I completed a very busy term at the University of Oregon during which I assisted in teaching two courses. One course was Mechanical Earth, instructed by Meredith Townsend and the other Environmental Sensors, instructed by Joe Dufek. Ten weeks pass very quickly when one is busy with grading and helping students with assignments and labs.
During the term I was given an opportunity to attend amateur radio classes hosted by licensed operators. I found the material to be very elementary and easy to digest. I took and passed the Federal Communications Commission entry-level technician license exam. It contained only 35 questions. There was ample time to answer all of the questions plus sufficient time for review. Exam security was fairly impressive. There were four proctors.
Over the coming weeks I will begin studying for the general license exam. I understand that some of the material will be a review of the technician license knowledge and I anticipate that it will not be overly difficult to learn. The exam is also 35 questions.
These FCC licenses are only open to U.S. citizens. The National Association for Amateur Radio has guides for getting started with obtaining a license for any U.S. citizen who wishes to get started. Exam fees are fairly minimal, perhaps $20 or less. Starting equipment can be purchased for less than $200.