Resources
Links to official sources and long-standing amateur radio organizations and projects. Every link was opened and checked on October 12, 2026. Notes flag pages that are dated, commercial, or changed hands.
Licensing and regulation
FCC rules, license classes, the systems used to apply for and manage a license, and the official question pools.
- Amateur Radio ServiceFCC, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
FCC hub page for the amateur service, with links to examinations, VECs, vanity and special event call signs, reciprocal operation, and PRB-1 documents.
- ExaminationsFCC
Describes the three license classes (Technician, General, and Amateur Extra), the written exam elements, and the requirement to test with a volunteer examiner team.
- Universal Licensing SystemFCC
Entry page for ULS, the FCC system used to file, renew, modify, and look up amateur licenses.
- License Search: Amateur License SearchFCC
Public ULS search of amateur licenses by call sign, name, or location.
- COmmission REgistration System for the FCC (CORES)FCC
Information page for CORES, where applicants create an account and obtain the FCC Registration Number (FRN) needed before an exam.
- FCC Registration - LoginFCC
The CORES application, used to register for or manage an FRN and to pay FCC application fees.
- Personal Service and Amateur Application FeesFCC
Wireless Bureau fee filing guide, effective May 23, 2025, listing the $35 fee for new, renewal, new vanity call sign, and rule waiver amateur filings.
- FCC Application FeeARRL
Plain-language explanation of the $35 fee, which filings are exempt (such as upgrades, address changes, and sequential call sign changes), and the 10-day window to pay through CORES.
- Common Amateur Filing TasksFCC
Help page on changing an address, checking application status, and renewing a license in ULS.
- 47 CFR Part 97, Amateur Radio ServiceeCFR (Office of the Federal Register and GPO)
Continuously updated online text of the FCC amateur radio rules.
- Amateur Question PoolsNCVEC Question Pool Committee
Explains how the committee maintains the Element 2, 3, and 4 question pools on a four-year cycle and links each pool's release page.
- 2026 - 2030 Technician Question PoolNCVEC Question Pool Committee
Release page for the Element 2 pool used for exams from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030, with PDF and DOCX files, diagrams, and errata.
- Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs)FCC
FCC list of certified VECs with contact details and the states in each VEC region.
- FCC Certified VECsNCVEC
NCVEC contact list of the certified VECs, split across two pages.
Finding an exam session
Search tools and VEC pages for in-person and remote license exam sessions.
- Find an Amateur Radio License Exam in Your AreaARRL VEC
Session search covering in-person and remote sessions, including those of other VECs, with a list of teams that offer online exams; exam fees vary by VEC.
- HamStudy.org: Find an Exam SessionHamStudy.org
Session finder filterable by ZIP code, in-person or remote format, and VEC, through which many teams take registrations.
- HamStudy.org: Remote sessionsHamStudy.org
The HamStudy.org session finder preset to remote sessions supervised by video.
- So you want to take a remote examHamStudy.org Blog
Explainer on remote exam logistics such as webcam and second-camera requirements and preparing a clear test area.
- Laurel VECLaurel Amateur Radio Club VEC
VEC that states it has offered free exams since 1984, with session search by ZIP code or state and pages on FRNs, fees, and call signs.
- ExamineesGreater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group (GLAARG) VEC
Guide for GLAARG remote and in-person examinees covering FRN registration, the $10 exam fee and its waivers for minors, students, military members, and veterans, and remote session procedure.
- W5YI-VEC HomeW5YI-VEC
Nationwide VEC with remote and in-person session search plus renewal, vanity, and club license services.
- ExamToolsExamTools
Exam administration platform that VE teams, including GLAARG teams, use to give on-screen remote and in-person exams.
Study resources
Question pool study tools, license manuals, practice exams, and video courses for all three license classes.
- Getting LicensedARRL
ARRL overview of the steps to obtain a first amateur radio license.
- HamStudy.orgHamStudy.org
Web study tool with flash cards and practice tests for the current Technician, General, and Amateur Extra pools, with a paid mobile app.
- Ham Radio License ManualARRL
Support page for the 6th edition ARRL Technician textbook with errata, a glossary, a question pool link, and chapter resources.
- General Class License ManualARRL
Support page for the 10th edition ARRL General textbook, which covers the pool valid July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2027, with errata and a study guide.
