Ham Radio Extra study plan
Ham Radio Extra · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Radio Theory and Electrical Fundamentals
Define and distinguish voltage, current, resistance, and power, and state the units and symbols for each
State and apply Ohm's law and the power equation to solve for any unknown in a DC circuit
Compute equivalent resistance for series, parallel, and series-parallel resistor networks
Explain reactance of inductors and capacitors as a function of frequency and compute X_L and X_C at a given frequency
Your checkpoint
A one-page formula sheet (Ohm's law, power, series/parallel, X_L, X_C) plus 20 solved practice problems with worked steps, scored at 80% or better
Radio Theory and Electrical Fundamentals
Explain resonance in LC circuits and compute resonant frequency from L and C
Describe the behavior of series and parallel resonant circuits at, above, and below resonance
Identify the characteristics and applications of common semiconductor devices (diodes, BJTs, FETs, varactors)
Explain the function of basic op-amp and transistor amplifier configurations and their gain relationships
Convert between decibels and power/voltage ratios and apply dB in gain and loss calculations
Your checkpoint
A written summary (2-3 pages) of resonance and semiconductor behavior plus 15 dB conversion and resonant-frequency problems solved correctly
Antennas, Transmission Lines, and RF Safety
Compute the physical and electrical length of half-wave and quarter-wave antennas at a given frequency
Describe the radiation pattern, feed-point impedance, and polarization of dipoles, verticals, and Yagis
Explain velocity factor and compute the electrical length of a transmission line
Compute SWR from forward and reflected power and from load and characteristic impedance
State the FCC maximum permissible exposure limits and the exemption criteria for amateur stations
Your checkpoint
A worked antenna and feedline problem set (15 problems) covering element length, velocity factor, and SWR, plus a one-page MPE summary with the applicable power-density limits
FCC Rules and Regulations (Part 97 and related)
Identify the scope and structure of Part 97, including subpart organization and definitions in 97.3
State the privileges, frequency segments, and power limits for each license class, including Extra
Explain station identification requirements, control operator duties, and third-party traffic rules
Describe the rules governing automatically controlled, remote, and space stations
Explain the prohibited transmissions and the penalties and enforcement provisions
Your checkpoint
A completed band-privilege chart (all amateur bands, mode segments, and power limits by class) plus a 25-question self-quiz on Part 97 scored at 80% or better
FCC Rules and Regulations (Part 97 and related) & Operating Procedures
Explain the rules for emergency communications, including declarations under 97.401 and 97.405
Describe the ARRL emergency message handling structure and the role of the NTS
State the requirements for station logkeeping and retention where applicable
Explain the rules for auxiliary stations, beacon stations, and telecommand operations
Your checkpoint
A two-page emergency-operations reference covering declaration triggers, permitted emergency transmissions, and message-handling hierarchy
Operating Procedures
Describe the structure of a formal radiogram, including preamble, address, text, and signature
Explain the precedence levels (Emergency, Priority, Welfare, Routine) and when each is used
Demonstrate correct ITU phonetic alphabet and procedural words in a simulated net check-in
Explain the purpose and conduct of directed nets, traffic nets, and ARES/RACES activations
Describe proper operating practices for contesting, DXing, and split-frequency operation
Your checkpoint
Three correctly formatted radiograms (one per precedence level used) plus a recorded or written transcript of a simulated net check-in using proper procedure
Operating Procedures & Antennas, Transmission Lines, and RF Safety
Explain RF exposure evaluation methods, including the use of antenna modeling and field-strength measurement
Describe how to mitigate RF exposure through antenna placement, power reduction, and duty cycle
Explain the causes and remedies for common interference problems (fundamental overload, harmonics, TVI)
Describe proper grounding, bonding, and lightning protection practices for an amateur station
Explain the role of common-mode chokes and baluns in reducing feedline radiation
Your checkpoint
An RF safety and station-integration plan for a hypothetical home station covering exposure calculation, grounding scheme, and interference mitigation, with a one-page diagram
FCC Rules and Regulations (Part 97 and related) & Operating Procedures & Radio Theory and Electrical Fundamentals & Antennas, Transmission Lines, and RF Safety
Review all four domains using a timed full-length practice exam under test conditions
Identify and remediate the three weakest subareas based on practice-exam error analysis
Re-drill missed concepts from weeks 1-7 using targeted question sets
Confirm readiness by scoring consistently above the passing threshold on two consecutive practice exams
Your checkpoint
Two completed timed practice exams with an error log identifying each missed question's domain and subarea, plus a remediation checklist showing all weak subareas reviewed
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or better on a 25-question mixed quiz covering electrical fundamentals, resonance, semiconductors, and dB conversions
Week 4: Score 80% or better on a 35-question quiz drawn from FCC rules and antenna/feedline theory, with no domain below 70%
Week 6: Correctly produce two radiograms and complete a net check-in transcript with no procedural errors
Week 8: Score 85% or better on two consecutive full-length timed practice exams with all four domains represented above 75%