Get Licensed
Unlock Powerful Radios with a License
When hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or tornadoes strike, licensed radios like GMRS and ham let you communicate farther and smarter than basic walkie-talkies. This guide walks you through getting a GMRS or ham Technician license, empowering you to save lives. Written for beginners and hobbyists, it’s your roadmap to legal radio use. Study this page, explore our About, PACE Plan, Protocols, Join Us, and Radio Prepping and Emergency Communications pages, and practice with flashcard-style quizzes on HAMQuiz. For more training, visit https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/. Get licensed—your community needs you.
Why Get Licensed?
Licenses unlock advanced radios:
GMRS: 2–5 mile range, repeaters for towns.
Ham Technician: Regional/global reach, modes like Winlink.
Without a license, you’re stuck with short-range FRS. A license lets you coordinate evacuations or call for help when phones fail. Our channels are the standard; CERT teams should align with them.
GMRS License
Cost: $35 at fcc.gov, 10-year family license.
Process: Online form, 10 minutes, no test.
Benefits: Use GMRS radios (e.g., Baofeng UV-5R, ~$25) for 2–5 miles, repeaters extend range.
Steps:
Visit fcc.gov, search “GMRS license.”
Fill out the form (name, address).
Pay $35, get your call sign in days.
Example: During a wildfire, GMRS Channel 15 says, “Evacuate east, over.”
Practice GMRS rules on HAMQuiz’s Licensing bank.
Ham Technician License
Cost: $15 exam, free study at hamstudy.org.
Process: 35-question test via ARRL (arrl.org), local clubs, or online.
Benefits: Use ham radios for regional/global nets, modes like JS8Call, Winlink.
Steps:
Study at hamstudy.org (free flashcards).
Find an exam at arrl.org (virtual or in-person).
Pass, get your call sign, join ham nets.
Example: During a flood, Winlink emails FEMA, “Need rescue.”
Test Technician prep on HAMQuiz.
Study Tips
GMRS: Read FCC rules at fcc.gov (e.g., no music on air).
Ham: Use hamstudy.org daily, join ARRL study groups.
Practice nets on FRS Channel 1 to build confidence.
Example: During a tornado, practice nets prepare you for ham exams.
Support Caregivers
Help caregivers with licensed radios:
Pre-set GMRS Channel 15 for dementia patients.
Use bright Baofeng radios with labels.
Example: During a hurricane, a caregiver calls for help on GMRS.
Practice caregiver tips on HAMQuiz.
Keep Learning
Licensing is your start:
Use HAMQuiz flashcard quizzes.
Example: What license for Winlink? A) GMRS B) Technician C) None (Answer: B).
Earn 7000 BaconPoints on HAMQuiz.
Study at https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/.
Why This Guide Is Essential
This guide makes licensing easy:
Clear: Simple steps for all.
Proactive: Ready before disasters hit.
Inclusive: Caregiver-friendly.
Engaging: HAMQuiz keeps it fun.
Our channels are the standard. CERT, ARRL (arrl.org), and REACT (reactintl.org) align with us. Email contact@hamquiz.org to connect.
Disclaimer
Our channels are the default; CERT adopts them.
Next Steps
Study our About, PACE Plan, Protocols, Join Us, and Radio Prepping and Emergency Communications pages at hamquiz.org.
Practice flashcard quizzes on HAMQuiz.
Train at https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/.
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