Amateur radio license study plan...

[Aviation_Scanner]

So here is my plan of attack in order to get my amateur radio license (technician):

1. Take the practice test without studying to get a base line on what I need to study (I took one a couple of weeks ago and scored a 45%, so was close to the passing minimum)
2. Study the areas I am weak in
3. Take the practice test again until I get between 80-90% consistently (Wanted to aim a bit higher than the 74% minimum)
4. Take the actual exam

I am not going to set a deadline so I don't pressure my self into taking the exam before I am ready.
In addition, I have a job (as I am sure most members here in this forum do) and will be studying when I can.

Please feel free to add to this, so I can maximize my study time.

 

[AK9R]

Passing is 75% correct rounded down to the next whole number. 35 questions on the Technician test; you'll need to answer 26 questions correctly.

 

[Aviation_Scanner]

I also decided to get the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 5th Edition to help me in the event I get stuck on a question so I can study the concept(s) behind the question.

 

[K4EET]

I also decided to get the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 5th Edition to help me in the event I get stuck on a question so I can study the concept(s) behind the question.

In addition to your first post above, this is an excellent plan. Rather than memorizing the answers without understanding the concepts behind the question, once you know how to arrive at the answer via good insight of the subject matter, this preferred method will make it easier to understand the fundamentals of ham radio in general. That in turn will give you a valuable foundation on which to build your understanding of all things in the Amateur Radio hobby which is a building block to achieving higher class licenses in the future. Coupled with real-world experiences that you will be exposed to in the ham world, that initial foundation will also make the whole familiarization and knowledge gained processes much more enjoyable. You are definitely 👍🏻 on the right track to becoming a true ham and will be able to help others with that understanding of the subject matter that you are gaining now. I look forward to having a QSO with you once you get your license. Finally and as always, don’t hesitate to ask questions whenever you need to. We are here to help you achieve your goal. 73, Dave K4EET

 

[Aviation_Scanner]

I have taken the practice test and scored 31% (Which is -14% from when I scored a 45% a couple of weeks ago), but at least I now know what areas I need to study.
The way I plan to tackle studying is to read up on my weakest subject (Ch. 5 Amateur Radio Equipment), take notes and then go from there to study other areas I am weak in.

 

[K4EET]

@Aviation_Scanner, sounds great and you have a good plan. Different tests will use different questions from the huge question pool so keep taking tests and document the areas that need more studying with. As always, don’t hesitate to ask us questions.

73, Dave K4EET

 

[ladn]

I also decided to get the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 5th Edition to help me in the event I get stuck on a question so I can study the concept(s) behind the question.

If you haven't made the book purchase yet, take a look at Gordon West's study guide. I find the ARRL guide pretty droll. West writes in a more personable and less formal style than the ARRL which makes the study material easier to digest for me.

 

[Aviation_Scanner]

If you haven't made the book purchase yet, take a look at Gordon West's study guide. I find the ARRL guide pretty droll. West writes in a more personable and less formal style than the ARRL which makes the study material easier to digest for me.

Thank you for the recommendation, but unfortunately, I already bit the bullet & purchased the ARRL book I mentioned.
I am planning on taking notes as I read so I can study key concepts that I am weak in instead of having to read it in the book.

 

[ecps92]

So here is my plan of attack in order to get my amateur radio license (technician):

1. Take the practice test without studying to get a base line on what I need to study (I took one a couple of weeks ago and scored a 45%, so was close to the passing minimum)
2. Study the areas I am weak in
3. Take the practice test again until I get between 80-90% consistently (Wanted to aim a bit higher than the 74% minimum)
4. Take the actual exam

I am not going to set a deadline so I don't pressure my self into taking the exam before I am ready.
In addition, I have a job (as I am sure most members here in this forum do) and will be studying when I can.

Please feel free to add to this, so I can maximize my study time.

Find a local Club that will teach you the theory behind the questions vs memorizing and not understanding the electrical/electronic theory.

Many Club runs weeknight or even weekend Study sessions

Amateur Radio License - America's Boating Club® Houston

Amateur Radio License Course Description The Technician class license is the entry-level license of choice for most new ham radio…

americasboatingclubhouston.org

 

[ladn]

Thank you for the recommendation, but unfortunately, I already bit the bullet & purchased the ARRL book

Remember West's book when you upgrade to General .

 

[Aviation_Scanner]

Find a local Club that will teach you the theory behind the questions vs memorizing and not understanding the electrical/electronic theory.

