connecting at club meetings and conventions, you’re bound to meet many genuinely kind and interesting people. Beyond the social aspect, many hams enjoy the technical side of the hobby as well. For instance, some dive into experimentation by designing their own radios or assembling them from kits. Others take it a step further by exploring bold, innovative approaches to antenna design. In this way, ham radio offers a rich blend of community, creativity, and hands-on discovery.
In addition to experimenting with equipment and antennas, many hams find joy in collecting QSL cards—postcard-style confirmations from other operators that verify successful contacts around the world. For some, this aspect of the hobby becomes a rewarding pursuit in itself. Building on that enthusiasm, others aim for prestigious awards such as the DX Century Club (DXCC), which recognizes operators who have confirmed contacts with hams in at least 100 different countries. Although “DX” is technically shorthand for “distance,” within the amateur radio community it’s commonly used to refer to international contacts beyond one’s own country.
For those with a spirit of adventure, ham radio offers exciting opportunities to travel and operate from obscure and remote locations. By setting up stations in places like Clipperton Island or Scarborough Reef, operators not only enjoy a unique operating experience but also provide a valuable service to fellow hams. In doing so, they help others make contacts with rare and sought-after locations—often essential for completing awards or expanding DX collections. This aspect of the hobby blends exploration, technical skill, and global camaraderie in a truly memorable way.
In addition to its social and technical aspects, ham radio plays a vital role in public service. Many amateur radio operators volunteer their time and skills to provide communications support for community events such as RAGBRAI, parades, and 5K or 10K races. During these large gatherings, when thousands of people attempt to use their cell phones simultaneously, commercial networks often become overloaded and unreliable. In such situations, ham radio steps in—reliably getting the message through when it matters most.
Even more critically, amateur radio shines during emergencies. Think back to major disasters like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, or the Iowa Derecho. When traditional communication systems fail, amateur radio operators are already trained, equipped, and standing by to respond. They provide essential emergency communications that can save lives and coordinate relief efforts. Simply put, when all else fails, there’s amateur radio.
How much does it cost?
If you’re interested in talking to stations around the world, getting started with HF (high frequency) doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, a complete HF station can cost as little as $100. Better yet, it doesn’t matter whether you live in an apartment or a house—there are setup options to fit nearly any living situation.
Furthermore, if you’re open to using secondhand gear and don’t mind skipping the latest bells and whistles, you can often find reliable HF rigs in the $100–$300 range. To keep costs even lower, many hams build their own dipole antennas from inexpensive materials—sometimes for next to nothing.
Once you’ve earned your license, it’s a great idea to connect with your local amateur radio club. Not only can they offer valuable advice, but they’re also a great source for hearing about local deals, equipment swaps, and opportunities to learn from experienced operators.
Local Amateur Radio Testing Sessions
Cedar Valley Amateur Radio Club hosts local testing sessions. We have testing sessions and pre-registration is usually required. Please request pre-registration through the CVARC VE Manager Al Butler, KA0IES at 319-237-4050 or email ve_manager@w0gq.org. The testing fee is $15.00 or only $5.00 for those who are 17 years old or younger. In addition, testing is usually conducted once a month. W0GQ Cedar Valley Amateur Radio Club VE Team is our Facebook page and is available for the latest information.
Amateur Radio Technician Classes
One Day Class: Cedar Rapids Area or Anywhere Upon Request
Why should I take this class?
- Communications Back-Up Plan When Cell Phone System is Down
- Increase Understanding of Communications Electronics
- Make New Friends All Over the World
- Learn a new language with your new friends
- Advance Communication, Navigation, & Electronic Technology
- Public Service – assist in communications for local emergency agencies
- Experiment / Invent / Learn
- Try various forms of communications
- Satellite, Networking, Digital, Television, GPS, Morse Code, and yes, voice!
- Build things
- Radio receivers & transmitters, antennas, computers, test equipment, and even satellites!
- Resume Builder & Help Improve Job Knowledge
- Fun!
When: A Future Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: TBD
Cost: $129 + IA sales tax
What’s Included?
- This Full Day Class
- Study Guide Book
- Frequency Chart
- FCC Technician Class Exam & Same Day Results!
- Membership in local amateur organization(s)
- Your First Amateur Radio!
- AND Lunch!
- Q: Can I really do this in a day?
- A: Absolutely! The basics are actually fairly simple. The math is basic. You’ll learn a lot more AFTER you earn your license! Our first-time pass rate is 92%!
- Q: Is there an age limit?
- A: No! If you can read and write, you can earn a ham license.
To Pre-Register, email: IowaHamClasses@yahoo.com
Include your name, address, & phone number
We will email you future class schedules.
Want More? Here is some more information in presentation form: Ham Radio Intro