Before you get on the air, you need to be licensed.
You must take and pass your exam. The FCC issues you a license after you’ve passed your exam. The Aero Amateur Radio Club holds regular licensing exams as part of our service with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Contact us for more information and we’ll help you out.
Jump to the bottom of the page for our current testing schedule.
What to do in advance:
- Learn what you can and study for the exam. Resources are plentiful: Books, multimedia, websites and, best of all, amateur radio operators (Elmers). Contact us for more information and we’ll help you out.
- Check our exam schedule page, pick which one you plan to attend and contact us to pre-register.
- NOTE: You can test for one or all three exams.
- Apply and get your Federal Registration Number. You’ll need this in order to get your amateur radio license PRIOR to taking the exam. Details on getting your FRN from the FCC here. The application requires a $35 fee payable directly to the FCC.
- Those testing for General of Extra licenses should present a current, valid copy of their license.
- The ARRL will reimburse the $35 application fee for those under 18-years old. This is available AFTER you have gotten your FRN and AFTER you have passed your exam(s).
- APPLY ONLY ONCE FOR YOUR FRN!
- Bring a $15 payment with you to the exam. This fee covers club expenses for supplies provided by the ARRL. NOTE: Those who pass their exam(s) are offered a free 1-year membership to the Aero Amateur Radio Club.
Prior to arrival:
- Check our exam schedule or contact us for details, dates, times, etc. Last-minute schedule changes are possible!
- Bring your FRN number and provide us a valid email address you check regularly.
- Bring a $15 payment with you to the exam. This fee covers club expenses for supplies provided by the ARRL. NOTE: Those who pass their exam(s) are offered a free 1-year membership to the Aero Amateur Radio Club.
The Exam Overview:
LEVEL 1: Technician Class License
- Exam Requirement: 35-question Technician Written Exam (Element 2).
- License Privileges: May operate all VHF/UHF amateur bands (frequencies above 30Mhz).
- Limited operations in certain HF bands.
Level 2: General Class License
- Exam Requirement: 35-questions General Written Exam (Element 3).
- License Privileges: May operate all VHF/UHF amateur bands and most HF privileges (160 meters – 10 meters).
Level 3: Extra Class License
- Exam Requirement: 50-question Extra Written Exam (Element 4).
- License Privileges: May operate all amateur bands.
Aero Club Exam Sessions and Schedule
Saturday, November 15, 2025 - 11:00 a.m.
Dundalk American Legion Post #38
3300 Dundalk Avenue
Dundalk, MD 21222
2026 test dates are TBD as of November, 2025.
W3PGA 