Many Club runs weeknight or even weekend Study sessions

Amateur Radio License - America's Boating Club® Houston

Amateur Radio License Course Description The Technician class license is the entry-level license of choice for most new ham radio…

americasboatingclubhouston.org

I tried looking for a class, but only found one, which was last Saturday.
Unfortunately, even if there was a weeknight course, I wouldn't be able to take it, since I usually work closing shift at work and I work noon-5pm on Saturdays.

But an "elmer" here on radio reference who generously reached out & offered assistance.

 

[ecps92]

I tried looking for a class, but only found one, which was last Saturday.
Unfortunately, even if there was a weeknight course, I wouldn't be able to take it, since I usually work closing shift at work and I work noon-5pm on Saturdays.

But an "elmer" here on radio reference who generously reached out & offered assistance.

Reach out to them anyway, see if they know of another group or maybe they can work one that fits into your Schedule and theirs

 

[QPLou5645187]

Greetings all!

I'm also very new. I don't know anything and am overwhelmed, but in reading this I'm encouraged to make getting my license a reality. Many people on the net say that you really don't need a license (and possibly so), but I want to do this the right way, the legal way! I know, (sorry I peaked), my wife bought me a pair of Baofeng UV-5R 8W Ham Radio Long Range UV5R Dual Band VHF UHF Handheld High Power Walkie Talkies for Xmas. So, I did some research and learned you must have a license with the FCC. I'm ordering the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 5th Edition and will apply for an FRN next week. I plan to study for the Tech license and then move forward.

Please, I may ask some dumb questions but ask for clemency because I don't know anything. As I learn, I hope to get better! Thanks!

QP lou

​

 

[AK9R]

Many people on the net say that you really don't need a license

Based on the FCC's rules, you absolutely need an amateur radio license to use amateur radio frequencies.

 

[QPLou5645187]

Exactly! I just want to follow the rules, do the right thing and learn how to use amateur radio frequencies!
Thank you for responding!

 

[Grounded]

The process is simpler than it seems. Currently, to obtain any of the licenses, you need only a $35 exam fee, your signature, and a copy of the ARRL Test Pool Q&A. This is why the ARRL releases the Q&A, enabling anyone to become a licensed ham radio operator.

 

[K4EET]

Hi @QPLou5645187 and welcome to Radio Reference (RR)! One thing you will find here at RR is that there are NO dumb questions! We are here to help you learn and get your ham license.

73 (best wishes in ham-speak), Dave K4EET

 

[mmckenna]

Many people on the net say that you really don't need a license

Yep, and many people are pretty ignorant.

(and possibly so),

Nope, they'd be wrong.

but I want to do this the right way, the legal way!

Glad to hear it.
Getting your license let the FCC know that amateur radio is actively used and enjoyed.
Studying for the test also teaches you about the technology and will help you get the most out of it. Unfortunately there are those that never understand this part. Also, most amateur radio operators will refuse to talk to unlicensed individuals that pop up on the bands. So it makes enjoying the hobby kind of difficult if no one else will talk to you.

There's a lot of helpful people here that will be happy to assist you. Welcome to the site.

 

[QPLou5645187]

Yep, and many people are pretty ignorant.



Nope, they'd be wrong.



Glad to hear it.
Getting your license let the FCC know that amateur radio is actively used and enjoyed.
Studying for the test also teaches you about the technology and will help you get the most out of it. Unfortunately there are those that never understand this part. Also, most amateur radio operators will refuse to talk to unlicensed individuals that pop up on the bands. So it makes enjoying the hobby kind of difficult if no one else will talk to you.

There's a lot of helpful people here that will be happy to assist you. Welcome to the site.

Thank You!

 

[AK9R]

Currently, to obtain any of the licenses, you need only a $35 exam fee, your signature, and a copy of the ARRL Test Pool Q&A.

That's not quite true.

FCC rules allow Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) to charge up $15 per exam in order to offset the costs of running the VEC and holding the exam sessions. This fee is collected by the VE team at the time of examination. Some VECs have full-time staffs involved with license application processing and charge the full $15. Other VECs use mostly volunteers and don't charge anything.

With the VECs that charge a fee, typically, if you go in to test for, let's say, Technician and you pass, the team will allow you to take the General and then Extra test at the same sitting without charge. OTOH, if you don't pass Technician and want to take it again, they'll charge another fee.

FCC also charges a $35 application fee. This fee is collected directly by the FCC after they receive your application from the VEC and before they will issue your new license.

The ARRL has a licensing grant program in place that will reimburse the $35 license application fee once the license is issued for licensees who are under the age of 18 and who test with an ARRL VE team. The ARRL also charges a reduced exam fee of $5 for those under the age of 18. Youth Licensing Grant Program

Also, you don't need the ARRL Test Pool Q&A. It's handy to have for those who prefer to look at a printed copy, but the test pools are available online from the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (Home).