Class Information
In-person classes meet over two sessions and will cover all of the information needed to pass your FCC Amateur Radio General Class license exam.
Class Sessions
As classes are not currently available there are no session details.
Materials
I use the ARRL General Class License Manual as the student manual and study guide. Each student is responsible for obtaining this manual before the class begins. Students are expected to read the manual before the class begins.
Keep in mind, you are reading for familiarity, not a deep understanding of the material. Make notes on any questions you may have as you read through each chapter so we can go over them during the class as needed. The manual is not included in the class fee.
Online Classes: Links to the Zoom meeting and Discord will be provided on confirmation of registration.
In-Person Classes: A link to the discord server will be provided on confirmation of registration.
Discord Server: The Discord server is provided as a resource for those interested in amateur radio unlicensed or licensed. If you would like an invitation to the server without taking a class, please contact me for access.
Purchase the manual online
Manuals are available from many stores online and in person. Please be sure you are getting the current manual! The ARRL manuals are published on a four year cycle along with FCC question pool change cycle. The pool changes July 1st of change years. The four year cycle is 1st year: Technician (July 1, 2022), 2nd year: General (July 1, 2023), 3rd year: Extra (July 1, 2024), 4th year: no updates (July 1, 2025), restating with the next cycle, Technician (July 1, 2026) and so on.
If you register less than 2 weeks from the start date and do not have your textbook already we recommend buying from Amazon or HRO as ARRL takes considerably longer to ship.
Exams
The $15 ARRL-VEC testing fee is not included with the class. Please be sure to have $15 exact change in cash for the exam. Other VEC fees may be different, check before the exam session.
Please do not include the examination fee with your class registration.
The Small Print
The small print changes from time to time and since there are no current live or online classes there is nothing else here. When a class is scheduled registration and cancellation data are here.
Enrollment
To enroll in a class, (a payment link would be here). Be sure to include your full name, which class you are registering for, and your FRN number. (see The FCC section below for more details on FRN numbers)
If I have not received your payment, you are not registered. I will send you a confirmation of registration within 24 hours of receiving payment.
I do not accept checks as payment for classes.
If you have any questions please email me at jon@kk6gxg.com
The FCC
Along with registering for the class, you will need to create your account with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on their website https://www.fcc.gov/ look for a link like “FRN FCC Registration Number.” When I have classes schedulked a direct link will be added.
Once you have set up your account you will be given your FCC Registration Number (FRN). This process is free, and you get your FRN right then and there. The process only takes a couple of minutes.
Your FRN is used on the Amateur Radio license application (Form 605) and having it before you take your license exam is required. You will also need your FRN to log into the Universal Licensing System (ULS) to find out what your new call sign is after passing your exam.
After passing your exam you will pay the $35 license fee with the FCC. This is a new process and it has changed a couple of times. You should have a COmmission REgistration System (CORES) login from the FRN registration process and be able to check licenses affiliated with your FRN on the Universal Licensing Sysytem (ULS).
This sounds more complicated than it is and you only have to do it once. You will use the ULS to make changes to license and CORES to renew your lisense every 10 years.
Your Instructor
Thank you for choosing me as your instructor for your first step on your journey, and welcome to the amazing world of Amateur Radio.
Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have.
73,
~Jon KK6GXG
Updated 10 August 2023