Classes and Testing

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

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

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.

Basic Electronics and Microprocessors Class
Dates: September 21- November 9
Time: 7-9pm Mondays
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3132 River Rd, Eugene, Oregon
The emphasis will be on learning by doing, with practical examples and experiments to real-world applications and general electronics skills, such as:
  • How to use a breadboard safely and effectively
  • Understanding and using common electronic components, including:
    • Thermistors
    • Capacitors
    • Diodes
    • LEDs
    • Transistors
    • Relays
    • Inductors
  • Introduction to the Arduino platform
  • Writing simple Arduino programs
  • Installing software and uploading programs
  • How these components interact with a micro-controller in real-world circuits
Cost: None for the course; however:
  • Participants must provide their own laptop computer, and
  • A $35 electronics parts kit which is required for hands-on exercises, available at Oregon Electronics, 975 Conger St, Suite 1, Eugene.
If interested, contact Nelson Farrier, nfarrier@gmail.com, or Steve Moreen, smoreen@sbcglobal.net.

 

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!

Loading