US Amateur Radio exams - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Questions Answers

What does it mean a US amateur radio license ? For an introduction to amateur radio in the USA, have a look to this web site: www.arrl.org/hamradio.html

All tests are in english language ? Yes, of course, tests are exactly the same as the ones administered by ARRL/VEC in the USA.

How many errors are tolerated in the written tests ? For Technician and General class: maximum 9 errors for 35 questions; for Extra class tests: max 13 errors for 50 questions.

What is required to pass the CW test ? For the CW test, the candidate should be able to demonstrate one minute of solid copy at a speed of 5wpm, i.e. at least 25 consecutive characters (including numbers and punctuation characters, which however count as 2 characters).

Where can I find books to study for the tests ? Books and other study material is available from ARRL on their web site: www.arrl.org/catalog/lm/

How can I check if I'm ready for the tests ? You can check your knowledge with an online simulation of the tests on the web site: www.qrz.com/testing.html

Can I use my US callsign in other countries (in Italy, for example) ? The question is complex and the answer depends on several factors. You can read the letter received by IZ2FME/KD7YNT: here.

Can I take the tests for a US amateur radio license if I do NOT have any amateur license in my own country ? Yes, you can, and in most cases you can also convert the US amateur radio license to other countries' licenses. This happens in Italy, for example.

For a complete information about US callsigns, you can read this: Callsign Questions by W5YI

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Questions	Answers
What does it mean a US amateur radio license ?	For an introduction to amateur radio in the USA, have a look to this web site: www.arrl.org/hamradio.html
All tests are in english language ?	Yes, of course, tests are exactly the same as the ones administered by ARRL/VEC in the USA.
How many errors are tolerated in the written tests ?	For Technician and General class: maximum 9 errors for 35 questions; for Extra class tests: max 13 errors for 50 questions.
What is required to pass the CW test ?	For the CW test, the candidate should be able to demonstrate one minute of solid copy at a speed of 5wpm, i.e. at least 25 consecutive characters (including numbers and punctuation characters, which however count as 2 characters).
Where can I find books to study for the tests ?	Books and other study material is available from ARRL on their web site: www.arrl.org/catalog/lm/
How can I check if I'm ready for the tests ?	You can check your knowledge with an online simulation of the tests on the web site: www.qrz.com/testing.html
Can I use my US callsign in other countries (in Italy, for example) ?	The question is complex and the answer depends on several factors. You can read the letter received by IZ2FME/KD7YNT: here.
Can I take the tests for a US amateur radio license if I do NOT have any amateur license in my own country ?	Yes, you can, and in most cases you can also convert the US amateur radio license to other countries' licenses. This happens in Italy, for example.
For a complete information about US callsigns, you can read this:	Callsign Questions by W5YI