Hopefully you have made the decision to pursue an Amateur Radio License to operate on radio frequencies known as the “Amateur Bands.” These bands are radio frequencies allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (F.C.C.) for use by ‘ham radio’ operators. Our exams will begin again in January 2026. The next Technician License class will be held November 7 and 14, 2026 at the Parker County Office of Emergency Management located at 215 Trinity St., Weatherford, TX 76086. Check back for registration information.
Before you can get on the air, you need to know the rules to operate legally and be licensed by the FCC. Amateur radio licenses are valid for 10 years before renewal and anyone may hold one – except a representative of a foreign government.
The Amateur Radio Club of Parker County will be conducting an Amateur Radio Technician License Class on two consecutive Saturdays 8 AM- 5 PM November 7 and November 14. The License Exam Testing will be conducted at the end of the second class on November 14 aand is limited to 20 students. This Class will be conducted in the Parker County Office Of Emergency Management EOC Building located at 215 Trinity Ave., Weatherford, TX. which is just east of the Parker County Courthouse.
Go to this link to sign up as a Student to take this Technician License Class. – https://volunteersignup.org/L8DKA
NOTE – Students UNDER THE AGE OF 18 that are still in school that successfully pass the Technician License Exam at the end of the second class on November 14, 2026 will receive a new Baofeng UV-82L Dual Band (2M/70CM FM) HT Radio generously donated by the Tri-County Amateur Radio Club.
Pre-Class REQUIREMENTS: Purchase the “ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 6th Edition” textbook (see Item #1 below) and be aware that there will be a $15 Exam Fee to take the License Exam and a $35 FCC License Fee to pay for your License if you pass the Exam.
Pre-EXAM REQUIREMENTS: Bring your FCC FRN# (see Item #2 below) and pay the $15 cash fee immediately prior to taking the Exam.
—– 1. Prior to the first Class session on November 7, students will need to purchase the “ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 6th Edition” textbook from either Amazon.com (on sale as this is posted for $29.95) or $32.95 from ARRL.org (https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/2097393415).
We highly recommend that all Students read through at least the first half of the textbook prior to the first Class that starts at 8:00 AM CT on Saturday November 7, 2026.
—– 2. To get your FCC FRN#, go to this FCC URL Address. – https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do Follow the instructions to obtain your FRN#.
ARCPC – VE Testing
The ARCPC VE Team utilizes volunteer examiners accredited by the ARRL VEC.
It conducts monthly examinations on Third Monday of each month for Amateur Radio licenses. Pre-registration is not necessary and “walk-ins” are always welcome.
Please see the event on the calendar for more details about time and location.
Testing fees
Please note that the ARRL Examination Fee is $15.00 (for one attempt at all three license elements). Exact change is appreciated and cash is preferred, we are unable to accept credit or debit cards. In addition, first time licencse holders must pay a $35.00 fee to the FCC to obtain a license.
What to bring
If you ARE NOT currently licensed, you will need to bring TWO forms of photo identification. A valid State issued Driver’s License or Identification Card is preferred. Please bring a copy of your identification to be filed with your application for License..
If you ARE currently licensed, please bring us a COPY of your current FCC license to file with your paperwork, and display one other form of photo identification.
You should also previous to taking the test – register on the FCC website to obtain a FCC Registration Number (FRN) – which is used instead of your social security number – to track your individual FCC licenses. Bring your assigned FRN to the test site.
Ham License Classes
Technician License
The Technician class license is the entry-level license of choice for most new ham radio operators. To earn the Technician license requires passing one examination totaling 35 questions on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. The license gives access to all Amateur Radio frequencies above 30 megahertz, allowing these licensees the ability to communicate locally and most often within North America. It also allows for some limited privileges on the HF (also called “short wave”) bands used for international communications.
General License
The General class license grants some operating privileges on all Amateur Radio bands and all operating modes. This license opens the door to world-wide communications. Earning the General class license requires passing a 35 question examination. General class licensees must also have passed the Technician written examination.
Extra License
The Amateur Extra class license conveys all available U.S. Amateur Radio operating privileges on all bands and all modes. Earning the license is more difficult; it requires passing a thorough 50 question examination. Extra class licensees must also have passed all previous license class written examinations.
Note: The Morse Code test requirement was dropped on February 23, 2007.