Today there are approximately 780,000 Licensed Amateur Radio Operators (Hams) in the United States (about 2 hams per 1000 people), more than at any other point in history.  Despite the rise of computer games and the internet, Ham Radio is more popular than ever before, and is a critical part of America’s response to emergencies and disaster recovery.

CLASSES

Twice a year, NCRC offers formal instruction for those interested in obtaining the first license (Technician) or upgrades.  There are usually six classes of 2.5 hours each, followed by an exam, then a final get together to discuss on-air operation of hand-held radios for new hams.

As of October 2024, there is no planned class.  You can still indicate your interest in a future class by registering here: :  PLEASE ADD YOUR INFORMATION HERE

As of October 2024, there is no planned class.  It is anticipated that a 9 week long formal General class will be made available sometime in later winter 2025.  If you are interested please register here: PLEASE ADD YOUR INFORMATION HERE

OBTAIN YOUR “FRN” NUMBER

The FCC is no longer accepting Social Security numbers on applications for new licenses.  You MUST obtain a FRN number from the FCC, which you will need to register for your exam.  Hams with existing licenses can find their FRN on their license or check with the FCC.  When you establish your FRN you MUST keep track of your user name and password as you will need that in the future.  PLEASE OBTAIN YOUR FRN BY FOLLOWING THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

EXAMS

For people who study on their own and are seeking an exam, the Newport County Radio Club holds quarterly Volunteer Examination Sessions.  Unless otherwise noted exam sessions are held at the Middletown Police Department Kempenaar Family Room, 123 Valley Road.  All sessions require advance registrations (no walk-ins) and typically start at 10:00 AM.  Register by clicking on the appropriate date ‘link’ below AND then continue scrolling down to pay for the exam.

Exam sessions will be held on the second Saturday of the quarter on the following dates.  Please click the link to register for the exam

• December 14, 2024

Exams are administered electronically using HamStudy.org tools.

Upon registering, you will receive an email with a registration confirmation and a PIN that you must bring with you on exam day. You must also bring a photo ID on exam day.

PAY FOR EXAM

To avoid passing cash or check around, we ask that you pay for your exam online BEFORE the test date.  Note you do NOT have to have a PayPal account to use this, just a credit card.

IF YOU NEED A PRINTED COPY OF A 605 FORM

When you use the electronic registration and register for an electronic exam, you will not need a 605 form, but if you need one for some other reason, you can obtain one when you  Click here to fill in and print an electronic copy of your 605 FORM.

COPIES OF LICENSE

For those of you with a license, you can request a printed copy of your license (no longer automatically mailed, you have to request one), obtain an “Official Copy” that you can print yourself, or handle administrative issues like a change of address or renewal using the FCC’s Universal License System (ULS).  To use the ULS you will need your FRN number (which you can find by searching for your license), and your password.  If you have never used the ULS system before you can sign-up and establish your password.

More information on obtaining an official copy of your license can be found here: http://www.arrl.org/obtain-license-copy

Information on renewing an existing license can be found here: http://www.arrl.org/call-sign-renewals-or-changes

For more information on Amateur Radio in general, see the ARRL, the National Association for Amateur Radio.