How do I get my license?
In order to get your Ham Radio license, you will need to pass 35-question multiple-choice test, which costs $15. Please note that the FCC will charge an additional $35 license application fee after you have successfully passed the exam.
We offer free licensing preparation classes twice a year. These classes involve about 14 hours of classroom instruction and about 4 hours of self-study and practice exams. We offer an in-person exam at the end of each class.
If you would like to be notified when we schedule our next class & exam, please fill out the form on this page: https://forms.gle/AfS9WrWvgBd3aC1g8
There are many other ways to study for the exam. See details, below.
Where do I take the exam?
You can take the exam in-person at the end of one of our classes, or you can take the exam online almost any day of the year.
To find an online exam session, so you can get your license without leaving the house, go to https://hamstudy.org/sessions. Give yourself two to four weeks to study for the exam.
How do I study?
Try one or two of the methods below and see what you like. A combination of methods may work best for you. There are other good options out there. These are some that we have used or sampled and found to be helpful.
- There is a great free book that helps you study for the exam. It does not include in-depth information about Ham radio, just what you need to know to pass the exam. Go to https://www.kb6nu.com/study-guides/ and scroll down to “Free PDF Version”. You will want the one for the “Technician” license. You can also buy a hard copy or an audio book there, if you prefer either of those formats.
- Hamstudy.org is a great FREE self-study website. You’ll need to create an account. Make sure you study “Technician (Starting July 1, 2022). Here is the link: https://hamstudy.org/. They have phone apps for iPhone and Android. Hamstudy Android App. Hamstudy iPhone App. The phone apps are $3.99.
- David Casler has a great series of videos that explain the material on the exam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mP-Qe2SYwI&list=PLUSupIQSpnLCCFN4JDmXpUgVxBtdIBnNq
- Good series, based on ARRL Tech License Manual. Dave Casler is involved. They have links so you can download the slide decks as PDFs, and MP3 audio files of the videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI3DKjqB4OLY2UXm2KqDpwQ
- Ham Radio Technician Class Presentation given by the Hurst (Texas) Amateur Radio Club, W5HRC, for those interested in getting their first Ham Radio License. These are based on the 2018 to 2022 examination question pool. The course was given on three consecutive evenings, and there is one youtube video for each session of the course, as follows. Each session is around 2 1/2 hours. The first few minutes of each video include introductions by a club member, followed by the teacher’s presentation of the course material.
- Ham Radio Technician Class License Course and Test Prep, Part 1 on April 30, 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wwnOPaF1qI&list=PLs_Ab58w9LI_jgoIv6SShsLACgOIly0np&index=1
- Ham Radio Technician Class License Course and Test Prep, Part 2 on May 1, 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0tucgDI5uw&list=PLs_Ab58w9LI_jgoIv6SShsLACgOIly0np&index=2
- Ham Radio Technician Class License Course and Test Prep, Part 3 on May 2, 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8grRiqbijAU&list=PLs_Ab58w9LI_jgoIv6SShsLACgOIly0np&index=3
- There is an audio book available on Audible. It has very good reviews. If you’re a fan of audio books, this could be a great option! https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Fast-Track-to-Your-Technician-Class-Ham-Radio-License-Audiobook/B00VATYHAY
- There is a pay website, Hamtestonline, that has done a great job of organizing and presenting the material. Many people find this to be the most effortless way to pass the exam. It costs about twenty five dollars and comes with a money-back guarantee if you don’t pass the exam.
- The ARRL Technician License Manual is too in-depth to be considered a study guide, but it is a great resource on really understanding the material on the exam. We recommend the spiral-bound edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DFSW94G/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
- There are 423 questions in the question pool. These are publicly available. 35 of them are selected for your exam. If you study and take practice tests, there will not be any questions on the exam you haven’t seen already.
How do I know I’m ready for the exam?
There are practice exams available online, which use real questions from the actual exam. Start taking practice tests early on in your studies, and keep taking them. When you are consistently scoring 90% or higher, you are ready to take the exam. You only need 74% (26 out of 35) correct to pass and earn your license!
For taking practice exams, we recommend the websites/apps below, but you are welcome to use any site or app you prefer. We also recommend using the option to practice on specific sections, so you are not frustrated by covering areas that you have not studied yet. Each of the three systems below offers that option.
Websites:
Hamexam.org. You will need to create a free account.
The ARRL Practice Exam Website. You will need to create a free account.
Android apps:
Free app: Ham Test Prep
Paid app: Hamstudy Android App
iPhone apps:
Free app: Ham Radio Exam – Tech
Paid app: Hamstudy iPhone App
Where else can I find information about ham radio?
The Bainbridge Island Emergency Auxiliary Radio Service (BEARS) has monthly informational presentations on ham radio related topics, which are open to everyone. These are on the third Saturday of each month. Time and Zoom link are on the club calendar.
We also have volunteers who enjoy working with new hams to help you through your first steps and get you on the air.
Let us know if you have any questions. We love to talk about this stuff! Leave a note here and someone from the club will get back to you.
Bainbridge Island Amateur Radio Club 