Technician
The entry class. 35 questions, 26 to pass. Grants all amateur privileges above 30 MHz — every repeater, satellite, VHF/UHF band and mode — plus limited HF: CW on parts of 80, 40 and 15 meters, and CW/SSB/digital on 10 meters. For most new operators this is everything they will use in the first year.
General
35 questions. Adds most of the HF spectrum: the majority of 160 through 10 meters on voice, CW and data. This is the license that makes routine worldwide contacts practical, and the usual second step within a year of Technician.
Amateur Extra
50 questions, and materially harder — more circuit theory, more rules. Adds the remaining "exclusive" HF sub-bands, which are where DX pileups and contest activity concentrate, and qualifies you to serve as a Volunteer Examiner for all classes.
Comparison
| Technician | General | Extra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Questions | 35 | 35 | 50 |
| VHF/UHF and above | All | All | All |
| HF voice | 10 m only | Most of every band | All |
| Max power | 1,500 W PEP | 1,500 W PEP | 1,500 W PEP |
| Can be a VE for | — | Tech/General | All classes |
There is no waiting period between classes: you may attempt all three at one sitting, and pay the exam fee once at many sessions.
Older Novice and Advanced licenses still exist and can be renewed, but are no longer issued.