- Extra Class License ManualARRL
Support page for the 13th edition ARRL Amateur Extra textbook with practice exam links, errata, a glossary, and a study guide.
- ARRL Exam Review for Ham RadioARRL
Online practice exams designed to accompany the ARRL license manuals, with free full access after creating an account on the site.
- KB6NU's No-Nonsense Study GuidesDan Romanchik, KB6NU
Plain-language study guides; the Technician guide for the July 2026 to June 2030 pool is a free PDF, and other guides and formats are sold.
- HamExam.orgHamExam.org
Practice exams and flash cards for all three elements, with optional free accounts for progress tracking.
- Ham Radio Crash Course (YouTube)Josh Nass, KI6NAZ
Video channel covering exam preparation and operating topics.
- David Casler Ask Dave (YouTube)David Casler
Channel with Technician, General, and Amateur Extra training videos that follow the ARRL license manuals, plus the "Ask Dave!" question series.
- Ham Radio SchoolHam Radio School
Online courses and study books for all three license classes that explain each pool question.
- Ham Radio PrepHam Radio Prep
Online license courses for all three classes, sold individually or in bundles with a pass guarantee.
- Ham Radio GlossaryARRL
Glossary of common amateur radio terms, including prosign definitions.
Band plans and operating references
Band charts, voluntary band plans, repeater listings, and guides to Q signals and on-air etiquette.
- Band PlanARRL
Voluntary US band plan by band and mode, with links to packet frequencies, operating guidelines, and 2200 m and 630 m registration rules.
- Frequency AllocationsARRL
US allocations by band showing license class privileges, modes, power limits, and 60 m channel rules.
- Graphical Frequency AllocationsARRL
Download page for the US amateur bands chart in color, grayscale, and black-and-white at several paper sizes.
- US Amateur Radio Bands chart (color, 8.5 x 11)ARRL
Printable chart of US amateur privileges by license class, including the 60 m changes effective February 13, 2026.
- Band PlansIARU Region 2
IARU Region 2 band plan page with links to the Region 1 and Region 3 plans.
- IARU Region 2 Band Plan (PDF)IARU Region 2
Voluntary band plan for ITU Region 2, which includes the Americas; national rules take precedence.
- Considerate OperatorARRL
Page and PDF listing frequencies commonly used for specific modes and activities, with the reminder that no frequency belongs to any station.
- RepeaterBookRepeaterBook
Repeater directory maintained by volunteer administrators, with North American and worldwide listings, maps, apps, and an optional paid tier.
- Operating AidsARRL
ARRL page with a table of commonly used Q signals and time zone conversions.
- Communicating with Other Hams: Q-Signals (PDF)ARRL
Short ARRL reference explaining Q signals and the basics of making contacts.
- Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur (PDF)ON4UN and ON4WW, hosted by ARRL
Guide to operating etiquette and procedures covering CW, phone, DX, and pileups.
- Q codeWikipedia
Encyclopedia article listing Q codes, including the subset used in amateur radio.
- Prosigns for Morse codeWikipedia
Encyclopedia article on Morse procedural signs such as AR, SK, and BT.
Propagation and space weather
Space weather forecasts, propagation models, and live maps of which signals are being heard where.
- NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction CenterNOAA National Weather Service
Official US space weather forecasts, alerts, and solar and geomagnetic data.
- Radio Communications DashboardNOAA SWPC
SWPC dashboard of space weather products relevant to HF radio users.
- VOACAP Online for Ham RadioVOACAP Online
Web interface to the VOACAP propagation model for point-to-point predictions and coverage maps.
- PSK Reporter: Display Reception ReportsPSK Reporter
Live map of digital-mode reception reports, such as FT8, FT4, and PSK, uploaded by receiving stations.
- Reverse Beacon NetworkReverse Beacon Network
Network of skimmer receivers that spots CW and FT4/FT8 signals in real time, with raw data downloads.
- WSPRnet MapWSPRnet
Map and database of WSPR low-power beacon reports used to study propagation.
- International Beacon Project Transmission ScheduleNorthern California DX Foundation and IARU
Transmission schedule, locations, and listening tools for the International Beacon Project HF beacon network.
- HF Propagation and Solar-Terrestrial DataPaul Herrman, N0NBH
Solar and band condition summaries with embeddable widgets.
