Get Licensed
Become a Licensed Amateur Radio Operator with W5AC
1. Study for the Exam
Most new operators begin with the Technician license. The Technician exam covers basic radio theory, operating practices, regulations, and safety.
All amateur radio exam questions come from publicly available question pools, so many study methods are available with the same questions you'll see on the exam.
We recommend using HamStudy, which offers free study tools, flash cards, and practice exams based directly on the current question pools. This platform is very similar to the exam environment. When studying for your exam, you should have seen 100% of the questions and be consistently scoring 85% or higher on the practice tests.
2. Obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN) and Register for the Exam
Before taking an amateur radio exam, you must obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN). You can register for an FRN through the FCC's CORES system. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes.
If payment is required, go to our store page and pay the $14 fee. Youth under 26 testing with W5AC don't pay this fee — see Student Testing Assistance below. TAMU Exam Fees
You can search for upcoming exam sessions and register for one by using the search tool on Hamstudy. TAMU Exam Sessions
3. Take Your Exam
W5AC offers both in-person and online testing opportunities throughout the year. In-person exams are offered before club meetings and upon request by individuals or organizations. Online exams are offered on a bi-weekly basis and by request.
The Technician and General exams consist of 35 multiple-choice questions and the Amateur Extra exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. A passing score is 74%, which is 26 questions for Technician and General and 37 for Amateur Extra.
To receive a license, you must have taken all exam elements up to that point. For example you must have either a Technician license or proof of passing a Technician exam to take the General exam.
Our Volunteer Examiners are accredited through the W5YI Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC), one of the FCC-recognized organizations responsible for coordinating amateur radio examinations in the United States.
4. Complete FCC Processing
After you pass your exam, the exam session team submits your results to the FCC. If an FCC application fee is required, you should receive an email directly from the FCC.
If payment is required, log into CORES on a desktop computer (the site sometimes has issues on phones) and pay the $35 fee. W5YI covers this fee for youth who test with W5AC — see Student Testing Assistance below.
5. Receive Your Callsign
Once the FCC processes your application, you will be issued a unique amateur radio callsign and may begin operating within the privileges of your license class.
Our Testing Results
Since W5AC joined W5YI's youth testing program, we've tested 156 individuals across 334 exam elements — including several members of the wider community beyond campus, not just students.
All-Time (since W5YI youth program)
This School Year (2025-2026)
Updated July 18, 2026
License Classes
Technician
The Technician license is the entry-level amateur radio license.
Technician operators have access to VHF and UHF as well as limited operating privileges on portions of the HF bands.
For most new operators, this is the recommended starting point.
General
The General license provides substantially expanded HF privileges, allowing communication across the United States and around the world on many amateur radio bands.
This license class opens up reciprocal licensing with many other countries as well as the opportunity to become a volunteer examiner for Technician exams.
Amateur Extra
The Amateur Extra license grants all amateur radio operating privileges available in the United States.
Extra class operators gain access to additional portions of several HF bands and are eligible for more reciprocal licensing as well as the ability to serve as a volunteer examiner for any level of exam.
Student Testing Assistance
One of the advantages of testing with W5AC is our participation in W5YI's youth program.
Exam Fee Assistance
Youth under the age of 26 testing with W5AC do not pay an examination fee.
FCC Application Fee Assistance
The FCC charges an application fee for new amateur radio licenses. Upgrading a license incurs no fee from the FCC.
W5YI will pay the FCC application fees for youth who earn their amateur radio license through participating exam teams, including W5AC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know Morse code?
No. Morse code is no longer required for any amateur radio license in the United States. While many operators still enjoy using Morse code, it is entirely optional.
How difficult is the Technician exam?
Most people can successfully prepare for the Technician exam with a few weeks of study. The exam is designed for beginners and assumes no prior amateur radio experience.
How old do I have to be?
There is no minimum age requirement for an amateur radio license in the United States.
Can I take more than one exam during the same session?
Yes. If time permits and you successfully pass an exam element, you may continue and attempt the next license level during the same testing session.
Do I need a license to attend club meetings?
No. Anyone interested in amateur radio is welcome to attend W5AC meetings and events, regardless of licensing status.
What can I do with a Technician license?
- Use local repeaters
- Participate in emergency communications
- Operate portable and mobile stations
- Work amateur radio satellites
- Experiment with digital communication modes
- Support community service events
- Participate in contests and special events
- Learn radio and electronics fundamentals
Current Question Pools
All amateur radio license exams are generated from publicly available question pools. Studying directly from the published pools and taking practice exams is one of the most effective ways to prepare.
After You Get Licensed
Earning your license is only the beginning.
As a licensed amateur radio operator and W5AC member, you'll have opportunities to:
- Operate the W5AC club station
- Participate in contests and operating events
- Learn about antennas, radio propagation, and station design
- Explore digital modes and software-defined radio
- Work amateur radio satellites
- Participate in public service and emergency communications activities
- Meet other amateur radio operators at Texas A&M and throughout the Brazos Valley
You do not need to be licensed to attend meetings or visit the club. If you're interested in amateur radio, we encourage you to join us and learn more.
Ready to get started? Attend a meeting, contact us with questions, email the club officers at clubofficers.w5ac@gmail.com, or reach out to our License Exam Coordinator.