Auxiliary Communications Service Exams and Training

Earning your entry-level Amateur Radio license is not hard. First you will need to learn about the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules governing Amateur Radio. These include rules on radio operator responsibilities and courtesy. You'll also need to know about types of radio equipment and how to use them. Learning basic electrical concepts will help you understand how your radio works and how to operate safely. The current test question “pool” contains 396 questions in 10 categories. The test you will take has a total of 35 questions drawn from this pool. You must correctly answer 75% of those questions.

It is important to prepare as much as possible before an exam. One of the so-called “Ham Cram” sessions may be helpful. (Amateur Radio operators are sometimes called "hams.") Don't worry if you know very little about radio or electronics, because the sample material will make the exam easier. Once you have your license and start using a radio, this knowledge helps you be a more effective operator.

The entire question pool, with the correct answers indicated, is available online. If you review the question pool, it will help you become familiar with what you need to know. This is very important. It will not only help you pass the exam, but will also prepare you for the next step — using your radio. There are many books and study programs available from the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) and other sources.

Online practice tests can also help you prepare. These tests tell you how well you are learning the material, where you are having problems. They can also tell you if you are ready to take the real exam.

Amateur Radio is a wonderful hobby that has both technical and social aspects. It is something that you can use every day. The more you learn, and the more you use your radio, the more you will enjoy it. And the better prepared you will be as an emergency communicator.

The Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) has free information on its website, online training (for a fee), as well as an online store where books and other training materials can be purchased.

W5YI also has a large selection of books and other training materials, featuring Gordon West WB6NOA. 

The FCC Amateur Radio test question pools are available on the ARRL website. 

Several websites have practice tests for Amateur Radio exams. Among them are QRZ, AA9PW, eHam.net and HamTestOnline.

The following is a list of radio groups that provide exam sessions and/or radio training in the San Francisco Bay Area. Please check their website for upcoming tests or training. 

The ARRL has a search page for amateur radio license exam sessions in your area. 

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Amateur Radio FCC licensing exams are administered by Amateur Radio operators who volunteer to organize and conduct the tests. The clubs and groups listed below sponsor periodic preparation, review and/or examination sessions.

SPONSOR: San Francisco Amateur Radio Club

SPONSOR: East Bay Amateur Radio Club

SPONSOR: Foothills Amateur Radio Society

SPONSOR: Hamilton Wireless Association

SPONSOR: Marin Amateur Radio Society

SPONSOR: Sonoma County Radio Amateurs 

SPONSOR: Silicon Valley Volunteer Examiner Group

SPONSOR: Silverado Amateur Radio Society

SPONSOR: Bay Area Educational Amateur Radio Society (BAEARS)

SPONSOR: Mount Diablo Amateur Radio Club (MDARC)

SPONSOR: UC Berkeley EECS Amateur Radio Club