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.
Free study guide: No-Nonsense Technician License Study Class
Upcoming Amateur Radio License Classes
AMATEUR RADIO TECHNICIAN LICENSE CLASS
ENTRY LEVEL LICENSE FOR BEGINNERS
FALL 2026
Dates: September 10, 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (8 sessions)
Time: 7-9 pm each THURSDAY night
Location: Norkenzie Christian Church, Room 21, 2530 Crescent Ave., Eugene, Oregon. We use the family entrance in the rear. The room is upstairs to the left where the hallways cross, first door on the right at the top.
Cost: No cost for class, $33.00 for the book.
License exam fee: $15 at exam time.
The FCC charges a $35 application fee when the license is issued.
Book: Ham Radio License Manual, 6th edition, published by American Radio Relay League (ARRL).
The book is available from instructor, “Matt” Dillon, 436 Heywood Ave., Eugene, OR 97404, 541-689-0640, w7ard@msn.com (order early!). If you get the book from another source, please let Matt know.
Available seats: 12
Registration process: Send an email that includes your phone number to w7ard@msn.com
Registration contact: “Matt” Dillon W7ARD (instructor), 436 Heywood Ave. Eugene, OR 97404 (Santa Clara area); 541-689-0640; w7ard@msn.com (preferred)
Registration deadline: August 15. If you don’t get a book from Matt, there is no deadline.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ANYONE WHO HAS AN INTEREST
AMATEUR RADIO GENERAL LICENSE CLASS
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL LICENSE
UPGRADE FOR TECHNICIANS
FALL 2026
Dates: September 8, 15, 22, 29; October 6, 13, 20, 27 (8 sessions)
Time: 7-9 pm each TUESDAY night
Location: Norkenzie Christian Church, Room 21, 2530 Crescent Ave., Eugene, Oregon. We use the family entrance in the rear.
The room is upstairs to the left where the hallways cross, first door on the right at the top.
Cost: No cost for class, $33.00 for the book.
License exam fee: $15 at exam time.
The FCC charges a $35 application fee when the application is processed.
Book: General Class License Manual License Manual, 10th edition, published by American Radio Relay League (ARRL).
The book is available from instructor, “Matt” Dillon, 436 Heywood Ave., Eugene, OR 97404, 541-689-0640, w7ard@msn.com (order early!). If you get the book from another source, please let Matt know.
Available seats: 12
Registration process: Send an email that includes your phone number to w7ard@msn.com
Registration contact: “Matt” Dillon W7ARD (instructor), 436 Heywood Ave. Eugene, OR 97404 (Santa Clara area); 541-689-0640; w7ard@msn.com (preferred)
Registration deadline: August 15, 2026
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ANYONE WHO HAS AN INTEREST.
Testing Information
The Valley Radio Club of Oregon holds 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. Please park in the rear parking lot and use the rear entrance. 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 Brad at N7BED@arrl.net. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.
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!
