Technician
The best starting point for most new hams. It opens local repeaters, handheld radios, emergency communications practice, and many VHF/UHF activities.
Start with Technician
Get Licensed
You do not need an engineering background to become a ham. Most people start with the Technician license, learn the practical basics, and get on local repeaters with a simple radio.
At a glance
- First license
- Technician
- Free local class
- CCARC Technician class, Q1 2027
- The exam
- 35 questions, 26 correct to pass
- Exam fee
- $14 at CCARC sessions, plus $35 FCC fee
- Morse code
- Not required
- License term
- 10 years, renewable
General
Adds broad HF privileges so you can make more long-distance contacts across the country and around the world.
Amateur Extra
The highest class, with full amateur privileges and a deeper pool of radio theory, rules, and operating knowledge.
A practical study path
Take the CCARC Technician class, practice with HamStudy.org, then register for a local exam session. After your license appears in the FCC database, club members can help you make your first contacts.
Study Resources
To prepare for the exam, we recommend:
- HamStudy.org — Free online study guide and practice exams. Start here for self-paced learning.
- ARRL Technician License Manual (about $36) — The definitive reference for exam topics. Available through Amazon or ARRL.org.
- Practice exams — Available free online; HamStudy and other sites offer full-length practice tests to build exam confidence.
Study materials and resources will be sent to you after you sign up for class.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a ham radio license in Helena, Montana?
Study for the Technician exam, either in CCARC's free Technician class or on your own with HamStudy.org. Get a free FCC Registration Number (FRN), register for a CCARC exam session in Helena, and pass the exam. Your license is issued once it appears in the FCC database.
Which license should I start with?
Most people start with the Technician license. It covers local repeaters, handheld radios, emergency communications practice, and many VHF/UHF activities. You can upgrade to General and Amateur Extra later.
Do I need to know Morse code?
No. The FCC dropped the Morse code requirement for all amateur radio licenses in 2007.
What is the Technician exam like?
It is 35 multiple-choice questions drawn from a public question pool, and you need 26 correct answers to pass. Practice exams on HamStudy.org use the same question pool.
How much does it cost to get licensed?
CCARC's Technician class is free. The CCARC exam session fee is $14, and new licenses also carry a separate $35 FCC application fee. The optional ARRL Technician License Manual costs about $36.
Is there a minimum age?
No. There is no minimum or maximum age to hold an amateur radio license.
How long does a license last?
Amateur radio licenses are valid for 10 years and can be renewed.