The Complete Study Guide for Earning Your First Amateur Radio License!

NEW 11th Edition Valid for Technician-Class exams from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030

Get ready to earn your Technician-class Amateur Radio license with one of the most trusted names in ham radio education. Gordon West's Technician Class, 11th Edition provides everything you need to prepare for the Technician license exam and start enjoying the many opportunities Amateur Radio has to offer.

Whether your goal is to communicate locally through repeaters, explore digital modes, work satellites, assist with emergency communications, or make contacts around the world, this comprehensive guide will help you build the knowledge and confidence needed to get on the air.

Written by legendary instructor Gordon West, WB6NOA, and Eric P. Nichols, KL7AJ, this beginner-friendly manual presents the material in a clear, engaging format that makes studying effective and enjoyable. Gordon's unique teaching style focuses on understanding the concepts behind the questions, helping you learn the material rather than simply memorizing answers.

Features

• Covers the complete Technician-class license exam syllabus

• Valid for exams administered from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030

• Includes all 409 questions and answers from the official Element 2 Technician question pool

• Clear explanations for every question

• Organized using Gordon West's proven teaching method

• Ideal for self-study, classroom instruction, and license courses

• Includes practical operating tips and exclusive "Ham Hints"

• Compatible with ARRL Exam Review for Ham Radio online practice resources

Inside You'll Learn About

• Getting started in Amateur Radio

• Technician-class operating privileges

• Radio fundamentals and basic electronics

• FCC rules and licensing requirements

• Radio safety and best practices

• Repeaters, satellites, and digital communications

• Amateur Radio operating techniques

• The complete Element 2 question pool

• Exam preparation and licensing procedures

Study Smarter, Pass Confidently: Topics are arranged in a logical learning sequence, allowing you to build knowledge step by step as you prepare for the 35-question multiple-choice examination. Detailed explanations and real-world examples help make complex concepts easier to understand and remember.

For additional preparation, pair this guide with ARRL Exam Review for Ham Radio to take practice exams and evaluate your readiness before exam day.

Start Your Ham Radio Adventure: Thousands of new radio amateurs have earned their licenses using Gordon West's study materials. With his signature humor, practical insights, and easy-to-understand instruction, this trusted guide makes learning Amateur Radio enjoyable while helping you achieve success on the exam.

From local communications and public service to satellite operations and worldwide contacts, your Technician-class license opens the door to a lifetime of learning, experimentation, and friendship in Amateur Radio.

Study with confidence. Pass your exam. Get on the air with Gordon West.

About the Author

Gordon West, WB6NOA, has been a licensed Amateur Radio operator for more than 60 years and is one of America's most recognized ham radio educators. As ARRL National Instructor, he has helped generations of new operators earn their licenses through classes, seminars, books, and training programs. His engaging teaching style and practical approach have made him one of the most trusted voices in Amateur Radio education.

Book Details

• Binding: Paperback

• Pages: 248

• Publisher: The American Radio Relay League, Inc.

• Copyright: Eleventh Edition, First Printing (2026)

• Language: English

• ISBN: 978-1-62595-238-7

• Book Dimensions: 6 x 19 inches

• Weight: 0.5lbs.