I received a simple paper form FCC permit at my (US) flight academy back then when doing the PPL SEL. Without any special examination or similar aside from doing the comms during flight training IIRC.
Had proudly done some german aviation wireless certificate before, that took like half a year of theory classes and some strict "role-play" examination at the federal communications authority. Still, we did not see, touch or use any real airband radio during all that time!