A friend recently asked me if I had any recommendations for studying for the FCC Technician Exam. I said yes I do, and here is what I said. I told my friend that I am partial to the FREE online study tools. The following three are my favorites. Each has it’s own advantages, but it really boils down to what your learning style is.

All three are interactive and give immediate feedback. You’ll gain the most from registering for them because the study guides keep track of your progress if you are registered.

I started studying for the “Tech” license in December of 2020 and by March 2021 I’d advanced to Amateur Extra. I encourage folks who have the time to keep studying for the next higher license on once they pass the Tech exam because you’re already in the study mode and that study mindset helps quite a bit.

If you aren’t aware, all of the questions, (and answers), for all three license classes, Technician, General and Amateur Extra are publicly available and are known as the question pool, or pool. When you go to take the exam, the questions, (and answers), are taken directly from the pool. The questions and answers are exactly the same as those in the online study guides. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

First up is the study guide from the American Radio Relay League, ARRL. The ARRL is the national association for Amateur Radio founded in 1914. Head over to the ARRL for their study guide.

Next is HamStudy by Signal Stuff. They are, in part, an online retailer who’s products are of particular interest to Technicians, but also “…dedicated to enhancing the use of technology in the amateur radio licensing technology.” I am very pleased with both their physical and intellectual products. Here is where to get started, hamstudy.org.

Finally, HamExam by Ron, NA0Q. Ron says, “I originally built this site in 2003 to help my wife earn her Technician license, and since then it has helped thousands of hams get their license and upgrade.” He is realistic about online test prep and says…”that memorizing the test is no substitute for understanding the material. If you have problems with certain questions, please search out more information on those topics.” Truer words were never spoken.

I can personally say that one product is no better than the other, just different. I like and use all three. Do read the fine print though. Not because there are any “gotchas”, but because there is a lot of useful functionality that isn’t right there in your face.