The test at a glance

35multiple-choice questions

26right answers to pass

$35FCC fee, good for 10 years

0Morse code required

Every question and answer is published ahead of time, so you can study the exact pool you will be tested on.

From study to call sign

Get an FCC Registration NumberFree, on the FCC CORES website; you already have one from GMRS
Study the question poolPractice tests at PassThePool.com until you score 85% or better
Find an exam sessionSearch ARRL.org or HamStudy.org; many are on Saturday mornings
Take the testThree volunteer examiners grade it on the spot
Pay and get your call signThe FCC emails a link for the $35 fee; the call sign follows in a few days

Photo ID, your FRN, a pencil and calculator, and the session fee (often $15 or less).

Twenty minutes a day beats a weekend cram

The rules and safety questions make sense once you know the reason

You can miss nine and still pass

When you pass three in a row, book the exam

Sources: FCC Part 97 rules; ARRL licensing pages; NCVEC question pools

Study the public question pool, pass 26 of 35, pay $35, and you're on the air for 10 years.