Getting a ham radio licensed used to require you to learn morse code and a lot of technical electronic information. Exams were only given by the FCC . Today you no longer have a code requirement and the questions to the exams are provided for you online. Exams are given by local Ham Radio clubs. A simple 2 meter radio is cheap and the range much greater than some of the free service rigs. You might even enjoy communication with other hams. I have enjoyed the hobby for over 30+ years and still do. Forgive me for suggesting amateur radio, but I could not resist the opportunity to toot my horn.
Check out:
www.arrl.org
Lemmon