Classes

Technician License Course

Our weekend Technician License courses have been very successful! Since 2007, when SCRA started the weekend course format, over 250 people have obtained their amateur radio license.

Unlike cell phones and family radio service (FRS) walkie-talkies, the amateur radio service is available only to qualified applicants, so you need to prepare ahead of the examination.  Our course will give you the background to understand and enjoy amateur radio!

The Technician License exam covers basic rules, operating practices and radio theory and must be passed in order to obtain your amateur radio license. You should expect to be successful with this entry level test if you prepare in the weeks before the course. The study material is not difficult but needs to be studied before you attend our course and take the test.

Cost

The course is free and all the instructors are volunteers.

There are two fees involved in actually obtaining a license: a $15 Volunteer Examiner testing fee and a $35 FCC licensing fee (only due after successfully passing the exam).

Course Format

Our course spans Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Friday evening class times are from 6PM until 9PM, then Saturday from 8AM until 5PM and Sunday 8AM until 2:30PM. Location and directions to the course will be given to registered students.

You can find upcoming courses listed in the sidebar to the right.

We hold an exam session at the end of our weekend courses. If you want to take the examination without going through the course then check our VE Exam schedule.

Study Guide

We strongly recommend you get started with preparation as soon as you can! Students studying the material prior to the course have a much better chance of passing the exam. We use and recommend the Gordon West Technician Class Study Guide, 2026-2030 edition.

Visit our Store for details on purchasing a Technician Class study guide after enrolling in one of our technician courses.

Nearly every one of our students passes the Technician License exam on their first attempt. Our method works!

Registration

You MUST register for this course ahead of time! Begin this process by sending an email to Kathy KM6URP at education@sonomacountyradioamateurs.com.

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License Upgrade

For SCRA club members, self-study 1-on-1 mentor assistance is available; mentors for SCRA members desiring to upgrade to general class or amateur extra class are available to help. Contact Kathy KM6URP (education@sonomacountyradioamateurs.com) for further details.

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We look forward to hearing from you!

Kathy Spicher KM6URP
Education Committee Chair
education@sonomacountyradioamateurs.com