Join us to learn more about HAM radio and obtain your technician license. Before you can get on the air, you need to be licensed and know the rules to operate legally. U.S. licenses are good for 10 years before renewal and anyone may hold one except a representative of a foreign government. In the United States there are three license classes – Technician, General and Extra. The entry-level license (Technician) is all that is necessary for local routine and emergency communications. Once you obtain your Technician license, you will officially be a HAM radio operator. Then you can decide if you would like to move up to the additional privileges of the General and Extra license classes.