K4VRC

In Person Classes to Become a Ham

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Ham Radio Classes

The Villages Amateur Radio Club in conjunction with Villages Public Safety is pleased to offer in-person classroom training to obtain your Amateur Radio License.

Getting your license requires passing one examination on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. To help you get your license The Villages Amateur Radio Club hosts classes covering the exam material for people to become ham radio operators and for current hams to advance to a higher level. Our classes are always free and open to the general public. The only cost is a $35 text book available from the big book sellers in paperback and eBooks. There is a separate registration and $15 testing fee for the FCC license examination.
Once registered you will be notified about the class information and updates on class schedules. 


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Winter 2026 General License Class


January - March 2026 Amateur General Class License course (Intermediate Level)
Please Note: You must have a current Technician Class License to test for a General Class License*.
Class meets on Wednesday Evenings 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center - Admiral Halsey Room, 3560 Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages, FL 32163

Schedule is subject to change.

Date Assignment Topic of Class
Jan 14 Chapter 1 & 2 Introduction & Procedures and Practices
Jan 21 Chapter 3 Rules and Regulations
Jan 28 Chapter 4 Components and Circuits
Feb 4 Chapter 5 Radio Signals and Equipment
Feb 11 Chapter 6 Digital Modes
Feb 18 Chapter 7 Antennas
Feb 25 Chapters 8 & 9 Operating Regulations and Safety
Mar 4 -------- Course Review and FCC Exam Prep (all are welcome)
Mar 11 -------- FCC Exam - Separate registration and fee ($15) for the exam. All are welcome - Registration for testing will open in January)

*If you can take the Technician Class License and pass, you can take the General (and if passed, the Extra) in the same testing session. No additional fee is charged if you pass and decide to take the next level up.
ARRL General Class License Manual 10th Edition

Upgrading your license opens you up to new frequencies, privileges, and your understanding of the art, science, and enjoyment of amateur radio. The ARRL General Class License Manual will prepare you for the 35-question General class license exam. Includes the entire question pool with answer key, for use through June 30, 2027.


Enroll now!


Fall 2026 Technician (entry level) Class


Technician Course (Entry Level) Tentative - September - November 2026
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This class is for the Technician Class License: In order to obtain this entry-class license, you need to get at least 26 questions correct on a 35-question exam that is taken from a pool of over 400 questions.  This license class allows most operations at frequencies which allows communications locally and around the country.

Recommended: This class follows the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 5th Edition

ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 5th Edition

ARRL's best-selling study guide includes all the questions and answers, with detailed explanations, for exams taken through June 30, 2026. Use it to ace the 35-question exam! When you have successfully passed the exam, The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual will serve as your reference as you explore the exciting world of amateur radio.


Next up - Taking the Amateur Radio Exam