Get Your Amateur Radio License
Ready to become a ham radio operator? The Branch County Amateur Radio Club offers FCC amateur radio exam sessions for new operators and license upgrades throughout the year.
Whether you are testing for your first Technician license or upgrading to General or Extra, we are here to help you get started.
2026 Exam Schedule
BCARC exam sessions are scheduled monthly on the following dates:
Ready to take your exam?
Pick an exam date and complete the registration form to reserve your spot.
What to Bring to the Exam
- $15 exam fee
- Your FCC FRN
- A simple calculator (if needed)
- Everything else is provided
You may test for the next license level during the same session for the same $15 fee if you pass your first exam. If a retest is needed, another exam fee is required.
Online Study Tools
- HamStudy.org – highly recommended for studying and practice exams
- Practice tests are a great way to see where more study is needed
- When you are consistently scoring around 90% on practice exams, you are likely ready to test
Books and Classes
- ARRL registered instructors may post upcoming classes at www.arrl.org/list-a-license-class
- Gordon West study books were recommended by our VE team:
- Technician Class FCC Element 2 Amateur Radio License Preparation, 10th Edition (2022–2026)
- General Class FCC Element 3 Amateur Radio License Preparation, 11th Edition (2023–2027)
- Extra Class FCC Element 4 Amateur Radio License Preparation, 9th Edition (2024–2028)
Before You Test
- Get your FCC Registration Number (FRN) before exam day
- Choose your exam date
- Complete the registration form
- Bring your fee and any needed calculator
After You Pass
Once you earn your Technician license, it is time to get on the air and start enjoying the hobby.
- Explore the QRZ New Ham Jumpstart Program
- Visit ARRL On the Air Magazine
- Join BCARC net meetings
- Attend our club meetings, workshops, fox hunts, QSO parties, and other events
If you want to upgrade later, you will use the same FRN, study for the next level, register, and test again.
Join the Branch County Amateur Radio Club community
Exam Location
All exam sessions are held at:
Branch County Memorial Airport
Coldwater, Michigan (Click Here for directions)
If you have questions before exam day, please use the registration form or contact us in advance