- prop.kc2g.comKC2G
Near real-time maps of maximum usable frequency (MUF) and foF2 built from worldwide ionosonde data.
Digital modes, software, and logging
Software for digital modes and radio messaging, digital voice networks, logging programs, and QSL confirmation services.
- WSJT-X Official HomeWSJT Development Team (Joe Taylor, K1JT)
Official site for WSJT-X, the open source program for FT8, FT4, Q65, WSPR, MSK144, and other weak-signal modes, along with MAP65 and QMAP.
- W1HKJ Software (fldigi)W1HKJ and Associates
Downloads and documentation for fldigi, flrig, flmsg, flamp, and related NBEMS programs.
- JS8CallJS8Call-Improved project
Site for JS8Call-Improved, software for keyboard-to-keyboard messaging on HF.
- Winlink Global Radio EmailAmateur Radio Safety Foundation
Radio email system used in emergency communications, with the Winlink Express client, gateway status, and news.
- VARA (EA5HVK)EA5HVK
Download site for the VARA HF, FM, and SAT modems often used with Winlink.
- Dire WolfWB2OSZ
Open source software TNC and APRS encoder and decoder.
- aprs.fiaprs.fi
Live map and database of APRS position and telemetry reports.
- BrandMeisterBrandMeister
Dashboard for the BrandMeister worldwide DMR digital voice network.
- FreeDVFreeDV project
Open source HF digital voice software and modem documentation, with on-air activity schedules.
- N1MM Logger PlusN1MM Logger Plus development team
Contest logging program supporting phone, CW, and digital modes, with downloads and documentation.
- Log4OM 2Log4OM team
General-purpose station logging program.
- Logbook of The World (information)ARRL
Getting-started, certificate, and award-credit information for LoTW, the ARRL contact confirmation system.
- ARRL's Logbook of The World (log on)ARRL
Login page for the LoTW contact confirmation database.
- QRZ.comQRZ.com
Call sign lookup database and online logbook, with paid subscriptions for additional features.
- eQSL.cceQSL.cc
Electronic QSL card exchange service with a free basic account and paid membership levels.
- Club LogMichael Wells, G7VJR
Log upload and analysis service with DXCC tracking, OQRS QSL requests, and LoTW synchronization.
Emergency and public service
ARES, RACES, traffic handling, and the FEMA courses named in the ARRL ARES training plan.
- ARESARRL
Describes the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, the registration form submitted to a local Emergency Coordinator, and the ARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book.
- Amateur Radio Emergency CommunicationARRL
Media backgrounder on amateur emergency communications that distinguishes ARES (ARRL) from RACES (government emergency management) and lists served agencies.
- 47 CFR 97.407, Radio amateur civil emergency serviceeCFR
The FCC rule that defines RACES operation and its limits.
- SKYWARNNOAA National Weather Service
National Weather Service volunteer severe weather spotter program, with links to local classes and free online spotter courses.
- NTSARRL
Overview of the National Traffic System, including the NTS 2.0 modernization project.
- ARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book (PDF)ARRL
Task book from July 2024 defining ARES training Levels 1 to 3; Level 1 requires FEMA IS-100 and IS-700 and encourages IS-200 and IS-800, and Level 2 requires all four.
- Emergency Communications TrainingARRL
ARRL emergency communications courses, including Intro to EmComm Online, EC-001, and EC-016 EmComm for Managers.
- Independent Study ProgramFEMA National Disaster and Emergency Management University (NDEMU)
Catalog of FEMA online independent study courses.
- IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100FEMA NDEMU
Introductory Incident Command System course, required at Level 1 of the ARES task book.
- IS-200.C: Basic Incident Command System for Initial ResponseFEMA NDEMU
Follow-on Incident Command System course, encouraged at ARES Level 1 and required at Level 2.
- IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management SystemFEMA NDEMU
Overview of the National Incident Management System, required at ARES Level 1.
- IS-800.D: National Response Framework, An IntroductionFEMA NDEMU
Introduction to the National Response Framework, encouraged at ARES Level 1 and required at Level 2.
- Communications Unit Training ResourcesCISA SAFECOM
CISA Communications Unit (COMU) training documents, including the Auxiliary Emergency Communications (AUXCOMM) overview.
Morse code
Courses, trainers, practice audio, and clubs for learning and using CW.
