Practice Test GeeksStudy Forums

Failed my Technician twice — what finally worked for passing the ARRL exam?

by Chloe W. 492 views3 replies
C
Chloe W.OP
May 27, 2026

Okay so I'm a little embarrassed to admit this but I've now failed the Technician license exam twice. First time I went in completely cold thinking it'd be easy, second time I crammed YouTube videos for a week. Neither worked. I'm sitting at 70% on my practice runs and the actual exam keeps catching me on the math questions — specifically the stuff around frequency calculations and Ohm's law. I've been using the ARRL study guide but honestly it feels dense and I'm not sure I'm retaining it.

My goal is to hit at least 80% consistently before I schedule attempt #3. I've been told the ARRL practice test pools are pretty close to what actually shows up, which gives me some hope. Has anyone here gone from struggling to passing, and what changed? Did you use a specific study schedule, focus on certain question banks, or find any exam tips that actually moved the needle? I've got about 4-5 weeks before I want to rebook.

M
Megan P.
May 27, 2026
The math questions tripped me up too. What finally clicked was stopping the passive reading and doing active recall instead. I'd do 20-question ARRL practice test sessions, then immediately look up every wrong answer — not just the right answer, but WHY it's right. Took me about 3 weeks of an hour a day. Passed with an 85%. The calculations become muscle memory once you've seen them enough times in context.
A
Alex G.
May 28, 2026
Honestly the ARRL study guide is great as a reference but terrible as a study tool if you're reading it cover to cover. I'd recommend using HamStudy or the ARRL's own question pool and just drilling questions. When you hit a topic you're weak on, THEN go read that section of the guide. Flip the process. Also — don't neglect the regulations stuff, people always tank on Part 97 questions and assume they'll just know it.
B
Brian Y.
May 28, 2026
Four weeks is plenty of time. Set a daily 30-minute timer, no more, no less — consistency beats marathon sessions. You've already identified your weak spots which puts you way ahead. You've got this.

Join the Discussion

Sign in or register to reply with your account, or reply as a guest below.

Related Discussions

← Back to Forum