How to Study for Your Ham Radio Exam

Studying for Your Ham Radio License

The good news: all exam questions come from a public question pool. You're literally studying the test questions themselves.

Best Free Study Resources

HamStudy.org

The gold standard for free ham radio exam prep.

• Adaptive learning shows you questions you need to work on
• Tracks your progress
• Practice exams simulate the real test
• Completely free

ARRL Resources

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) publishes official study guides.

• Available at arrl.org or Amazon
• Comprehensive explanations of concepts
• Good if you want to truly understand the material

YouTube

Great video resources include:

• Ham Radio Crash Course
• W4EEY videos
• Dave Casler (KE0OG)

Study Strategies

The Quick Method (1-2 weeks)

Best for Technician or if you just want to pass:

Go to hamstudy.org

Study by topic until each section shows 80%+

Take practice exams until you consistently score 85%+

Schedule your exam

This works because the actual exam uses the same questions you've been studying.

The Thorough Method (4-6 weeks)

Best if you want to actually understand the material:

Read through a study guide (ARRL or Gordon West)

Watch YouTube explanations for confusing topics

Use hamstudy.org to reinforce what you've learned

Take practice exams

The Immersive Method

For the dedicated:

Get a radio and start listening before you're licensed

Join a local ham radio club

Find an Elmer (mentor) to help you learn

Study the material while experiencing the hobby

Tips for Each License Class

Technician

• Focus on regulations and safety
• Don't stress too much about the math
• Most questions are straightforward
• Study time: 10-20 hours typically

General

• More technical than Technician
• Pay attention to propagation and band characteristics
• Some formulas to memorize (or recognize)
• Study time: 15-30 hours typically

Extra

• Most technical exam
• Circuit analysis and antenna theory
• More math involved
• Study time: 30-50 hours typically

Taking the Exam

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID
• Your current license (if upgrading)
• FRN (FCC Registration Number) - get this beforehand at fcc.gov
• Pen or pencil
• Basic calculator (if allowed)
• Exam fee (usually $0-15, plus $35 FCC application fee)

What to Expect

• Exams are given by Volunteer Examiners (VEs)
• Available in-person or online
• Multiple choice, paper or computer
• Results usually immediate
• Can take multiple exams in one session

If You Don't Pass

• Don't worry! You can retake it
• Some sessions let you retest the same day
• Review the questions you missed
• Many people don't pass on the first try

After You Pass

Your call sign will appear in the FCC database within days

Once it's in the database, you can legally transmit

Consider joining ARRL and a local club

Get on the air!

Recommended Study Schedule

Week 1: Read through material, watch videos Week 2: Practice questions on hamstudy.org Week 3: Take practice exams, review weak areas Week 4: Final review and exam day

Adjust based on your target license and available time.