NYC license test

[Blindshooter]

I'm interested in getting my license to use the civillian radios. Does anyone know where I can take the test,how difficult it is, how much it cost? Thanks in advance for the info and sorry if this question has already been posted.

 

[mmckenna]

What kind of "civilian" license are you referring to?

There are a couple of options. For most of us, that would be either an Amateur Radio license or a General Mobile Radio Service License.

Amateur radio is the only one of those that requires a test.

The test is easy. 35 question multiple choice. There are a number of ways to study for the test. Some good options are:
American Radio Relay League. They have some good online resources: ARRL | Licensing, Education & Training | Getting on the Air
Local amateur radio clubs. You can either search for them, or I'm sure someone on this site can point you to a local club.
Several on line sources for sample tests and subject material.

There are a couple of approaches to getting your license. Which one works best for you will depend on what your learning style is. Some learn best by reading. Some learn best by doing. Some learn best by being shown. There are options that meet all of those.
Amateur radio clubs will sometime do classes that will run through the basic material and let you take a few practice tests before taking the "real" one.
Lots of sources on line that will either teach you the subject material, or, allow you to take a practice test over and over again until you feel comfortable enough to pass.
There are also "Ham Cram" sessions that give you all the answers. You read them over and over again until you know the answers.

The trick is to find the one that works the best for you. Also, the license basically opens the door, it doesn't teach you everything, just some of the basics. There's some required knowledge about the FCC rules that you'd need to understand, as well as operating practices, etc.

Also, getting a scanner and listening in to some local traffic will let you learn how some of it works.

The subject matter isn't super difficult. It's a mix of basic radio technology, frequencies, terminology, rules, etc. My wife has her license and she's not a technical person at all.

Finding someone local that can start you down the path might be a good choice. Start by contacting the local amateur radio clubs in your area and see if they can assist. Not all of them offer training/license testing, so patience is key.

Good luck, and I'm sure you'll get some good local input from others on this site.

 

[Blindshooter]

Thanks for the information! What is the difference between ''amateur and general''?

 

[nd5y]

Thanks for the information! What is the difference between ''amateur and general''?

Amateur radio requires passing a written test to get a license and allows you unlimited frequencies on many bands.

GMRS (not to be cofnfused with general class amateur radio license) doesn't require a written test, you just apply and pay for a license. You only get to use a few channelized frequencies in one UHF band.

Read these:
https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/amateur-radio-service

https://www.fcc.gov/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs

 

[mmckenna]

Thanks for the information! What is the difference between ''amateur and general''?

Tom said it well.

GMRS is channelized and fairly rigid in what you can do. It's a great way for families to communicate. One license covers your entire family. A great resource for those that don't want to dive into the technical stuff and just want to communicate. Only UHF band, 8 primary channels and some lower power channels. Requirements on the equipment are a bit more strict.

Amateur is different. A lot more freedom with what you can do. Lots of spectrum available, more types of transmissions/modes, data, voice, video, pictures, text, GPS location, experimental stuff. Each person is required to have their own license. Amateur is a great way to make random contacts with people. It's more geared towards that.

GMRS, on the other hand, tends to be less useful for random contacts.

If you are looking to take up radio as a hobby, get your amateur license, it opens up a whole lot more possibilities.