A General class amateur radio license is the middle level of three amateur radio operator licenses in the United States. It gives you access to most amateur radio bands and operating modes, including a broader range of HF (high frequency) bands compared to the entry-level Technician license.
To get a General license, you must have already passed the Technician test.
Like with the Technician license, you’ll need to pass a 35-question multiple-choice test. However, the General exam covers more in-depth topics like electrical principles, antennas, propagation, and digital communications. It also covers more operating procedures and rules specific to HF operations. These things will help you understand more about amateur radio and on-the-air operation.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re currently a Technician class license holder, you might ask whether it’s worth studying for and passing the General class exam. While the Technician class is great for learning the basics of amateur radio, it can feel a bit limiting when you want to explore other modes or experiment with more advanced technologies.
Upgrading to General class expands your capabilities, grants more privileges, and deepens your involvement in ham radio activities.
A more robust knowledge of topics like antenna design, propagation, power output, and circuit components will not only make you a more competent operator but will also improve your ability to troubleshoot problems, optimize your station, and understand the mechanics behind how radio waves travel. It can also help you gain a greater appreciation for the technical side of the hobby. You’ll find new interests, such as experimenting with antennas, building your own equipment, or participating in some out-of-this-world activities like moonbounce (Earth-Moon-Earth/EME) communications.
Upgrading your license also brings a feeling of accomplishment. The increased privileges and knowledge you gain with this upgrade can inspire you to continue advancing in the hobby or even pursue the top licensing level, Extra class.
What’s in It for Me?
The main advantage of upgrading from the Technician to General class is the additional bands you can operate on. Generals can transmit on two new longwave bands below the AM broadcast band as well as ten HF bands that allow worldwide communications in various modes.
That means you’ll have access to more than 83% of all amateur HF frequencies.
These bands also provide the possibility of DXing—long-distance communication. DXing is often considered one of the most exciting aspects of amateur radio since it allows you to make contacts with people around the world. DXing involves understanding various factors—such as band conditions, solar cycles, and antenna setups—to establish successful communication.
Go on Your Own Power Trip.
While Techs are limited to 200 watts on HF, Generals can transmit with up to 1,500 watts PEP on the HF bands. That’s a lot of power! Sometimes it can make the difference between being heard—or not. You can also use all transmit modes available to amateurs, including digital, SSTV, and sideband.
General class licensees have access to all amateur bands and most of the frequencies in each. If you are interested in providing emergency communications, having access to most HF bands is necessary so that you can pass or receive messages, taking advantage of the propagation at various times on each band.
During disaster situations, amateur HF communications can get through without failure—with the help of amateurs like you.
Having a General class lets you participate in special events, contests, and activities exclusive to General and higher-class licensees. For those interested in competitive operating, the HF bands are where major contests take place. Upgrading will make you eligible to participate in these exciting and challenging events.
Ham radio builds a sense of community, with operators often joining local clubs, participating in national and international contests, or providing vital communications during regional disasters. Whether you’re interested in making new friends, providing emergency communications, or experimenting with radio technology, a General class license offers a way to take a leap forward in the hobby.
Are You In?
Ham radio has been called the world’s greatest hobby because it’s so vast in scope and consists of dozens, if not hundreds, of offshoot hobbies. You could explore ham radio for most of your life and still not sample all it has to offer. Obtaining your General class license opens the doors to a world of experiences, which continue to expand with technological improvements.
Upgrading to the General class offers many benefits for amateur radio operators ready to take their involvement to the next level. With more frequency access, the ability to experiment with different communication methods, and an increased understanding of radio theory, a General class license opens up possibilities not available with a Tech license. Whether you’re interested in long-distance communication, contesting, or technical experimentation, upgrading to General class will give you the tools and privileges to take your amateur radio experience to new heights.
Sure, getting your General class license will take a bit of effort—but you have a lot of support available.
Local ham radio clubs may offer classes for Techs who want to upgrade to General. Go to the ARRL website and search to find one near you. Some clubs operate classes through Zoom and can serve amateurs many miles away. Our local club in Ohio had class participants as far away as Mississippi and Florida last year.
Self-study materials are available as well. DX Engineering has a variety of study guides available for General, as well as Tech and Extra licensing. There are also free and paid courses available online—use your favorite search engine to find ham radio courses that will help build your knowledge and confidence.
Editor’s Note: Not a ham yet? Although not as expansive as a General license, there are a lot of exciting activities you can do with a Technician license. Read about some of them here.
