Licensing Hub

COMMUNITY RADIO

Ham Radio Licensing

From your first exam to confident on-air operation, the club has mentors, classes, and testing teams ready to help.

Meetings • 3rd Tuesday • 7:00 PM
Location • Fairhaven Volunteer Fire Station - Center Hill Rd.
Get Started Learn the Process

We welcome every operator, from brand-new Technicians to seasoned Extras.

Train & Test
3
License Levels
Technician | General | Extra
$35
FCC Fee
Due after you pass
Weekly
Mentor Support
Email & local nets
  • Technician through Extra coaching
  • Study groups & online office hours
  • Volunteer Examiner testing prior to meetings

Welcome to the World of HAM Radio!

If you are new to Amateur Radio and just received your license, congratulations - this is an exciting new hobby! You are in for a fun ride and a great learning experience. We encourage you to keep reading and studying about the equipment and procedures and experiment with antennas and other techniques to further your knowledge and improve your ability to communicate when conditions may not be the best.

Helping others is a big part of what Amateur Radio is all about. Volunteering for public service is big in the HAM world. We don't just talk on the radio! HAMs have been vital for years in passing communications messages along when radio is the only means possible. Practicing these skills will be vital to your knowledge of the hobby and will determine how you can benefit the public in the time of need.

Join organizations that encourage, teach and practice these skills. There are many to choose from. Our members can help guide you in this effort. Welcome to the amateur radio community!

Getting Your Amateur Radio License

Follow these steps to earn your amateur radio license

1
Study for Your License

Choose your starting license class and begin studying. Most new hams start with the Technician license.

  • Technician: Entry level, VHF/UHF privileges
  • General: HF privileges for worldwide communication
  • Extra: Full amateur radio privileges
Study Resources
2
Take Your Exam

Schedule your license exam with a Volunteer Examiner (VE) team. W5OBM offers testing before each monthly meeting.

  • W5OBM tests 3rd tuesday at 6:00 PM
  • Fairhaven Fire Department · 13701 Center Hill Rd
  • No exam fee with Laurel VEC (donations optional)
  • Bring photo ID and FCC FRN (register at FCC CORES)
  • Current license if upgrading
Schedule Test
3
Get Your Call Sign

After passing your exam, you'll receive your call sign from the FCC and can get on the air!

  • FCC processes your application
  • Receive your call sign (typically 1-2 weeks)
  • License appears in FCC database
  • You're authorized to transmit!
Check License Status

After You Get Your License

Your amateur radio journey is just beginning!

Join W5OBM

Become a member of our amateur radio club for fellowship, education, and support.

Join Now
Join Our Nets

Practice your on-air skills and meet other hams on our weekly Thursday net.

Net Info
Get Equipment

Start with a simple handheld radio or mobile unit to get on the air.

Equipment Guide
Find an Elmer

Get a mentor (Elmer) to help guide you through your early amateur radio experiences.

Meet Members

Amateur Radio License Classes

Understanding the different license privileges and requirements

Technician Class

Entry Level License - Perfect for beginners to amateur radio.

  • VHF and UHF privileges (2m, 70cm)
  • Limited HF privileges on 10 meters
  • 35 question exam
  • No Morse code required
  • Great for local communication

Best for: New hams, local repeaters, emergency communications

General Class

Most Popular License - Opens up worldwide communication on HF bands.

  • All Technician privileges
  • Major portions of HF bands (3-30 MHz)
  • Worldwide DX communication
  • 35 question exam (plus Technician)
  • No Morse code required

Best for: Worldwide communication, DX, contesting

Extra Class

Highest License Class - Full amateur radio privileges worldwide.

  • All amateur radio privileges
  • Exclusive Extra Class band segments
  • Can be VE coordinator
  • 50 question exam (plus Tech & General)
  • Advanced technical knowledge

Best for: Maximum privileges, technical advancement, VE testing

Ready to Start Your Amateur Radio Journey?

Join thousands of amateur radio operators worldwide who enjoy this exciting hobby.
W5OBM is here to help you every step of the way!

Start Studying Schedule Test Join W5OBM
Questions? Contact our Volunteer Examiners for guidance and support.