Get Your Amateur Radio License with SLAARC
Amateur (Ham) Radio is a licensed service regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Wireless Communications Bureau. To transmit on amateur radio frequencies in the United States, you need an FCC license. There are three license levels:
- Technician Class
- General Class
- Amateur Extra Class
Licenses are earned in order. You start with Technician, then upgrade to General, then Amateur Extra. Each level gives you access to more frequencies and privileges.
SLAARC offers license testing through our volunteer exam team, accredited by the ARRL.
New Technicians: Pass your Technician exam with SLAARC and receive a free one-year club membership! If you pass between July 1 and December 31, your membership extends through the following year.
SLAARC Testing Sessions
Appointments are needed in order to test with SLAARC. To make an appointment please send an email to N8LEK.radio@gmail.com
Where: Witches Hat Depot Museum, 300 Dorothy St., South Lyon, MI 48178 (see map below)
When: See session dates below
Time: Arrive by 9:15 AM. Exam starts at 9:30 AM.
Cost: $15 per test session (cash only)
FCC Fee: $35 for new licenses, renewals, or callsign changes. This is paid directly to the FCC. We do not collect this fee.
2026 Sessions
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| January 24, 2026 | Witch’s Hat Depot Museum | 9:30 AM |
| February 21, 2026 | LARC Swap and Shop (Ward Church, Northville) – Walk-ins welcome! | 9:30 AM |
| March 21, 2026 | Witch’s Hat Depot Museum | 9:30 AM |
| April 25, 2026 | Witch’s Hat Depot Museum | 9:30 AM |
| May 23, 2026 | Witch’s Hat Depot Museum | 9:30 AM |
| June 20, 2026 | Witch’s Hat Depot Museum | 9:30 AM |
| July 25, 2026 | Witch’s Hat Depot Museum | 9:30 AM |
| August 22, 2026 | Witch’s Hat Depot Museum | 9:30 AM |
| September 19, 2026 | Witch’s Hat Depot Museum | 9:30 AM |
| October 24, 2026 | Witch’s Hat Depot Museum | 9:30 AM |
| November 21, 2026 | Witch’s Hat Depot Museum | 9:30 AM |
Before Exam Day
You must register for an FRN (FCC Registration Number) before your exam. The FCC no longer accepts Social Security Numbers on Form 605.
Register here: FCC CORES Registration System
What to Bring
Photo ID – Required
FRN Number – Required, get this before exam day
Pen, pencil, and eraser – Required
Calculator – Optional, non-programmable only (you will need to clear the memory)
$15 cash – Test fee
Upgrading to General or Extra? Also bring:
Current FCC license – Original and photocopy (wallet card is fine)
CSCEs – Copies of any Certificates of Successful Completion of Examination
Note: You can take more than one test per session, but you must pass them in order (Technician, then General, then Extra).
No age limit. Anyone can take the exam.
After Your Exam
Check your license status at the FCC License Search page. Enter your last name and state, then click “Search.” New licenses typically appear within two weeks. Verify your name and address are correct.