Online Class: Ham Radio 101
We're sorry, this course is no longer open for enrollment.
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15Lessons
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32Exams &
Assignments -
13Hours
average time -
1.3CEUs
Course Description
For nearly one hundred years, ham radio has been a part of many people's lives and it is a part of American technological history. Over that time, with the many advances in technology, it has grown into a community that spans the globe, comprising many millions of operators, or "hams," as they are called. For some it is a hobby, and for many it is a profession. As you will learn in this comprehensive course, the ham radio community is one of the most diverse communities of enthusiasts in the world. Regardless of age, background, technological ability, or training, there are countless opportunities for ham radio operators to get involved within their community.
The practice of ham radio operation began mainly as a hobby for many people, but there are also many professional uses for the technology, with operators providing many services such as emergency communications. Through the advances of the Internet, lasers, and microwave transmitters, today's ham radio operators are making contact with people in greater numbers than ever before. In fact, the use of a ham radio can enable a private citizen to have one of the most powerful wireless communications devices possible. It opens up a wide variety of opportunities for both amusement and professional endeavors.
This course will enable you to learn both basic and advanced concepts in ham radio operation as well as guiding you through the logistical and legal process of obtaining your own license and setting up your own in-home radio station, or "shack."
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Introduction to Ham Radio
Lesson discussions: Ham Radio Course
Complete Assignment: An Introduction
Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 1: Introduction to Ham Radio
Lesson 2: Ham Radio Technology
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 2: Ham Radio Technology
Lesson 3: Ham Radio Organizations
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 3: Ham Radio Organizations
Lesson 4: The Licensing Process
Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 4: The Licensing Process
Lesson 5: Obtaining Your Own License
Lesson discussions: Licensing
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 5: Obtaining Your Own License
Lesson 6: Contacting Other Operators
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 6: Contacting Other Operators
Lesson 7: Making Your First Call
Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 7: Making Your First Call
Lesson 8: Operating as a Hobby: Casual Contact
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 8: Operating as a Hobby: Casual Contact
Lesson 9: Operating as a Hobby: Ham Etiquette
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 9: Operating as a Hobby: Ham Etiquette
Lesson 10: Professional Operation
Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 10: Professional Operation
Lesson 11: Two Specializations: DX and QRP
Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 11: Two Specializations: DX and QRP
Lesson 12: Digital and Satellite Transmissions and Radio Contests
Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 12: Digital and Satellite Transmissions and Radio Contests
Lesson 13: Selecting Radio Equipment
Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 13: Selecting Radio Equipment
Lesson 14: Selecting Antennas and Computers
Complete: Lesson 14 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 14: Selecting Antennas and Computers
Lesson 15: Setting up and Maintaining a Shack
Lesson discussions: Final Course Poll - Your Opinion; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 15: Setting up and Maintaining a Shack
Assessment: The Final Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Describe what exactly is ham radio.
- Describe ham radio technology.
- Describe ham radio organizations.
- Describe the licensing process.
- Summarize contacting other operators.
- Demonstrate making your first call.
- Describe professional operation.
- Summarize digital and satellite transmissions and radio contests.
- Identify selecting radio equipment.
- Describe what to look for when selecting antennas and computers.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Student Testimonials
- "Good stuff especially for new course!" -- Kyle B.
- "This course was very enjoyable to take." -- Frank R.