Getting A Ham License

Amateur “Ham” Radio is a fun hobby that is also a public service. 

The morse code requirement is long gone, and there are dozens of facets to the hobby. You don’t need big antennas or a big budget, either!

This page is for prospective hams.  We invite you to learn more and join this fascinating hobby that is both a lot of fun and a service to your neighborhood.

Overviews & Articles

• My Favorite Social Media is Ham Radio (a terrific overview by an Australian ham)
• What is Amateur Radio? (from ARRL page, the national ham radio association)
• What is Amateur Radio? (Wikipedia article)
• What is Ham Radio? (great summary from HamTestOnline)
• Getting Started in Ham Radio (eHam.net- an excellent resource)
• Licensing and Training Introduction (includes link to local ham classes)

Ready to join us on the air?

It’s not that hard! You just have to pass a 35 question multiple choice test, and there are plenty of books and websites to help you get started. Again, there is no Morse Code requirement! The White Rock Hams group will be happy to help you get ready to take the test.

Many folks self-study, but you can attend a class conducted by a local ham group.

Here are a few resources to get you started.

• Online Technician Class License Course by Dave Casler KE0OG (a terrific no cost training course on YouTube; highly recommended)
• ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, (the book Dave Casler uses in the above course, also available from Amazon.com; highly recommended)
• Technician Class Book + Software Package (Gordon West) (highly recommended for self-study or before taking a class; also available from amazon.com)
• Practice Tests on QRZ.com (practice til you’re ready!)
• Hamstudy.org  (free study tools and online practice tests)
• HamTestOnline (terrific online courses and guaranteed success to get your license or upgrade)
• No-Nonsense Study Guides from KB6NU (free PDF downloads to help you prepare)
• ARRL Bookstore  (lots of great resources)

Ready to take the Test?

Local radio clubs sponsor licensing exam sessions several times a month in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area, including Dallas, Mesquite and Garland. The website below lists exam locations, dates and times. Be sure to contact the site coordinator for the location you choose before you head on over. Also note the cost for the exam (typically less than $15), and the personal identification you need to bring. Good luck!

http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session