How do I get a license?
To obtain a Ham license you must pass an exam administered by a local Volunteer Examiner (VE) team. There are a few VE teams here in the area. In-person and online test sessions are available.
In-Person testing sessions:
The Trident Amateur Radio Club volunteer examiner team administers all license class exams on the third Wednesday of each month in North Charleston. Test sessions start at 7pm.
The exam cost is $10 per session. Take as many exams as you can pass at each session.
Before coming to take the exam
- Obtain an FRN
Your FRN can be obtained from the FCC’s web site at COmmission REgistration System (CORES).
Upon registration, you will be assigned a FCC Registration Number (FRN).
This number will be used to uniquely identify you in all transactions with the FCC. Please print and bring this number with you to the test session.
- Preregister for the exam session at https://hamstudy.org/sessions/glaarg
- Bring two types of ID
Drivers License, Credit Card, Passport, CWP, or any picture ID
- Bring ten ($10.00) cash or card.
If you plan on upgrading your existing license to General or Extra please bring a signed hard copy of your license or CSCE with you. If you are unable to locate one we will assist you at the test session.
If you have a handicap that impedes your ability to test in this fashion please contact us, there may be alternatives available to you.
Test sessions are the third Wednesdays of each month. The session starts promptly at 7pm so please plan to arrive 30 minutes early to secure your spot and complete any additional paperwork that mat be needed. Walk-ins after the test session has begun may be turned away.
Our testing location is:
Hanahan Library
1216 Old Murray Court
Hanahan, SC 29410
Map link here -> https://goo.gl/maps/JpXZkmkWP66mDwqA7
We will be following COVID 19 protocols. If you feel sick or are running a fever do not attend. If you’ve been around anyone that is potentially infected do not attend. You are responsible for your health and safety and that of the people you are close to.
Online testing sessions:
Online testing is available via GLAARG – The Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group. Sessions are hosted online via zoom. Sessions can be found at https://hamstudy.org/sessions/glaarg
Please contact the testing group with any questions. You may email us here -> training@tridenthams.org
Study Information:
The exam question pools can be downloaded here -> https://www.arrl.org/question-pools
The following tools may also be helpful: