The Technician Class license is your entry point into amateur radio. With the right approach, you can pass the exam in as little as 2-4 weeks. Here’s your complete roadmap.
Overview: What to Expect
- Questions on exam: 35 (from a pool of 400+)
- Passing score: 26 correct (74%)
- Time limit: 60 minutes
- Question pool valid: 2022-2026
Step 1: Understand the Exam Structure
The Technician exam covers 10 topic areas (subelements):
| Subelement | Topic | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| T1 | FCC Rules | 6 |
| T2 | Operating Procedures | 3 |
| T3 | Radio Wave Characteristics | 3 |
| T4 | Amateur Radio Practices | 2 |
| T5 | Electrical Principles | 4 |
| T6 | Electrical Components | 4 |
| T7 | Station Equipment | 4 |
| T8 | Modulation Modes | 4 |
| T9 | Antennas and Feed Lines | 2 |
| T0 | Safety | 3 |
Pro tip: T1 (FCC Rules) has the most questions. Master this section first!
Step 2: Create a Study Schedule
Week 1-2: Foundation
- Focus on T1 (FCC Rules) and T5 (Electrical Principles)
- Study 30 minutes daily
- Use Practice Mode with sequential questions
Week 3: Technical Topics
- Cover T3, T6, T7, T8, and T9
- Start using random question order
- Review your Wrong Answers daily
Week 4: Final Preparation
- Focus on T0 (Safety) and T2 (Operating Procedures)
- Take Mock Exams every other day
- Target 85%+ before your real exam
Step 3: Master the Challenging Topics
Electrical Formulas (T5)
You’ll need to know Ohm’s Law and Power formulas:
Ohm's Law: E = I × R
Power: P = E × IWhere:
- E = Voltage (Volts)
- I = Current (Amps)
- R = Resistance (Ohms)
- P = Power (Watts)
Frequency and Wavelength (T3)
Key formula: Wavelength (meters) = 300 / Frequency (MHz)
Common bands to memorize:
- 2 meters = 144-148 MHz
- 70 centimeters = 420-450 MHz
Band Privileges (T1)
As a Technician, your primary bands are:
- VHF: 6m, 2m
- UHF: 70cm, 23cm
- Limited HF: 10m (28.3-28.5 MHz SSB/CW)
Step 4: Use Effective Study Techniques
Active Recall
Don’t just read - test yourself! Use HAM Test Bank’s Practice Mode to actively recall information.
Spaced Repetition
Review material at increasing intervals:
- Same day
- Next day
- 3 days later
- 1 week later
Focus on Wrong Answers
Your Wrong Answers page is gold. Spend 50% of your study time here.
Step 5: Prepare for Test Day
Before the Exam
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Bring two forms of ID
- Bring your FRN (FCC Registration Number)
- Arrive 15 minutes early
During the Exam
- Read each question carefully
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers
- Don’t second-guess yourself
- You have plenty of time - use it
After the Exam
If you pass (and you will!), your call sign will appear in the FCC database within 1-2 weeks. Welcome to amateur radio!
Ready to Start?
Begin your journey today:
- Technician Practice Questions - Start here
- Take a Mock Exam - Test your readiness
- Track Your Progress - Monitor your improvement
Good luck, and we’ll see you on the air! 73