so i've been interested in ham radio for a while now, my neighbor has a big antenna setup and it got me curious. i looked it up and apparently you have to take a test? i dont really know where to start. like do i need to already know morse code or is that not a thing anymore. and what's the difference between the license levels, do i need to get them all or can i just get one and actually use a radio.

i've been looking at some websites but honestly a lot of them assume you already know stuff and i get kind of lost. is there like a straightforward way to study for this without buying a ton of books. also how hard is the test actually, i work full time so i dont have a huge amount of time to dedicate to this but i do want to actually do it

morse code hasnt been required for any license level since like 2007 so dont worry about that. the Technician license is where everyone starts and honestly the test is not bad at all, its 35 questions multiple choice and you need 26 right to pass. the question pool is public, like the actual questions that can appear on the exam are all available for free, so you're essentially studying the test which makes it a lot more manageable.

HamStudy.org is what i usually point people to first, it's free and it has flashcards and tracks what you're getting wrong so you can focus on the weak spots. some people also use the Gordon West book if they want something physical to read through but honestly the website is probably enough if you're putting in maybe 30-45 minutes a day. most people i've seen study for like 2-3 weeks and pass no problem. the General and Extra licenses are separate tests you can take later if you want more HF privileges but you dont need them right away, Technician gets you on VHF and UHF which is plenty to get started and figure out if this hobby is actually for you.

yeah i just did this like four months ago so still pretty fresh for me. i used hamstudy and also watched some youtube videos when i didnt understand a concept, there's a few channels that break down the electrical theory stuff which is the part i found most confusing. the questions about ohms law and that kind of thing. but honestly a lot of the test is rules and regulations which you just kind of memorize.

one thing i'd say is just find a local club and ask about exam sessions, some of them do walk in testing and its like 15 bucks or something. took me maybe three weeks of casual studying and i passed first try so it's definitely doable around a busy schedule