Getting a Ham Radio License
The FCC requires those who do amateur radio to pass a licensing exam. We have free, local, entry-level licensing classes on a regular basis to help you learn what you need to know for the test.
Classes to take for an Amateur Radio License
Entry-level (Technician) license: Thursdays 7-9pm, Sept 8-Oct 27, 2022 (8 sessions)
Registration deadline: August 25, 2022
Available Seats: 25
Location: Norkenzie Christian Church, 2530 Crescent Ave., Eugene, Oregon
(Rear parking lot, rear door, left hallway, up the stairs, 1st room on right.)
No cost for class! License exam fee is $15 at exam time.
Technician class book: Ham Radio License Manual, 5th spiral bound edition. $33.
The book is available from the following sources:
– “Matt” Dillon (if ordered early)
– Ham Radio Outlet, Portland store, 1-800-765-4267
– American Radio Relay League, www.arrl.org
– Amazon.com
If you are under 18, the ARRL will reimburse the $35 FCC fee and lower the exam fee to $5 (contact the ARRL for more information). In addition, if you take your test through the Valley Radio Club, the club will pay your $5 exam fee.
For those under 18 who take Matt Dillon’s Technician course (see above), the Valley Radio Club will also give you a free Baofeng handheld radio. All you’ll need to pay for is the Technician Class License Manual (5th spiral bound edition, $33).
Registration contact: An email to the contact below with your phone number is your registration.
“Matt” Dillon W7ARD
439 Heywood Ave., Eugene, OR (Santa Clara area)
541-689-0640 w7ard@msn.com (preferred)
Intermediate (General) license: Tuesdays 7-9pm, Sept 6-Oct 25 (8 sessions)
Registration deadline: August 25, 2022
Available seats: 12
Location: Norkenzie Christian Church, 2530 Crescent Ave., Eugene, Oregon
(Rear parking lot, rear door, left hallway, up the stairs, 1st room on right.)
No cost for the class! License exam fee is $15 at exam time.
General class book: General Class License Manual, 9th spiral bound edition. $33.
The book is available from the following sources:
– “Matt” Dillon (if ordered early)
– Ham Radio Outlet, Portland store, 1-800-765-4267
– American Radio Relay League, www.arrl.org
– Amazon.com
Registration contact: An email to the contact below with your phone number is your registration.
“Matt” Dillon W7ARD
439 Heywood Ave., Eugene, OR (Santa Clara area)
541-689-0640 w7ard@msn.com (preferred)
Testing Information
The Valley Radio Club of Oregon holds socially distanced test sessions at 7:00 pm on the second Friday of each month, except when schedule conflicts require a change. Testing is at Norkenzie Christian Church, 2530 Crescent Ave., Eugene, Oregon. Come a little early, if possible, to start the paperwork process. There is no time limit on the test. The test examiners stay as long as necessary until all test-takers are finished and paperwork is completed.
For more info about the VRC test sessions contact Riley at w7ril@arrl.net or call 541-345-2407
Testing Help
The ARRL has an exam practice, as does eHam.net
Extra Class formulas if you’re studying for your Extra exam.
Our VE (Volunteer Examiner) Team
We have a wonderful testing team. If you’d like to join in helping and just passed or have your Extra Class license, go to becoming a VE!
