I am a Ham and hold an Extra Class Licenses. I can tell you taking the test is really not difficult. In fact some will take all three tests in one day and go from nothing to extra class in 120 questions. As a ham you can push up to 1,500 watts legally.
A CB'er uses the 11 meter band Ham's, depending on their licenses level have in VHF/UHF 23 cm, 33 cm, 70 cm, 2m, 6m, and HF is 10m, 12m, 15m, 17m, 20m, 30m, 40m, 60m, 80m, and 160m. The most common used VHF/UHF frequencies are 2m and 70 cm. and many of those mobile radios will push 50 - 80 watts. the HF radios will generally push 100 watts.
I have talked to Aukland New Zealand from Southern California with 100 watts. I have spoken to European countries, Russia, Japan, Alaska, Hawaii and nearly every US state.
Ham radio has also stepped in to digital modes such as D-STAR, Fusion (C4FM), DMR.
Please let me know should you have any other questions. There is most likely a Ham Radio club in your area, and they will often perform the tests. You can also checkout the ARRL website.
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