Want to get your License?

[SilverBullet]

On our last AZ trip, the topic was approached about conducting a licensing class for HAM radio. While I am a Volunteer Instructor, and I plan to do that, I thought I would post a small motivator for everyone who may be still tossing aroudn the idea.

The test question pool changes again July 1.

If you are a self starter, you can take the questions online and simply take them over and over until you have it memorized. The web site is here,
http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl

If you prefer more theory and "how to" instruction to actually learn the "why" in HAM radio, then you can go here for material, online mentoring, and study materials,
http://www.arrl.org/licensing-education-training

More than likly, my class will be after the July 1 testing date, so those who don't want to wait, this is your motivation.

For those who may want a class, be patient with me, it has been years since I taught, so I have to reset all my notes too. I will post when I have the class set up.

73

 

[Rexsname]

Brian,
As you know I am interested in getting my license. However......I think I'd like to do the QRZed 'memorize method. Can you also look into local testing locations/dates/times? I don't need a new hobby I just want a radio that works every time.


REX

 

[syke]

Brian,
The wife and I are definetly interested. We may end up going the memorize and test route but would still be interested in learning more about it. Keep us posted.


Rex,
I think somewhere online I found a ham club in Cottonwood that was putting on an exam some time in June. I will look for it again and post a link for ya.

 

[PhulesAU]

MFJ makes good study guides too. What is a volunteer instructor? I've heard of VE's.

 

[smkymtns]

We have had several night before study sessions that ended up being more late night drinking sessions. :sombrero: But everyone has passed their test the next morning, even with a few extra cobwebs. :coffeedrink::coffeedrink: Most of the technician pool questions are no-brainers and there are a few tricky questions but nothing really technical. Knowing the details are a good thing but if you are just (initially) interested in better trail communications, then the memorization route is quick and dirty. I would suggest looking for the question pools without distractors, aka the wrong answers, so all you stick in your head are the right answers. Just keep in mind that when you look at any of the difficult questions in the pool, you will probably only end up with one or two of those questions on your test. Good luck to everyone getting ready to take a test.

 

[PhulesAU]

That's why I recommend the MFJ study guides. They ONLY give the correct responses to pool questions. Then if you want all of the technical back ground, you can get the 20# ARRL book of answers!

 

[smkymtns]

I just did a quick search and here is a site that has some resources for the Technician license exam.

http://n4maa.us/BobTech.htm

 

[Global Nomad]

I will be taking my exam next month. I was wondering though, can you take the tech, general, and extra in the same day? If so, I would like to study for all 3, and kill a few birds with one stone. I have heard of people taking the tec and general in teh same day, but is it possible to do all 3?

 

[DaveInDenver]

I will be taking my exam next month. I was wondering though, can you take the tech, general, and extra in the same day? If so, I would like to study for all 3, and kill a few birds with one stone. I have heard of people taking the tec and general in teh same day, but is it possible to do all 3?

You can do all the tests at once if you like, no extra charge beyond your $15. You will be issued a new ticket based on the highest exam you pass. If you fail and want to attempt the same level test again you will have to pay $15 a second time. Also be aware that the VE team does not have to let you take the test over and over if they want to close the session and go home. Usually they are just fine with letting people take a test a second time, but be reasonable to the volunteers if you fail the second attempt and give it shot another day.

 

[SilverBullet]

What is a volunteer instructor? I've heard of VE's.

A Volunteer Instructor is a person who is a HAM and is (or in my case was) a member of ARRL. We hold classes when desired to help people learn the theory. The VE is the Volunteer Examiner. Interestingly enough, they can not be the same person for any one class.