License upgrade
Technician → General class
General unlocks most HF phone and data privileges — the license most emcomm operators target after Technician. This page is your study and operating bridge.
You can stop at Technician. County ARES, SKYWARN, and club nets on 2m/70cm do not require General. Upgrade when your served agency or regional liaison role needs HF — not as a default second exam.
- Confirm goal: Technician covers VHF/UHF emcomm; General adds 160–10 m HF for regional nets and Winlink. Extra is optional unless you need 60 m or full privileges.
- Study daily: General & Extra quiz + band plan — 15–20 minutes. Use exam prep bundle for rules and theory.
- Practice exams: HamStudy.org until you pass consistently at 85%+.
- Book VE session: ARRL exam search — you can take General the same day you pass Technician if you bring both fees.
- After upgrade: Open the General operator hub — NVIS, propagation, Winlink, and TN Phone Net references.
- HF antenna reality: Wire dipole or end-fed on 40 m is enough to start — use antenna calculator and NVIS advisor.