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
Ham Radio (Technician) License Class over Thanksgiving Break, online via Zoom
Friday, November 25, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. PST and Saturday, November 26, 2022, noon – 4 p.m. PST; (possible online Saturday afternoon exam session).
Free class, free materials (exam isn’t free)
Contact Scott, N7JI, Technical Advisor for Ducks on the Air.
To register, please send name and phone number via email (ars.n7ji@gmail.com) or text (541-221-2475).
Entry-level (Technician) license: January 5, 12, 19, 26, and February 2, 9, 17, and 23
Time: 7 – 9 p.m. each THURSDAY night
Available seats: 20
Location: Norkenzie Christian Church, 2530 Crescent Ave., Eugene, Oregon
(Rear parking lot, rear door, left hallway, up the stairs, 1st room on right.)
Cost: No cost for class, $33 for book. License exam fee is $15 at exam time.
Book: Ham Radio License Manual, 5th spiral bound edition, published by American Radio Relay League. The book is available from instructor “Matt” Dillon (Order early!)
439 Heywood Ave., Eugene, OR 97404
541-689-0640, w7ard@msn.com.
Registration: Send an email to “Matt” Dillon W7ARD, w7ard@msn.com with your phone number.
Registration deadline: December 20, 2022
Registration contact: “Matt” Dillon W7ARD (instructor)
439 Heywood Ave., Eugene, OR 97404 (Santa Clara area)
541-689-0640
w7ard@msn.com (preferred)
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 $15 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).
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ANYONE WHO HAS AN INTEREST.
Intermediate (General) license (upgrade for Technicians): January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31,
and February 7, 14, and 21
Time: 7 – 9 p.m. each TUESDAY night Registration deadline: TBA
Location: Norkenzie Christian Church, 2530 Crescent Ave., Eugene, Oregon
(Rear parking lot, rear door, left hallway, up the stairs, 1st room on right.)
Available seats: 20
Cost: $33 for the book. License exam fee is $15 payable at exam time. The FCC charges a $35 fee when the application is processed. The class is free.
Book: Ham Radio License Manual, 9th Edition, published by American Radio Relay League
The book is available from instructor “Matt” Dillon (Order early!)
439 Heywood Ave., Eugene, OR 97404
541-689-0640
w7ard@msn.com.
Registration: Send an email to “Matt” Dillon W7ARD, w7ard@msn.com with your phone number.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ANYONE WHO HAS AN INTEREST.
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!
