📚 Licensing & Education
Ready to get your ham radio license? Already licensed and want to upgrade? LARC can help at every step.
Amateur Radio License Classes
Technician
Entry LevelYour first license. 35-question exam. Privileges on all amateur bands above 30 MHz including 2m and 70cm. Perfect for local repeaters, emergency comms, and satellite.
General
HF Access35-question exam + hold Technician. Unlocks most HF privileges — talk to the world on 40m, 20m, 15m, 10m, and more. Required for DX chasing.
Amateur Extra
Top Class50-question exam + hold General. Full HF privileges on all bands and sub-bands including exclusive CW and phone segments. The highest amateur license.
Upcoming VE Testing Sessions
LARC hosts Volunteer Examiner (VE) testing sessions for Technician, General, and Amateur Extra exams. Use the live ARRL search below to find current sessions — dates are always up to date, no manual edits needed.
Study Resources
🌐 HamStudy.org
The most popular free online study tool. Flashcard-style drilling with performance tracking. Available on web and as a mobile app. Highly recommended for all license classes.
📚 ARRL License Manuals
Official ARRL study guides for Technician, General, and Extra class. Excellent if you want deep explanations alongside the question pool.
📝 Ham Radio Prep
Video-based study course with practice exams. Well-rated for visual learners. Free practice exams available; full course requires purchase.
🎥 KB6NU’s No-Nonsense Guides
Free downloadable study guides for Technician, General, and Extra. Focused and concise — no filler. Great supplement to the official manuals.
📱 QRZ.com Practice Exams
Full-length simulated exams drawn from the official question pool. Track your score over time and see which topic areas need work.
💬 Ask an Elmer
LARC’s Elmer program pairs you with an experienced operator for one-on-one study help, equipment questions, and getting on the air for the first time.
After You Pass Your Exam
🔑 FCC License Lookup
Your callsign is usually issued within 1–2 business days. Look it up at the FCC Universal Licensing System before you transmit.
📻 Program Your Radio
Get on our 147.270 MHz repeater (100 Hz PL tone) and check in to the Monday Night Net. Your Elmer or any LARC member can help you get programmed up.
🤝 Join LARC
New hams get a warm welcome at LARC. Meetings are the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. Membership is $20/year.
Continuing Education & Club Programs
Getting licensed is just the beginning. LARC offers ongoing programs to help you grow as an operator:
🏕️ POTA & SOTA Activations
Parks on the Air and Summits on the Air group activations. Learn field antenna setup, portable operating, and logging. Great for all license classes.
🔊 Nets & On-Air Practice
Regular check-in nets give new hams low-pressure practice. Monday Night Net on 147.270 MHz. Digital nets on various modes.
🏆 Contesting
LARC operates as W0ENO in Field Day and other contests. A great way to practice rapid logging, antenna switching, and working stations nationwide.
🚨 EmComm / BCARES
Emergency communications training with Boulder County ARES. Practical, real-world skills that prepare you to help your community when it matters most.
Ready to start your journey? Connect with our Elmer program or show up to a club meeting — we’d love to help!