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All about Field Day!
What is Field Day?
Not a contest, not exactly an EmComm drill, not quite a Special Event?
 The ARRL Field Day is one of the biggest events in ham radio. It's always held on the 4th full weekend in June, which happens to be June 28-29 this year. The ARRL insists it’s not a contest — but it sure feels like one! Teams across North America set up temporary stations, try to make as many contacts as possible in 24 hours, and test their ability to operate under emergency-like conditions. It’s not a contest, not exactly an EmComm drill, and not quite a special event, either. But it is a lot of fun!
If you’ve experienced Field Day, how would you describe it?
Get on the Air — Even if You Never Have
Field Day is also the perfect opportunity for newcomers to experience HF for the first time. Most clubs set up a GOTA (“Get On The Air”) station specifically for inactive hams, new licensees, or even unlicensed guests. Under the guidance of a seasoned control operator, you’ll get hands-on experience making real HF contacts. It’s a great opportunity for new hams to get radioactive!
Why Upgrade to Extra?
Here’s something you might not realize: While most clubs use an Extra class call sign for Field Day, each control operator is bound by the privileges of their own license. If you only have a Technician license, you'll be restricted to a crowded segment of the 10-meter band unless someone else is willing to act as control operator for you, constantly monitoring and supervising your activity. If you're a General, you're stuck in the overcrowded General segments.
However, once you reach Extra, you can be the control operator on all amateur frequencies — not just for yourself, but for others who need your help.
So, upgrade to Extra, get on the air, help others, and most of all, have fun. That’s what Field Day is all about!
Can I get the Extra in less than a month?
Yes! In fact, our most successful students are the ones who use “burst” mode, cramming all their studies into a short period, ideally less than a month.
No matter where you're starting, with the ARRL Field Day still a month away, there’s plenty of time to get to Extra:
See how Brandon went from Technician to Extra in 22 days.
See how Dustin went from General to Extra in 11 days (once he got serious about it).
See how Greg went from Zero to Extra in 15 days.
Upgrade for Field Day!
25% discount on the Extra course between now and Field Day!
I'm ready for Field Day!To upgrade to Extra in a month (or less):
- First, choose your exam session. Remember, once you receive your Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) at your exam session, you can use your new privileges immediately. You could take the exam on Field Day morning, go directly to your local Field Day, and exercise your new privileges that same day! (This only applies to upgrades. If you are currently unlicensed, plan to take the exam several days before Field Day, as you cannot act as a control operator until your new call sign appears in the FCC database. Otherwise, you'll be limited to operating the GOTA station only.)
- Purchase the course(s) you need to get to Extra. Our Extra course is 25% off between now and Field Day! Or, if your previous Extra course subscription has expired, our new 1-month renewal is just $12.50!
- Follow our Study Tips to get the most out of your study time.
- Click Study, hit it hard, and reach a score of at least 85% in the course by your exam session.
Note: The NCVEC is not changing any question pools this year, so you don't need to worry about timing your exam around a changeover.
Upgrade to Extra today, and help your local club with Field Day!
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