Your First Step into Amateur Radio

The Technician class license is the entry point for amateur radio in the United States. Administered by volunteer examiners under FCC oversight, the exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions drawn from a published question pool. You need to answer at least 26 correctly (74%)** to pass. There is no Morse code requirement.

Most motivated candidates pass after two to four weeks of consistent study. Here's how to do it efficiently.

What the Exam Covers

The Technician question pool is divided into ten subelements:

  1. T1 – FCC Rules: Licensing structure, station identification, prohibited communications, third-party traffic rules.
  2. T2 – Operating Procedures: Calling CQ, using repeaters, phonetic alphabet, emergency communications.
  3. T3 – Radio Wave Propagation: How VHF/UHF signals travel, line-of-sight, troposcatter, sporadic-E.
  4. T4 – Amateur Radio Practices: Station setup, grounding, RFI, computer interfaces.
  5. T5 – Electrical Principles: Ohm's law, AC/DC, power calculations, basic electronics.
  6. T6 – Electrical Components: Resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, integrated circuits.
  7. T7 – Station Equipment: Transceivers, antennas, SWR, feedlines, test equipment.
  8. T8 – Modulation and Modes: FM, SSB, AM, digital modes, satellite operation.
  9. T9 – Antennas and Feedlines: Antenna types, gain, polarization, coaxial cable, connectors.
  10. T0 – Safety: Electrical safety, RF exposure limits, tower climbing safety.

A Practical 3-Week Study Plan

Week 1: Rules, Procedures, and Concepts

  • Read through subelements T1 and T2 using the ARRL Technician Manual or a free online study guide.
  • Use a free flashcard app (like HamStudy.org or QRZ practice exams) for 20–30 minutes daily.
  • Focus on understanding FCC rules rather than memorizing — the logic makes the questions easier.

Week 2: Technical Foundations

  • Tackle T5 and T6 — the electrical principles sections. Learn Ohm's Law (V=IR) and the power formula (P=IV).
  • Don't be intimidated by the math. There are only a handful of formulas, and calculators are not needed (the math is simple).
  • Move on to T7 and T9 for equipment and antenna basics.
  • Continue daily practice exams — aim for 80%+ on individual subelements before moving on.

Week 3: Review and Mock Exams

  • Complete full 35-question practice exams daily on HamStudy.org or ARRL's practice tool.
  • Review any questions you consistently miss. Look them up in context rather than just memorizing the answer.
  • Aim for consistent scores of 85% or higher on practice exams before scheduling your real test.

Where to Take the Exam

Volunteer Examiner (VE) sessions are held regularly across the country — at club meetings, hamfests, libraries, and community centers. Many clubs now offer online remote exam sessions as well. The ARRL's exam search tool and the W5YI Group website both list upcoming sessions by zip code.

Exam fees vary but are typically under $20. Bring two forms of ID and a pen.

After You Pass

Once you pass, your callsign will typically appear in the FCC database within a few business days. You can begin transmitting as soon as your license appears in the ULS (Universal Licensing System) — you don't need to wait for a physical license to arrive.

Tips for Exam Day

  • Read each question carefully — some are designed to trip you up with similar-sounding answers.
  • Skip questions you're unsure about and return to them.
  • Trust your preparation. If you've been scoring 85%+ on practice exams, you're ready.
  • Relax — the exam community is supportive and the examiners want you to succeed.

What's Next?

After earning your Technician license, consider studying for the General class upgrade right away — many hams do it within the first year. The General license opens up HF bands for worldwide communication, dramatically expanding what you can do in the hobby.