ONLINE COURSE - BEGINNER LEVEL - TECHNICIAN LICENSE

This ONLINE ham radio class will get you ready to take the Ham Radio TECHNICIAN license exam, the FIRST of three certification levels. Geared toward adults, but suitable for junior high, high school, and home-school students. Yes, we give ham radio exams, too! You can take this course from anywhere by Zoom.* 

Future workshops:

Four Sundays FEB 2, 9, 16, 23, 2025, 6:00-9:00 pm Eastern (Zoom only)
Four Sundays MAR 2, 9, 16, 23, 2025, 6:00-9:00 pm Eastern (Zoom only)
(skipping 4 weeks in April for a General course - check it out!)

Four Sundays APR 27, May 4, 11, 18, 2025, 6:00-9:00 pm Eastern (Zoom only)
Four Sundays JUN 1, 8 15, 22, 2025, 6:00-9:00 pm Eastern (Zoom only)
Four Sundays JUN 29, Jul 6, 13, 20, 2025, 6:00-9:00 pm Eastern (Zoom only)
(skipping 4 weeks in August for a General course - check it out!)

 

This is a FULL course taught live via Zoom by a 45-yr veteran teacher, not a video or discussion group. You will learn much more than with other methods.

*If you are local and prefer an in-person course, check out our in-person Wireless Electronics Course.

Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Optional text: ARRL Technician Class License Manual, 5th edition, for exams through June 30, 2026, (purchase on ARRL website). Regular practice and study is necessary to get the best results from this course.

You should NOT purchase any radio equipment before you get your license. What to buy? Even before you are licensed, join a local radio club and ask your new hobby friends what they recommend.

Amateur radio (or “ham radio”) is used by people all over the world to communicate over radio waves. Some people use ham radio for emergency preparedness, to provide communications support for community events, to report on severe weather and natural disasters, as a social activity, and even occasionally to contact crew members on the International Space Station!

Included with course: You will get downloadable lecture study guides and charts, FREE access to our weekly Online Radio Club Meeting sessions, FREE enrollment in any of our Morse Code classes, and a guest pass to the Sci-Tech Radio Room for 3 months. We usually send the links a few days before the course starts.

 

Students Free: This course is FREE for students in college, high school, or younger by using the code ARISS22 when you check out from your shopping cart. New England students who pass the FCC license exam will get a free hand-held amateur radio.

Family Free: First adult pays; additional members of the same family may join this course at no extra charge, if sharing one computer and zoom screen.

 

System Requirements: For ONLINE course, computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a web browser, a web camera/mic, and a printer.

 

Zoom Link: Approximately 2 days before the session begins you will receive an email with instructions to access the course details, documents, and Zoom link for ON-LINE viewing. If you don’t see the email, check your spam filter. If you still don’t see it, call or email us.

 

Please be aware of our Cancellation and Refund Policies. For questions, e-mail info@nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.

 

School and Scout Groups: Ask about scheduling a session just for your youth group at youth-friendly times, perhaps in smaller sessions spread over two weeks. We may be able to give you a reduced rate as well.

LICENSE EXAMS

Our exam team gives in-person exams in Natick, MA, on alternating Tuesdays and Sundays, so you can schedule your FCC Technician exam within a week of finishing the course. Note that we must collect the standard $15 exam fee for the ARRL VEC separately from the course fee. (Fee is $15 across the country.) (Note: We will pay the exam fee for any full-time student in high-school or younger.) (Note that the FCC will collect from you a $35 license fee. The license is good for 10 years. Parents can get a reimbursement from the ARRL for youth under 18.)

Looking for an exam in your area? Look one up by ZIP code via HAMSTUDY.ORG or via ARRL.ORG.

If you need an online "remote" exam, please see our Amateur Radio License Exam web page. However, we recommend you take the exam in person at a location near you. Much less stressful!

 

We administer ham radio exams both online and in-person, having proctored over 2,300 exams in the past decade. We’ve taught amateur radio classes for over 20 years with tremendous success. Many hundreds of people have taken our classes with more than 99% having passed the exam to become licensed operators. We offer classes for all three levels of ham radio licenses: Technician, General, Amateur Extra, as well as Morse Code.

Amateur Radio in the News - from ARRL.org Newsletter

“How ham radio endures - and remains a disaster lifeline - in the iPhone era” / ZDNET October 11, 2024 -- Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®).   “As Hurricanes Disrupt Phone Service, Amateur Radio Comes In Clear” / UNDARK (North Carolina) October 15, 2024 – American Radio Relay League (ARRL®).   “Amateur radio volunteers provide and maintain crucial communication links when hurricanes strike” / Texas Standard (Texas) October 15, 2024 -- Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®).   “Delta County ham radio group ready for emergencies” / WLUC (Michigan) October 16, 2024 -The Delta County Amateur Radio Society is an ARRL Affiliated Club.