The first step into amatuer radio is getting your license.

With your technician license you will be able to transmit on all VHF/UHF amatuer frequencies. You will also get some limited privledges on the HF bands. See the Frequency Chart Below

To get your license, you must pass the technician exam (element 2). This multiple choice exam is 35 questions that come from the 410 question pool.

There is no minimum age to take the exam and get a license. There is also no morse code knowledge requirement. You do not need to be a citizen to get a license. There is a $35 fee and a $15 test fee.

Amatuer licenses are good for 10 years.

There are currently 2 restrictions on getting an amatuer license:
1. Representatives of foreign governments
2. Those that have had their license revoked
*The FCC will ask if you have been convicted with a felony. The FCC reviews these applications and may allow exceptions.

Further reading: Ham radio Frequency Chart, Technician License Pool, Technician practice exams, Test with OTVARC, Upgrade Your License