Chapter 4
Figuring Out the Licensing System
IN THIS CHAPTER
Finding out about the amateur service
Understanding license types
Studying the exam questions
Studying for and taking the license exam
Getting a call sign
Unlike some of the other types of radios available to the public, you can’t transmit on a ham radio without a license. Hams call it a “ticket” for good reason since it’s a ticket to enter all of what ham radio has to offer. Like most people, you’re probably familiar with the process of getting a license to drive your car, to fish, or to get married, but ham radio licensing is a little different. The process is easy to deal with when you know how it works, however.
Amateur radio is one of many types of services that use the radio waves to communicate. Other services include broadcast (AM and FM radio, television), public safety (police and fire departments), aviation, and even radar systems (radionavigation).