Get Your Ham Radio License

1

Sign Up for Class

Our free Technician License class runs over three consecutive Saturday mornings. We teach you everything you need to pass the exam.

Cost

FREE

Schedule

3 Saturdays

Time

8:30 AM - 12:35 PM

Next Class

Fall 2025 class just completed. Watch for announcements about our next session (typically offered twice yearly—winter and late summer/fall).

What You'll Need

ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, 5th Edition

Valid for exams through June 30, 2026. Available from:

ARRL website (no membership required)
Amazon

Make sure you get the 5th edition!

Register for the Next Class

Contact: Denny Oestreich, RARS Education Director

Email: OestreichD@AOL.com

Class size is limited, so sign up early!

2

Get Your FCC Registration Number (FRN)

You need an FRN before you can take any exam. This is your unique identifier with the FCC.

Already have a GMRS or other FCC license? You already have an FRN—it's on your license. Skip to Step 3!

How to Get an FRN

Apply online directly from the FCC website
Process is straightforward but a bit tedious
Do this BEFORE your exam date
FCC website is often down on evenings/weekends (when we hold exams)

Important: We cannot administer your exam without a valid FRN.

FRN Application Guide

3

Schedule Your Exam

When you're ready to test, sign up for one of our regular exam sessions.

Regular RARS Test Sessions

When: Fourth Tuesday of even-numbered months
(February, April, June, August, October, December)
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Where: Ridge Road Baptist Church
2011 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

Tests are held before our monthly RARS Gathering, so you can stay and socialize after your exam!

Note: If the monthly Gathering is canceled (holiday conflict, etc.), there's no exam session that month.

Register for Next Exam

Pre-registration strongly encouraged. Select the 6:00 PM session on your chosen date.

Other Testing Opportunities

We also administer exams at:

Annual RARSfest
Cary Swapfest

Check event flyers for specific test session details.

4

Take Your Exam

Show up prepared with everything you need for a smooth testing experience.

What to Bring

Your FCC Registration Number (FRN)
Valid photo ID
Your email address and phone number
Pencils/pens
Calculator (optional, basic functions only)

Exam Fee

$0

FCC License Fee

$35

About the $35 FCC Fee

If you pass and receive a new license, you'll pay $35 to the U.S. Treasury before your license is issued. The FCC will email you payment instructions.

No fee for: Upgrades to existing licenses or address changes

All FCC correspondence is via email. Make sure you provide a valid email address. We'll also need your phone number in case we need to contact you about your application.

5

Get Your License & Get On The Air!

After passing your exam, the FCC will email you when your license is ready. Then the fun begins!

What You Can Do With Your Technician License

Communicate with other hams around the world
Talk to astronauts on the International Space Station
Participate in emergency communications
Join local repeater networks
Experiment with digital modes and satellites
Attend RARS meetings and events

Welcome to amateur radio! 73 (best regards) and see you on the air!