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Radio – Requirement 9a4

AMATEUR RADIO (4) Explain some of the differences between the Technician, General and Extra Class license requirements and privileges. Explain who administers amateur radio exams.  
 The Technician Class license is the entry level Amateur Radio license.

There is just one 35 question multiple choice test on radio theory, rules, and procedures.  This license gives full VHF & UHF use so you can communicate around town and use repeaters, but you cannot use some of the HF bands which are used for world-wide contacts.

The exams are given by local Volunteer Examiners and online.

By getting this merit badge, you already know about half of what’s on the Technician license test!  Books are available with all the possible questions and answers from the links at the bottom of this page!

The General Class license is the mid level Amateur Radio license.

You must pass the Technician Class test first or at the same time.. There is just one 35 question multiple choice test on HF radio theory, rules, and procedures. 

This license adds most HF band privileges used for world-wide contacts to the  VHF & UHF priledges previously earned. The exams are given by local Volunteer Examiners and online.

The Extra Class license is the highest level Amateur Radio license. You must pass the Technician Class test and the General Class test first or at the same time.

There is just one 50 question multiple choice test on advanced radio theory and modes of operation. 

This license adds all privileges on all amateur bands. The exams are given by local Volunteer Examiners and online.

License Preparation Books from the ARRL
Gordon West Study Guides
Free practice exams on www.qrz.com