Testing

Get your FRN and then signup at Hamstudy

To get your FCC Registration Number (FRN), you must register a username on the FCC CORES portal and then submit an application form to generate your unique 10-digit number.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires an FRN before you can take an amateur radio exam or apply for a license.

1. Create an FCC CORES Account

  • Visit the official FCC CORES Login Page.
  • Click the Register button under the "Need a Username?" section.
  • Enter your primary email address and create a secure password.
  • Check your email inbox for a verification link from the FCC and click it to activate your account.

2. Register for Your FRN

  • Return to the FCC CORES Portal and log in with your newly verified email and password.
  • Click the main option labeled Register New FRN.
  • Choose An Individual when prompted for your entity type.
  • Select Yes if your primary address is within the United States (or choose your respective location).

3. Complete the Personal Information Form

  • Fill in your legal name, physical address, and contact information.
  • Provide your Social Security Number (SSN), which is required by federal law to verify your identity.
  • Click Submit once you have verified that all information matches your official government ID.

4. Save Your FRN

  • Your unique 10-digit FRN will instantly display on the confirmation screen.
  • Write this number down and save the confirmation page as a PDF.
  • Bring this number to your HamStudy.org testing session, as it replaces your SSN on all amateur radio test forms to protect your privacy.

 

1. Create a Free Account

  • Go to the official HamStudy website.
  • Click Log in / Register in the top right corner.
  • Creating an account is free and essential for saving your historical progress.

2. Choose Your License Class

Select the specific exam you want to study for:

  • Technician: The entry-level U.S. license required for all beginners.
  • General: The mid-tier level that unlocks long-distance HF privileges.
  • Extra: The highest tier, granting full access to all amateur frequencies.

3. Select a Study Method

The platform offers three main dynamic study modes:

  • Study Flash Cards: The most efficient mode. It utilizes an intelligent algorithm that automatically tracks which concepts you struggle with and repeats them more frequently. [1, 2]
  • Read Questions: Allows you to browse the entire pool by sub-element category. You can check explanations for individual answers or hide incorrect options to focus on memorizing the right ones. [1, 2, 3, 4]
  • Practice Exams: Fully simulated, timed 35-question practice tests that mirror the actual Volunteer Examiner testing environment.

4. Practice Until You Meet the Benchmark

  • Dedicate roughly 30 to 60 minutes a day for roughly two weeks.
  • Keep studying until your practice exams regularly score 80% or higher (a 74% score is required to pass the real exam).
  • Supplement your study with free comprehensive text guides at HamBook.org if you need help understanding specific radio concepts.

5. Find and Schedule Your Exam

  • Once you are consistently passing, click the Find a Session tab directly on HamStudy.org.
  • You can easily filter for local, in-person testing options or completely remote online exams conducted via Zoom.