Getting your ham radio license might sound intimidating at first, but it’s way more approachable than most people think. I started with zero experience—and now I’ve passed both the Technician and General exams. Right now, I’m studying for my Amateur Extra. And through it all, one thing has made the process easy: Ham Radio Prep.
I wanted to share my honest experience in case you’re starting your own journey. Here’s how I studied, what worked best for me, and why I recommend Ham Radio Prep to every new operator I meet.
Why I Chose Ham Radio Prep
There are plenty of ways to study for your license—free books, YouTube videos, practice test sites—but Ham Radio Prep made everything click for me. The lessons are video-based, short, and easy to follow. And instead of just memorizing answers, I actually understood the concepts.
They also offer lifetime access, which was super helpful. Once I finished the Technician course, I immediately started the General one without having to re-sign up. Now I’m doing the same with their Amateur Extra course.
What’s Inside the Courses?
Each course is broken down by topic with a short video and explanation, followed by a few quick review questions. At the end, you’ll get access to full-length practice exams so you can see how ready you are. They also track your progress, so it’s easy to pick up where you left off.
For me, the biggest value was how they made even the trickiest topics—like band privileges and signal propagation—feel manageable. They skip the fluff and just tell you what you need to know.
My Study Routine
I studied for about 20–30 minutes a day, usually right before bed. I’d watch a couple videos, take the review quiz, and move on. Once I got through all the lessons, I took 3–4 full practice exams to lock it in.
That schedule worked well for both my Technician and General licenses. With Ham Radio Prep, it never felt overwhelming.
Where to Start
If you’re brand new to ham radio, start with the Technician course from Ham Radio Prep. It’ll walk you through the basics, prepare you for the exam, and get you on the air faster than you think.
Once you pass, you can always upgrade to General and Amateur Extra down the line—just like I did.
Already licensed? Let me know how you studied or what helped you the most in the comments below.
73, Daniel // W2DIY