WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO PASS THE FCC TECHNICIAN EXAM? It depends, a good rule to go by is 25 to 75 hours. I took 50 hours. Video Course 25 hours. Reading the ARRL Study Guide, Practice Tests. Over 10 weeks.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Adult: book was 35$, FCC Fee 35$ QRZ-1 Jumpstart. 40$ Total $110.
Video Course is free via ARCNEM/K3NEM Hunt Valley Maryland.
Maryland Mobileers has Free Exams scheduled once a month. very nice people.Test taking can be stressful.
My Shack / Lab is just starting out. my goal is buy less. 2 HT Handhelds 4 Antennas, SDR, and a NanoVNA. Under $200.
The AARL.ORG Site for the Study Guide test. Separate login account but free.https://arrlexamreview.appspot.com/
https://w3ft.com/ This club can help. They have Tech and General courses. Very passionate about knowledge sharing. Need to revisit math and metrics? Relearn using a calculator the folks here can and will help.
We use the ARRL 5th Edition
ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 5th Edition
The No-Nonsense Technician-Class License Study Guide (for tests given between July 2022 and June 2026)
By Dan KN6NU https://www.kb6nu.com/study-guides/Also a Video 7 hours. His PDF, The VID, and AARL Sample tests are all I need.
The PDF version No Nonsense Technician Class License Study Guide is FREE! DAN KB6NU is the Author and owner of the content.
FCC GENERAL LICENSE
The Baltimore Amateur Radio Club See the website link above. Online courses People from all over the USA take these courses. Take advantage of smart folks who are willing to share their passion.
I would find a local club and see if you can get a mentor. The Course online is 23 hours. Add study time I figure 40 hours. I like videos, Books, and sample tests.
https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/2009476073 ARRL General License Study Guide
Formula Cheat Sheet https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/ham-radio-formulas-general-class-license-exam.htm
WHERE IS THE FRUSTRATION ? I learn daily with HAM Radio, I can HELP
I have 42 years in the technology skillset. I am well trained. HAM radio I found a challenge and exactly what I need.
Spending money is easy, learning how to program / code a radio is not easy until you learn how. NOT PLUG AND PLAY. The mfg software,Chirp bth need your knowledge to work. RT systems took the next step to plug and play.
The coding looks like a spreadsheet, pretty easy, the issue is the settings and what is needed for the radio to function the way you need it to function based on your need.