- LCWO.netLCWO.net
Browser-based Koch method course plus code groups, plain text, and call sign speed practice with progress tracking.
- CW AcademyCWops
Structured online CW classes taught by volunteer advisors, offered at no cost and without a membership requirement.
- Morse Code NinjaKurt, AD0WE
Practice audio sets on YouTube, podcasts, and downloads, plus advice on learning Morse code.
- Long Island CW ClubLong Island CW Club (LICW)
Live online Morse code classes organized by level, with programs for several accessibility needs and an annual or lifetime membership donation.
- W1AW Operating ScheduleARRL
Schedule and frequencies for W1AW slow and fast code practice and bulletin transmissions.
- Code Practice FilesARRL
MP3 recordings of W1AW code practice organized by date and speed.
- Learning Morse CodeARRL
ARRL page of Morse code learning resources and methods.
- A Morse Trainer using the Koch methodG4FON
Explanation of the Koch method, in which characters are learned at full speed and a new one is added after reaching 90 percent accuracy, with a free trainer program.
- International Morse Code TrainingMorse Code World
Browser-based trainers with Koch and Farnsworth timing options.
- SKCC - Straight Key Century ClubStraight Key Century Club
Club for operators who use manual keys, with free membership, member lookup, events, and awards.
Satellites and space
Amateur satellite status and frequencies, pass predictions, and amateur radio on the International Space Station.
- AMSATAMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation)
Site of the US amateur satellite organization, which offers paid membership.
- AMSAT Live OSCAR Satellite StatusAMSAT
User-reported daily status of amateur satellites, such as heard, not heard, or beacon only.
- AMSAT Online Satellite Pass PredictionsAMSAT
Pass predictor for amateur satellites by location or grid square.
- Live FM SatellitesAMSAT
Current list of active FM amateur satellites with uplink and downlink frequencies; a companion page covers linear transponder satellites.
- ARISSAmateur Radio on the International Space Station
Site of the amateur radio program on the International Space Station, covering school contacts, crew news, and how to hear the station.
- Heavens-AboveHeavens-Above
Satellite and ISS pass predictions for a chosen location.
- N2YO.comN2YO.com
Real-time satellite tracking and pass predictions.
- SatNOGSLibre Space Foundation
Open source global network of satellite ground stations with a shared observation database.
Antennas, technical learning, and RF exposure
Electronics and antenna references, modeling tools, and the rules and calculators for RF exposure compliance.
- Technical Information ServiceARRL
ARRL technical articles and RFI help, with expert answers by email or phone for members.
- ARRL Handbook ReferenceARRL
Support page for The ARRL Handbook with supplemental files, software, and errata.
- ARRL Antenna Book ReferenceARRL
Support page for the 25th edition of The ARRL Antenna Book with additional files, software, and errata.
- Basic Electronics Tutorials and RevisionElectronics-Tutorials.ws
Tutorials on circuit fundamentals, components, filters, and oscillators.
- Textbook for Electrical Engineering and ElectronicsAll About Circuits
Online textbook covering DC, AC, semiconductors, and digital electronics.
- Smith Chart BasicsMicrowaves101
Introductory explanation of reading and using the Smith chart for impedance matching.
- Smith Charts (SimSmith)AE6TY
Download and documentation for SimSmith, an interactive Smith chart and RF circuit analysis program.
- EZNEC Antenna Software by W7ELW7EL
NEC-based antenna modeling program, with EZNEC Pro+ v7.0 offered free.
- Coaxial Cable Attenuation and Power Handling CalculatorTimes Microwave Systems
Calculator for coaxial cable loss and power handling by cable type, length, and frequency.
- RF ExposureARRL
Explains the FCC RF exposure rules that took effect May 3, 2021, with the transition ending May 3, 2023, and links to ARRL tools and FAQs.
- RF Exposure CalculatorARRL
Calculator for estimating compliance distances from transmitter power, antenna gain, and frequency.
- Radio Frequency SafetyFCC Office of Engineering and Technology
FCC RF safety landing page summarizing the exposure rules in 47 CFR 1.1307 and 1.1310, with links to guidance.
- RF Safety FAQFCC OET
Frequently asked questions on RF exposure and its potential hazards.
- OET - Bulletins On-lineFCC OET
Index of OET bulletins, noting that OET Bulletin 65 is under review for the FCC 19-126 rule changes that took effect May 3, 2021.
