How to Become a HAM during COVID-19 – Remotely!

1. Get an FCC Registration Number (FRN)

https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/getting-fcc-registration-number-frn

What information do I need to provide to get an FCC Registration Number (FRN)?

• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). For individuals this is a Social Security Number and for businesses this is an Employer Identification Number
• The name of the individual or business
• Type of business
• Contact information
• Password: A password must be at least 6 characters and must include three of the four character types:
  • Uppercase letters (A, B, C, etc)
  • Lowercase letters (a, b, c, etc)
  • Special characters (~, !, @, etc)
  • Numbers (1, 2, 3, etc)
• Personal Security Question (PSQ) and answer: Your PSQ and answer is not case sensitive.

2. Training

National Association of Amateur Radio

• www.ARRL.org
• Book: ARRL’s Tech Q&A 7th Edition

Ham Study

• https://hamstudy.org
• https://blog.hamstudy.org/links/
• App available for $4

Ham Radio Prep

• https://hamradioprep.com/technician-license-course/
• $25 for the course

Gordon West Radio School

• https://www.gordonwestradioschool.com
• Book: 2018-2022 Technician Class Book
• https://www.w5yi.org/catalog_details.php?pid=79&sort=4

3. Testing

• Please get a FRN from the FCC before the Exam session.
• Please bring a copy of your new FRN number
• Picture ID

Here is one alternative for the Technician Exam: https://hamstudy.org/

AARL Alternatives

Note: Please check this site for updates.

Find an Exam Session: http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session (Enter zip code)

EXAM SESSION Novato CA 94945-5009

11/07/2020Contact: Bill B. Smith(415) 485-3815Email: [email protected]Sponsor: Hamilton Wireless AssociationLocation: Novato Community HospitalTime: 1:00 PM (No Walk-ins / Call ahead) Offer a 4 session beginners class via Zoom with a downloadable study guideDay of test – offer license prep class (Ham Cram) 9-1 followed by the test.

EXAM SESSION Mill Valley

09/13/2020 12/13/2020 Contact: Steve Fischer(415) 407-6719Email: [email protected]Sponsor: Marin ARSLocation: Marin ARS ClubhouseTime: 1:00 PM (No Walk-ins / Call ahead)Excellent information on their site.

ONLINE EXAM SESSION – https://hamstudy.org/sessions/online

After passing you test get in touch with your local radio group. They can help you with buying the best equipment and programming your radio.

Ham Radio Outlet

2210 Livingston St.Oakland, CA 510-534-5757