# Amateur Radio License Classes

Amateur radio — **ham** radio — requires passing a written examination. There are
three current US license classes, each granting more spectrum.

## Technician

The entry class. **35 questions**, and it grants full privileges on all amateur
bands above 30 MHz, which covers the 2 meter and 70 centimeter bands most
handhelds use. Limited HF privileges on 10 meters and small CW segments.

## General

**35 questions** beyond Technician. Opens most of the HF spectrum, which is what
makes long-distance and over-the-horizon communication possible.

## Amateur Extra

**50 questions**. Grants the remaining HF segments, mostly the lower portions of
each band where the DX contests live.

There is **no Morse code requirement** for any current US class; that was dropped
in 2007.

## Emergency use

Any station may use any means of radiocommunication at its disposal in a genuine
emergency involving immediate safety of life or property. That provision exists
for real emergencies, not for skipping the exam.