Study, practice tests and then take the real test. There are 3 levels of license and they must be taken in order. Each offering additional capabilities.
Technician
General
Amateur Extra
Anyone can listen to transmissions by amateur radio but in order to transmit you must have a license.
Licenses are issued through the FCC after successful completion of an exam. There are three levels (Technician, General and Extra) and exams for each level.
Begin by studying. The exam will be 35 questions for Technician and General and 50 for Extra that are taken from a pool. You can study all the questions from the current pool and take practice exams. There are sites, apps and books that will help you in studying. There are also classes available to help you study.
When you are ready to take an exam you have a written exam that is multiple choice answers. Many radio clubs will offer testing. It is also available on-line.
Your license is issued by the FCC and the cost is $35. It must be renewed every 10 years. You must have a valid email for the FCC to email your license and call sign.
A free site to study and practice getting licensed is https://hamstudy.org/
Your local radio clubs will help you with licensing questions and testing. If you would like more information or have questions about licensing you can use our "Contact us" form.