Question T1C08
From subelement T1 - T1C
What is the normal term for an FCC-issued amateur radio license?
Why is this correct?
Amateur radio licenses are issued for ten years under Part 97.25. This standardized term applies to all license classes (Technician, General, Amateur Extra) currently available. The other durations are incorrect: five and eight years have never been FCC terms for amateur licenses, and amateur licenses are not lifetime grants like some other professional licenses.
Memory tip
License terms follow a decade pattern for administrative efficiency. Remember that amateur radio licensing mirrors many professional licenses in using 10-year cycles, making renewal tracking manageable for both operators and the FCC while ensuring periodic contact with licensees.
Learn more
The ten-year license term supports the FCC's regulatory framework by ensuring periodic database updates and contact verification. During each renewal cycle, operators must maintain current email addresses per Part 97 requirements. This term balances administrative burden with regulatory oversight, allowing sufficient time for skill development while ensuring licensees remain engaged with evolving amateur radio service regulations and technical standards.
Think about it
Why do you think the FCC chose a ten-year term rather than a shorter or longer period for amateur radio licenses?