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Common questions — edited Aug 29, 2026 by Unknown editor
This is the first recorded version, so every line is shown as added. Note: Imported from content/wiki
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**Do I need Morse code?** No. The United States dropped the code requirement for all license
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classes in 2007.
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**How hard is the exam?** The Technician exam is 35 multiple-choice questions from a published
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pool of about 400, and you need 26 correct. Most people are ready in two to four weeks of casual
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study.
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**Is there an age limit?** No minimum and no maximum. Licensees under ten years old are not rare.
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**Do I need to be a US citizen?** No. Anyone may hold a US amateur license except a representative
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of a foreign government.
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**Will my call sign and address be public?** Yes. The FCC license database is public and includes
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your name and mailing address. Many operators use a PO box for this reason.
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**How much does it cost?** Typically $15 exam fee plus a $35 FCC application fee, then $35 to
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renew every ten years.
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**Can I talk to anyone I want?** You may talk to other licensed amateurs, and in emergencies to
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anyone. You may not conduct business, broadcast to the general public, or transmit music or
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obscenity. See [Part 97 basics](/wiki/rules/part-97-basics).
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**Can I use my radio at work?** Not for work traffic. Amateur radio is non-commercial.
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**Do I need a big antenna?** For local FM, no. For worldwide HF work, an antenna in the clear
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matters far more than an expensive radio.
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**What if I fail?** You may retake immediately at the same session, usually for another fee.