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General Class Overview – Requirements, Exam Details & Operating Privileges

The General Class license is the next major step for amateur radio operators who have earned their Technician license and want expanded access to the HF bands. General licensees gain the ability to participate in long-distance communication across multiple HF bands, take part in contests, run digital modes, and explore a wide range of operating opportunities not available to Technicians.

Eligibility & Upgrade Requirements

To upgrade to the General Class license, an operator must:

  • Hold a valid Technician Class license or have recently passed the Technician exam
  • Pass the General exam (Element 3)
  • Maintain an FCC Registration Number (FRN)
  • Follow all FCC regulations in Part 97

No Morse code testing is required for General Class licensing.

Exam Structure – Element 3

The General exam consists of:

  • 35 multiple-choice questions
  • A passing score of 26 correct answers (74%)
  • Topics including:
    • Advanced operating practices
    • HF propagation and band characteristics
    • Antennas and feedline theory
    • More in-depth electronic principles
    • Safety and station equipment requirements

HF Operating Privileges

General Class operators receive access to the majority of the HF spectrum, including voice, data, CW, and digital modes across several bands:

  • 160 meters: All modes
  • 80 meters: Most voice, CW, and digital segments
  • 60 meters: 5 channels (USB only)
  • 40 meters: Large phone and CW segments
  • 30 meters: CW and data only
  • 20 meters: One of the most popular DX bands
  • 17 meters: Phone, CW, and digital segments
  • 15 meters: Full access including SSB voice
  • 12 meters: Phone, CW, and digital segments
  • 10 meters: Full privileges (phone, CW, digital)

This expanded access allows reliable worldwide communication, contesting, and exploration of different propagation paths.

VHF/UHF Privileges

General Class operators retain all Technician privileges above 30 MHz, including:

  • 6 meters (50–54 MHz)
  • 2 meters (144–148 MHz)
  • 1.25 meters (219–225 MHz)
  • 70 centimeters (420–450 MHz)
  • Higher microwave bands

Popular Activities for General Class Licensees

  • Worldwide SSB voice contacts
  • Digital HF modes (FT8, RTTY, PSK)
  • DXing and awards (DXCC, WAS, WAZ)
  • HF contesting
  • Portable HF operation (POTA, SOTA)
  • Emergency communication networks (ARES, ACS, RACES)

Power Limits

General operators may use up to 1500 watts PEP on most HF bands, except where specific restrictions apply.

Upgrading to Amateur Extra

Many General operators eventually upgrade to Amateur Extra to gain full legal access to every amateur band and mode. Upgrading requires passing the Amateur Extra exam (Element 4).

Summary

The General Class license greatly expands an operator’s capabilities by opening the majority of the HF spectrum. It is ideal for operators who want to explore worldwide communication, digital modes, contesting, or advanced technical aspects of amateur radio. The General license marks a major milestone on the amateur radio journey.

Explore more guides in the Licensing & New Operators section to continue your progression through the Amateur Radio licensing structure.