Your ticket to the airwaves.
Getting your amateur radio license is easier than most people expect — no Morse code, no engineering degree, just a multiple-choice exam. Here's exactly how it works, and how the club helps you get there.
Start with Technician — upgrade anytime
Each U.S. amateur license class unlocks more frequencies and privileges. You take them in order, but there's no waiting period — many people pass two in one sitting.
Technician
The entry-level license and where almost everyone starts. Full privileges on VHF/UHF — local repeaters, handhelds, satellites — plus limited HF.
- 35 questions, pass at 26 correct
- Great for local & emergency comms
- A few weeks of casual study
General
The worldwide upgrade. Opens up the majority of the HF bands so you can make long-distance and international contacts.
- 35 questions, pass at 26 correct
- Most of the HF spectrum
- The sweet spot for serious operating
Amateur Extra
The top class with full access to every amateur band and mode, including the most sought-after slices of spectrum.
- 50 questions, pass at 37 correct
- All privileges, no restrictions
- More technical depth
Good to know: there is a small FCC application fee and a modest exam-session fee. Your license is valid for 10 years and is free to renew. Exam-question pools are public, so you study the exact questions you'll be asked.
How to get licensed in 4 steps
Study the question pool
Pick a free resource and work through the Technician material. Most people use practice tests until they're consistently scoring in the 85%+ range. See our Resources page for the tools we recommend.
Study with the club
Join us on Discord and at meetings. We answer questions, run group study, and de-mystify the topics that trip people up. Learning with others is faster — and a lot more fun.
Find an exam session
Volunteer Examiners (VEs) hold test sessions all over metro Atlanta, plus online options. We'll help you locate one and tell you what to bring.
Pass & get your call sign
Pass the exam and the FCC issues your unique call sign — usually within a couple of weeks. Then you're on the air, and you can operate under W4KST at club events too.
Is it really that easy?
For the Technician exam, yes. There's no Morse code requirement anymore, the entire question pool is published, and excellent free practice tools mean you can walk in already knowing how you'll score. Plenty of club members studied a little each day and passed within a month.
And you're not doing it alone — that's the whole point of the club.
Do I need to buy a radio first?
No. Study first, then pick a radio — we'll help you choose one that fits your budget and goals so you don't overspend.
How much does it cost?
Study materials can be completely free. Expect a small FCC fee plus a modest exam-session fee. A capable first handheld radio can be found inexpensively.
How long does studying take?
Most people pass the Technician exam after a few weeks of casual study — faster if you put in focused time with practice tests.
Do I have to be a KSU student?
No. Anyone is welcome to study with the club and get licensed. KSU students, faculty, alumni, and community members all operate together.