TL;DR
The Technician exam is 35 questions drawn from a published 423-question pool. You need 74% to pass. The full question pool is available free at hamstudy.org — study the actual questions and their answers directly. Two to three weeks of 20-30 minutes per day gets most people to passing. The exam costs $35-50 total. After passing, your call sign is typically issued within 24-48 hours.
What the Technician License Gives You
The Technician class is the entry-level amateur radio license. It provides:
- All VHF frequencies (above 50 MHz) with full transmitting privileges
- Limited HF privileges (only on 10 meters, 15 meters at specific frequencies, and some others)
- Access to all amateur satellite, space, and ISS communication
- Access to local and regional repeater networks
- Permission to operate in ARES emergency communication teams
What Technician does not give you:
- Full HF privileges (40m, 80m, 20m for long-distance communication)
- That requires the General class upgrade (see the General License Upgrade article)
For many preppers, Technician + a good dual-band HT is sufficient for emergency preparedness. The HF bands open up significantly more capability for long-distance communication without infrastructure.
The Exam Content
The Technician question pool has 423 questions in 10 topic groups. The exam draws 35 questions proportionally from all groups.
Topic groups:
- T1: FCC Rules, descriptions and definitions
- T2: Operating procedures
- T3: Radio wave characteristics, propagation
- T4: Amateur radio practices and station setup
- T5: Electrical principles
- T6: Electrical components and circuits
- T7: Station equipment
- T8: Modulation modes, satellite, digital
- T9: Antennas and feed lines
- T0: Safety — electrical, antenna, and RF exposure
Which topics to focus on:
- T1 (FCC rules): Learn these — frequency privileges, power limits, operator requirements
- T5 and T6 (electrical): The most technically challenging for many people; focus here early
- T0 (safety): Read through these; common sense plus specific rules
The Question Pool Study Method
The most efficient path: study the actual question pool directly rather than reading a full textbook first.
The hamstudy.org method:
- Go to hamstudy.org
- Create a free account
- Click "Study" for the Technician pool
- Start with the flashcard mode: it shows you each question, you rate your confidence
- Focus on low-confidence questions
- Track your progress with the built-in tools
The algorithm tracks which questions you're getting wrong and surfaces them more frequently. Most users hit 90%+ practice scores within 10-15 hours of study time.
Alternative free resources:
- Ham Radio Prep app (iOS/Android): mobile flashcards and practice exams
- qrz.com/hamtest: full practice exam simulation
- ARRL Technician Manual ($30): comprehensive textbook if you want to understand the material, not just memorize answers
Practice exam until consistent: Take the practice exam (all 35 questions in random order) repeatedly until you consistently score 85%+. The real exam draws randomly from the same pool, so consistent 85% practice performance means you'll almost certainly pass.
Finding an Exam Session
ARRL exam search: arrl.org/exam-sessions lets you find in-person exam sessions by zip code. Most sessions are held at radio clubs, libraries, or community centers.
VE Contact: Volunteer Examiners run the sessions. You can also contact a local radio club directly (arrl.org/find-a-club) — they'll direct you to upcoming sessions.
Online exams: Since 2020, online proctored exams are available. W4EX and GLAARG VEC offer remote exams via Zoom. This allows you to take the exam at home without finding a local session.
Day of the exam:
- Bring a government-issued photo ID
- Bring any FCC registration information (FRN number — see below)
- Bring a calculator (basic math may appear)
- Bring a pen
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early
You can take all three exams (Technician, General, Extra) the same day if you pass each preceding one. Many people who are prepared for Technician also pass General in the same session.
FCC Registration Process
Get an FCC FRN before the exam: A Federal Registration Number (FRN) is required for all FCC licensees.
- Go to apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do
- Click "Register New User" (for individuals without a CORES account)
- Complete the registration with your legal name and address
- Your FRN is issued immediately
- Write it down — bring it to the exam
After passing:
- The VE team submits your application electronically to the FCC
- You'll receive an email from the FCC within 1-5 business days
- Pay the $35 application fee via pay.gov (link in the email)
- Your call sign appears in the ULS database within 24-48 hours after payment
- You can operate immediately when your call sign is visible at wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp
Your call sign: The FCC issues a sequential call sign. If you want a vanity call sign (a specific combination you choose, within rules), you can apply after your license is issued. Vanity call signs have a $35 fee and are available through the FCC's vanity call sign system.
Study Schedule: 2-Week Plan
| Days | Activity | Time | |---|---|---| | 1-3 | Read through all question categories on hamstudy.org once | 2-3 hrs | | 4-7 | Flashcard study on weak areas (T5, T6 first) | 30 min/day | | 8-10 | Practice exams until 85%+ consistently | 30 min/day | | 11-13 | Review any remaining weak areas | 20 min/day | | 14 | Take the exam | — |
Total study time: 8-12 hours for most people. Spread over 2 weeks, that's 45-90 minutes per day. Get licensed. Then buy the radio.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Technician exam?
Most people with no background pass in 2-4 weeks of part-time study. The exam is 35 questions drawn from a published pool of 423 questions. You need 26 correct (74%) to pass. The question pool is public — you can memorize the questions and answers directly. There is no trick, no surprise, no off-the-wall content. The hard part is motivation to sit down and study, not the material itself.
What does the exam cost?
The FCC application fee is $35 (paid to the FCC after passing, before the license is issued). The exam session fee to volunteer examiners is typically $0-15 (some clubs charge, many don't). Total cost: $35-50 to get licensed.
How long does it take to get the license after passing?
After passing the exam, the VE team submits your paperwork to the FCC. The FCC typically processes it within 1-2 business days (sometimes same day). You receive an email with your call sign. You can legally operate immediately after your license appears in the FCC ULS database — you don't have to wait for a physical card.