When a holder of a Class 2 small vessel license upgrades to Class 1, only the written exam is required (practical exam is waived, and physical examination is omitted if passed within one year). I passed the exam just by using this textbook/question collection purchased on Mercari and watching the YouTube channel "Horikoshi Gakuen." The dividers, compass, and set squares were also easy to use. The DVD materials were not very good. I recommend YouTube. Both the textbook and question collection have writing in them, but it didn't hinder my studies. The writing is mostly in yellow highlighter and pencil. As a bonus, I'm including two sets each of actual exam questions and nautical charts. I think it's good to practice the exercises on the actual paper charts, so please make use of them. The nautical charts only have pencil markings, so you should be able to erase them and use them. How about upgrading without going to a school, by applying individually and saving money?