Interested in becoming a Ham?
You don't have to be a genius to get your Amateur (ham) radio license. Before you can get on the air, you need to be licensed to operate. Just like driving a car, you'll need to learn the rules and take a test to get your license. Amateur Radio licenses are good for 10 years and are renewable. In the US there are three license classes issued by the Federal Communications Commission.  The entry level is Technician, progress then to General and then Extra Class Amateur radio operator. Each license level has more privileges, but they do come with additional knowledge requirements.​
The Villages Amateur Radio Club welcomes and encourages all residents to become new ham radio operators. We have set aside the first 45 minutes of each monthly meeting to provide mentoring, answer questions, or just to visit with new or potentential ham radio enthusiasts. If you are new, be sure to sign in at the back, grab a cookie, and head to the table at the front of the room. Club officers are there to meet with you and get you connected with other ham radio operators - whether your interest is in getting your license, answering the 'which radio should I buy' question, about contesting, digital modes, satellite communications or other topics!

Getting your license requires passing one examination on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. The following are helpful sources of information:
Free Dave Casler KE0OG Videos lectures
Dave KE0OG Technician Class Lectures
Dave KE0OG General Class Lectures
Dave KE0OG Amateur Extra Class Lectures
The classes use the ARRL Ham Radio License Manuals as reading assignments that are aligned with the Dave Casler KE0OG videos as a more in-depth reinforcement to get you going in the right direction.
                 ARRL Ham Radio License Manuals
Available at Amazon Books or ARRL Books
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ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 5th Edition, July 2022 to June 2026
The ARRL General Class License Manual 10th Edition, July 2023 to June 2027
The ARRL Extra Class License Manual 13th Edition, July 2024 to June 2028
Technician Class Help
ARRL Overview of FCC Registration Instructions
FCC Registration System Video Tutorials
FCC Registration Number (FRN) Create New Account
My 1st Radio - What Radio Should I Buy?

FCC Amateur License Exam Information (All levels)
License exam testing is sponsored by The Villages Amateur Radio Club (TVARC) and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Exam sessions are conducted by volunteers working under the direction of the ARRL, and FCC, by the local team in liaison with the American Radio Relay League Volunteer Examiner Program. 
The fee for testing is $15 and paid directly to the Team Liaison (Test Session Manager) on the day of the exam.
​The test session manager requests you bring exactly $15 CASH, as change is not available.
  • Please bring Photo-ID, CASH $15, copy of your current license (if you are upgrading), and copies of any valid/current Certificates of Successful Completion of Examination(s).
  • You must provide a valid US Mailing address.
  • A basic calculator with simple memory functions is allowed. Scientific and programmable calculators will not be allowed to be used.
  • Bring one (or two) #2 pencils. The exam is completed on an answer sheet not unlike what we used in school where your answers are recorded by filling in a bubble that indicates your choice. Bring a good eraser should you change your mind with an answer as the exam is now graded by camera.
  • If you want to take the next exam up from the one you passed at this session, you can on the same $15 fee, so long as we have the time to accommodate you. If you should fail an exam, and wish to re-take it, this will cost you an additional exam fee, as it would count as another exam candidate for processing, and this too, would be subject to the remaining time available.
  • If you have an expired amateur license that is beyond the 2 year renewable grace period, you can bring proof of your expired license (of any level), and by passing the current Element 2 Technician Class license exam, under certain circumstances, your original license privileges can be re-instated.
FCC Preregistration
  • Exam Candidates are NOW REQUIRED to register in the FCC CORES system and receive a Federal Registration Number (FRN) before exam day. To obtain an FRN you must go to the FCC CORES User Account and Registration page: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin
    Here is a video that may help how to register and create the FRN: www.fcc.gov/rofrn
    Here is a Users Guide with lots of information: Users Guide
    If you are upgrading, insure that you have your FRN number with you. Hint: it is on your current license.
Test Preregistration
  • All candidates must be "Pre-Registered" in the testing system. 
  • A candidate will need to go to HamStudy.org
  • The VE team uses all electronic formats for all paperwork/documents, and grading of the exams by software controlled camera.
  • ​Bring a printout copy of the Email you receive from HamStudy.org as proof of your pre-registration. On it is a PIN you will need to take your exam(s).
The Silver Springs Radio Club (SSRC) also provides exams. The SSRC offers exams bi-monthly, on the 2nd Tuesday of each ODD month in Ocala. For information, and to register for an exam, click here.
The Lake Amateur Radio Association (LARA) offers monthly exams in Leesburg. For information and to register, click here.