Learn the Material
There are three main study guides available to earn your first ham radio license. The American Radio Relay League and Gordon West both publish study manuals with the full question pools and explanations. Others, such a Dan Romanchik, also have shorter study guides. These resources are all linked below.
ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, Level I
Gordon West Technician Class Manual
KB6NU No-Nonsense License Study Guide
Additional resources
YouTube features several video license classes, including an in-depth series based on the ARRL License Manual by David Casler. HamStudy.org provides practice exams and flash cards for learning the material.
Take the Exam
Once you feel you are ready, it is time to take your exam. the club offers volunteer examiner testing on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 5:00 PM prior to the monthly meeting. You can test as a walk-in, but it is best to contact the VE team beforehand.
You will need:
- The testing fee of $14
- Pencils
- Calculator
- Photo ID
- Social Security Number (first time licensee) or FCC FRN
- Copy of current license if upgrading
Upon completing the exam, the VE team will grade it and let you know the results. Once the hard part is over, the really hard part – waiting to be issued a call sign – begins.