New to Ham Radio? Start Here.

Getting your amateur radio license is easier (and cheaper) than most people expect. Here's the whole path, start to finish, with everything you need to do it in Indiana.

1. 1

   Learn what ham radio is

   Amateur (“ham”) radio lets licensed operators talk across town, across the state, or around the world — no internet or cell network required. It’s used for hobby, experimentation, public service, and emergency communications.

   What is ham radio? →

2. 2

   Know the three license classes

   There are three U.S. license levels — Technician, General, and Amateur Extra — each unlocking more frequencies. Everyone starts with the Technician. There is NO Morse code requirement anymore. The Technician exam is 35 multiple-choice questions, and the entire question pool is public.

   See the license courses →

3. 3

   Study for the Technician (free)

   Our free Technician course walks you through every topic with plain-English lessons, flashcards, and practice quizzes drawn from the official question pool. Most people are ready in a few weeks of casual study.

   Start the Technician course →Take a practice exam →

4. 4

   Take the exam

   Exams are given by volunteer examiners (VEs) at clubs and hamfests across Indiana, often for a small fee (commonly about $15), plus a $35 FCC application fee for your new license. Find a session near you and bring a photo ID.

   Find an exam session →

5. 5

   Get on the air

   Once your call sign is issued, a basic handheld radio gets you started for around $25–$40. Find a local club to learn the ropes, jump into a weekly net to practice, and use nearby repeaters to extend your range.

   Find clubs & repeaters near you →Join a weekly net →