Preparing for your Amateur Radio Exam
Preparing for your Technician Class or any class of license does not have to be a stressful event. There are tons of online resources available as well as the traditional books and flashcards. Additionally, there are groups providing classes in many locations. Following are a few of the tools I have found very helpful both for myself and those I have mentored.
Online Sites:
Smartphone Apps:
Yes, there are even apps for your smartphone and tablets that facilitate self study in an ever increasingly popular format. There are quite a variety out there; some free and some at a nominal fee. The best I have found and reviewed are free! At the Mac App store look for the apps by James Thomas and Roy Watson. Both gentlemen have apps for all three license classes and all are free. Once downloaded there is no need for a web connection. These apps allow the user to select personal study preferences by topic, weakness, and full practice exams. Apps work on both the iPhone and iPad. Apps are also available for android though I have not personally tested them.
Online Sites:
- Hamtest Online. This may just be the best site I have found as it provides online tests, section quizzes, and more. Whether using a full test or section quiz, there are hyperlinks explaining why something is the correct answer, taking you to a resource to learn more about the theory, or regulatory sections for greater explanation. Hamtest Online covers all three classes of licensing exams in greater detail and better organized fashion than any resource I have found. Quality is not free so this site does charge a fee for a subscription. Subscriptions are good for two years and, in my humble opinion, are well worth the fee. Technician is $24.95, General $29.95, and Extra $34.95. If you are already a volunteer examiner, this site does provide a free subscription for the person seeking their Extra Class ticket!
- QRZ.Com. QRZ has a free test prep section on their site. Registration is required. Like Hamtest Online, they cover all three classes of license with full tests as well as section quizzes. What they lack are the robust links and detailed supporting documentation. The site does provide tracking of results so users can follow progress.
- ARRL.Org. ARRL, the granddaddy of the amateur radio community, provides a free service similar to QRZ and also has a tremendous online store with books and good old fashioned flashcards. This site is a must visit and will likely be one licensee's return to frequently for tips, support, and latest news about ham radio.
Smartphone Apps:
Yes, there are even apps for your smartphone and tablets that facilitate self study in an ever increasingly popular format. There are quite a variety out there; some free and some at a nominal fee. The best I have found and reviewed are free! At the Mac App store look for the apps by James Thomas and Roy Watson. Both gentlemen have apps for all three license classes and all are free. Once downloaded there is no need for a web connection. These apps allow the user to select personal study preferences by topic, weakness, and full practice exams. Apps work on both the iPhone and iPad. Apps are also available for android though I have not personally tested them.
Current Question Pools and Answers:
Looking for a listing of the current question pools and answers to make your own flashcards? I These pages contain what you are looking for.
Looking for a listing of the current question pools and answers to make your own flashcards? I These pages contain what you are looking for.
- Current Technician Class
- Current General Class
- Current Extra Class (not yet available)