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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.