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: September 7, 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26 (8 sessions)
Time: 7 – 9 p.m. each THURSDAY night
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. The FCC charges a $35 application fee when the license is issued.
Book: Ham Radio License Manual, 5th edition (effective from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026), 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. (I recommend getting the book early. If you get it from another source, please let me know that you have it.)
Registration: Send an email to “Matt” Dillon W7ARD, w7ard@msn.com with your phone number.
Registration deadline: August 20, 2023
Registration contact: “Matt” Dillon, 436 Heywood Ave., Eugene, OR 97404, 541-689-0640, w7ard@msn.com (preferred)
Available seats: 12
If you are under 18, your exam can be free! The ARRL will reimburse your $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 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):
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24 (8 sessions)
Time: 7 – 9 p.m. each TUESDAY night
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: 12
Cost: No cost for class, $33 for the book. License exam fee is $15 payable at exam time. The FCC charges a $35 fee when the application is processed.
Book: Ham Radio License Manual, 10th edition (effective from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027), published by American Radio Relay League (ARRL). The book is available from instructor “Matt” Dillon, 439 Heywood Ave., Eugene, OR 97404, 541-689-0640, w7ard@msn.com. (I recommend getting the book early. If you get it from another source, please let me know that you have it.)
Registration: Send an email that includes your phone number to “Matt” Dillon (instructor) w7ard@msn.com.
Registration deadline: August 20, 2023
Instructor contact: “Matt” Dillon W7ARD
436 Heywood Ave., Eugene, OR 97404 (Santa Clara area)
541-689-0640
w7ard@msn.com (preferred)
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!
