I am currently a licsensed amateur radio operator. My callsign is KI4PZS, and the level of operation is called a Technician Plus. This means that I am only a begginer, but I also have Code ability in certain frequencies. I joined Amateur Radio mainly because I volunteer with the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and saw the need for more ARES Radio Operators, but I also joined because of the challenges ahead. In case communications go out because of a disaster, I will be ready to assist and provide vital communication for those who need it. Yet, if you like to have challenges thrown at you, and/or want an adventure of a life time, then I suggest you join!
Novice - This level is no longer issued, yet there are a few old ones out there that have this level. It was the very basic entry-level one could obtain.
Technician - Now the entry-level, technician allows you to communicate on the most commonly used bands. The exam is a easy 35-question multiple choice test, and most answers are the "obvious" and common knowledge is best.
Technician Plus - This is more of a half step and I say this because this means that you only have Morse Code certification. This allows you to operate on a few more bands with morse code, and is only valid for a year, unless you get your General. The exam is another easy test, you just listen to a 5 minute taped message, and write it down. You only need 25 charaters in a row to pass (punctuation, and numbers count as 2) If you do not get 25, then you only need to answer 7 out of 10 questions about the message.
General - This is the most sought level for most. You must have passed the Technician, and Morse Code to get here. When you have this rank, you have access to most bands. The exam is another 35-question multiple choice test, though it is more technical about amateur radio.
Amateur Extra - This is the top... once you have this, you are on all bands. Having this level means that you know most of your stuff on amateur radio. The exam is a rough 50-question multiple choice, and to take it you must have General!
QRZ - The Swiss ARMY Knife of Amateur Radio...Good for many things, has an on-line practic exam for all levels except Morse Code.
ARRL - The official site for Amateur Radio.
FCC - The Federal Communications Commission, has all the ruls and regulations you need to know.
American Red Cross - Need I explain this one?
K4TLH - My local Amateur Radio Club for Tallahassee, FL.
Capital Area Chapter - My local Red Cross Chapter.