Amateur Radio has 3 license levels: Technician This is the entry level to the amateur service. Technicians have full access to all amateur frequencies of 50 MHz and above. They participate in local communications and emergency and public services. General General class operators have all the privileges of the Technician class plus limited frequencies below 30 MHz. Amateur Extra Extra class operators enjoy all privileges availabe on all frequencies allocated to the amateur service PEARL regularly holds Technician class license preparation courses. Whenever there are enough Technician class licensees who wish to upgrade their skill level, a General class license preparation course is held. Likewise, when there are enough General class hams who wish to upgrade their skills, an Amateur Extra license preparation course is held. These free courses are led by a team of knowledgeable Amateur Radio Operators from PEARL. They are usually held at the Bureau of Emergency Services, 112 Old Route 6, Carmel, NY on 5 consecutive Saturdays. The course hours usually run from 9:00 AM till 12:00 Noon. The last sessions have the FCC test administered by ARRL volunteer examiners. There currently is a $15 charge for the test and you must bring 2 copies of Photo Id. These courses are open to all, if you or someone you know would like to get an FCC Amateur Radio license or upgrade your current license, please let us know by filling out our contact PEARL form and selecting Amateur Radio Classes as the subject. A list of planned courses follows: