Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2022-2026 Question Pool | Topic: T1A
T1A04T1A

How many operator/primary station license grants may be held by any one person?

Deep Dive: T1A04

The correct answer is A: One. According to FCC Part 97.17, any one person may hold only one operator/primary station license grant. This is a fundamental rule of amateur radio licensing that prevents individuals from holding multiple primary licenses simultaneously. The intent of this rule is to maintain the integrity of the licensing system and ensure that each operator has a single identity in the amateur radio service. Your operator license is tied to your primary station license, and together they form one license grant. If you want to operate from multiple locations, you don't need multiple licenses - your single license allows you to operate from any location where you have permission to set up your station. The only exception is that you may hold multiple club station licenses, but you can only have one personal operator/primary station license.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option B: Incorrect. The FCC does not allow any person to hold more than one operator/primary station license grant, regardless of the number. Option C: Incorrect. You don't need separate licenses for different bands. Your single license grants you privileges on all bands appropriate to your license class (Technician, General, or Extra). Option D: Incorrect. You don't need separate licenses for different locations. Your single license allows you to operate portable or mobile from any location where you have permission.

Exam Tip

One person = one operator/primary license. This is a simple rule: you get one license that covers all bands and all locations. Don't overthink it - the answer is always 'one' for personal licenses.

Memory Aid

**O**ne person = **O**ne license (think 'OO' for 'One Operator, One license')

Real-World Example

You're a Technician licensee with call sign KA1BC. You operate from your home station, from your car while mobile, and from a friend's house during Field Day. You don't need separate licenses for each location - your single operator/primary station license covers all of these operations. If you upgrade to General class, you still have just one license, but with expanded privileges on HF bands.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool

Subelement: T1A

Reference: FCC Part 97.17

Key Concepts

FCC Part 97.17 Operator license Primary station license Single license grant

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T1A topic.