To become a member of ARES you must possess at least a Technician Class amateur radio license. Following are resources to help you obtain that.

Popular study websites:

ARRL Technician Resources: http://www.arrl.org/getting-your-technician-license
HamStudy.org (free): https://hamstudy.org/
HamRadioPrep.com Tech course ($35): https://hamradioprep.com/technician-license-course/
No-Nonsense Study Guides ($15): https://www.kb6nu.com/study-guides/

Exam review websites:

https://www.arrl.org/examreview
https://hamstudy.org/
https://hamexam.org/
https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/ (not free)
https://hamradioprep.com/ (one practice test free)
https://www.qrz.com/hamtest/

Recommended YouTube channels:

ARRLHQ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ARRLHQ
Ham Radio Answers, from David Casler KE0OG: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidCasler
Ham Radio Crash Course, from Josh KI7NAZ: https://www.youtube.com/c/HamRadioCrashCourse
Ham Radio 2.0, from Jason KC5HWB: https://www.youtube.com/c/HamRadio20

“Old-school” materials (books, CDs, DVDs):

Note: Technician Exam question pool will be changing July 2026.

ARRL Ham Radio License Manual ($32.95): http://www.arrl.org/shop/Ham-Radio-License-Manual/
Pass Your Tech – The Easy Way ($17.95): https://www.amazon.com/Technician-Class-2018-2022-Amateur-EasyWayHamBooks/dp/1985125641
Ham Radio Prep Tech Course ($18.95): https://www.amazon.com/Radio-Technician-Class-License-Manual/dp/B0B6LGR674
Gordon West’s Technician Class ($29.95): https://www.amazon.com/Technician-Element-Amateur-Preparation-2022-2026/dp/1625951906