Getting your Technician Ham License
There are many ways people have studied to pass their license test. You should be able to use any combination of these in order to pass the test. It’s categorized by media type to help you choose your best method.
Links good through June 30, 2026
Books (including audiobooks)
It is generally recommended to get at least one of these books. The ARRL books tend to be the official ones, but the others are all good as well.
- ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, 5th edition Also found at Amazon and many other places books are sold.
- Technician Class License Manual Supplement – Supplemental content for the book.
- The Fast Track to Your Technician Class Ham Radio License: Covers all FCC Technician Class Exams along with an audiobook supplement
Videos
There is nothing more beneficial than seeing it in practice. These videos will help add context or clarify some of the more complicated parts of the books.
- David Casler KE0OG – David does a good job of demonstrating some of the aspects of each chapter to help get you on the road of understanding. He takes the approach of you watching the video first then you read the chapter.
- W4EEY – I have not watched these videos, but have heard many recommendations for this channel.
Practice Tests
Practice, practice, practice. Once you are averaging around 80% or better, you are ready to go!
- HamStudy – there are also apps for iOS and Android that come highly recommended.
- QRZ.com Practice Amateur Radio Exams – You do need to create an account, but I used this site to pass my exams.
Ask Questions
Sometimes you just need to “phone a friend” here are a few different places to ask questions.
- Ham Radio Crash Course Discord – It’s like a chatroom and it’s full of very smart people.
- Ham Radio 2.0 Discord – It’s like a chatroom and it’s full of very smart people.
Other resources
Here are other things that I have found that maybe be helpful.
- Technician Class Ham License – On-Line Help for Your Self Study