- OET Bulletin 65 (PDF)FCC OET
FCC guidance on methods for evaluating compliance with RF exposure limits (Edition 97-01).
- OET Bulletin 65, Supplement B (PDF)FCC OET
Supplement for amateur stations with RF exposure tables and worked examples (Edition 97-01).
- 47 CFR 1.1310, Radiofrequency radiation exposure limitseCFR
Current text of the FCC RF exposure limits.
- 47 CFR 97.13, Restrictions on station locationeCFR
Part 97 rule that applies the RF exposure requirements to amateur stations.
Community and activities
Clubs, events, operating programs and awards, journals, and the organizations that represent amateur radio.
- Become a Member of the American Radio Relay LeagueARRL
ARRL membership information and join page.
- Search for ARRL Affiliated ClubsARRL
Search for ARRL-affiliated clubs by location and interest.
- SectionsARRL
Finder for ARRL sections by state, with section leadership contacts.
- Hamfests and Conventions CalendarARRL
ARRL calendar of upcoming hamfests and conventions.
- Field DayARRL
Information, a site locator, and resources for Field Day, the annual operating event held on the fourth weekend of June.
- DXCCARRL
ARRL DX Century Club award program for confirmed contacts with 100 or more DXCC entities, up to the Honor Roll, with award fees listed by ARRL.
- QSTARRL
ARRL's monthly journal, included with membership.
- QEXARRL
ARRL's bimonthly technical journal for experimenters, available by subscription.
- Parks on the AirParks on the Air
Program site for portable operation from parks, with rules and getting-started guides.
- POTA appParks on the Air
Web app for Parks on the Air spotting, park lookup, logs, and awards.
- Summits on the AirSummits on the Air
Award program for portable operation from summits.
- SOTAwatch3Summits on the Air
Spotting and alert system for SOTA activations.
- WA7BNM Contest CalendarBruce, WA7BNM
Calendar of worldwide contests with dates, rule summaries, and log due dates.
- International Amateur Radio UnionIARU
International federation of national amateur radio societies, with information on the IARU regions, news, and ITU-related work.
Operating outside the US
Reciprocal agreements and permits for US amateurs traveling abroad, and the rules for visitors operating in the US.
- International OperatingARRL
Overview of how US licensees can operate abroad under reciprocal arrangements, noting that Canada only requires the proper prefix.
- Reciprocal PermitARRL
Country-by-country table of prefixes and the agreement or permit process for US amateurs operating abroad.
- CEPTARRL
Guidance on operating under CEPT T/R 61-01, including which US classes qualify (Extra and Advanced fully, General with limits under ECC (05)06, Technician not at all) and which documents to carry.
- IARPARRL
Information on the International Amateur Radio Permit, issued through ARRL, for operating in participating CITEL countries in the Americas.
- Information for US Amateurs Traveling Abroad (PDF)ARRL
Printable summary of CEPT, IARP, and bilateral reciprocal options, updated May 2023.
- Amateur Service Operation in CEPT Countries (DA 16-1048)FCC
FCC Public Notice, released September 16, 2016, that US licensees carry when operating under CEPT arrangements.
- DA 16-1048 Public Notice (PDF)FCC
Printable text of the CEPT public notice in English, French, and German.
- T/R 61-01 CEPT Radio Amateur LicenceECO (CEPT European Communications Office)
ECO document record for the CEPT T/R 61-01 recommendation, which lists the USA as a non-CEPT country that implements it.
- Reciprocal Operating ArrangementsFCC
FCC list of countries whose licensees may operate in the US under 47 CFR 97.107.
- 47 CFR 97.107, Reciprocal operating authorityeCFR
Rule authorizing licensees from Canada and reciprocal countries to operate in the US.
- International ArrangementsFCC
FCC summary of rules on international contacts and third-party traffic under 47 CFR 97.111, 97.115, and 97.117.
- RIC-3: Information on the Amateur Radio ServiceInnovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Canadian regulator's circular stating that visiting US amateurs need no permit and must identify their location during contacts.
- Canada-United States Reciprocal Operating AgreementRadio Amateurs of Canada
Explains the 1952 treaty under which US visitors need no paperwork, add a Canadian call-area suffix such as /VE3, and follow RBR-4 rules.