The Novice and Technician licenses are the first steps on the ham radio ladder. Higher classes of licenses are a little more difficult to earn.

Novice License: Must be able to receive Morse Code at five words per minute and pass a 30-question written test on ham radio rules, operating practices and basic electronics.

Technician License: Must pass a written test that covers electronics and operating practices at frequencies above "short wave." With this license comes full amateur privileges, including permission to operate on the popular "two-meter" repeaters. By passing the same Morse Code test as for a Novice License, you get Novice privileges, too.

General Class License: Must know Morse Code at 13 words per minute and pass a written test. Privileges include voice privileges on all shortwave ham bands for round-the- world communications.

Advanced Class License: Must pass test covering advanced electronics. No Morse Code test if you already have a general license. This license practically doubles the shortwave frequencies available to you for voice contacts.

Amateur Extra Class License: Must pass a 20- word-per-minute Morse Code test and a written exam. This license gives you all operating privileges on all amateur frequencies, along with certain frequencies reserved just for you and your fellow Extras.