First, keep in mind that you no longer have to pass a Morse code exam to get any amateur (ham) radio license. They did away with the Morse requirement a few years ago! So now you only have to get 26 questions correct out of a multiple choice 35 question exam to earn your entry level (Technician class) license.
There are three different license levels availalble today:
One of (if not the) best ways to study for and pass the exam quickly and with a minimum of fuss or head strain is to:
By the time you have read through this 10 or more times, you will be able to pass the exam because only the correct answers will look familliar to you.
During other times, feel free to read other study books, rules & regs, backround information, etc.
The important thing to remember is to not spend too much time looking at a practice exam. You're better off reading this question pool and only the correct answers. Until you are sure of all the material, you want to minimize the amount of times you read any of the 'distractors' (Thats what they call the incorrect answers). So try some of the online practice exams to judge if you are ready, but don't try them too often until you are familliar with all the correct answers.
Note that this method can allow you to pass the exams without any understanding or knowledge of the material. It can work for anyone that thinks that ham radio is 'over their head'.
This is a proven system that works well.
On exam day, if you want, you can take all three exams at the same test session for the same test fee (currently $15). Feel free to try, as it does not cost you anymore. When taking the Technician exam, I always suggest that people try the General exam, even if you have not prepared for it at all. Note that if you fail your Technician (or any other) exam, you can try again if you would like to for another $15 fee.
People have been known to pass all three exams in one sitting. But that is a lofty goal and unless you have a great memory, I wouldn't suggest it for the average person.
Please remember to take the time to read and understand the rules and regulations and operating procedures after you pass your exam(s) and before you start operating. You can also take the time to study and understand radio theory and operations without the pressure of trying to pass an exam.
Good luck!
There are three different license levels availalble today:
- LEVEL 1: Technician Class License
EXAM REQUIREMENT: 35-question (26 correct to pass) Technician Written Exam (Element 2); No Morse Code Exam
PRIVILEGES: All VHF/UHF amateur bands (frequencies above 30 MHz). Limited operations in certain HF bands.
- LEVEL 2: General Class License (upgrade from Technician)
EXAM REQUIREMENTS: 35-question (26 correct to pass) General Written Exam (Element 3); No Morse Code Exam
PRIVILEGES: All VHF/UHF amateur bands and most HF privileges (10 through 160 meters).
- LEVEL 3: Extra Class License (upgrade from General)
EXAM REQUIREMENT: 50-question (37 correct to pass) Extra Written Exam (Element 4); No Morse Code Exam.
PRIVILEGES: All amateur privileges.
One of (if not the) best ways to study for and pass the exam quickly and with a minimum of fuss or head strain is to:
- Get a copy of the question pool for the exam that you want to take (they are all publically available here: http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html)
- Print out a copy of it.
- Take black marker and completely block out all the wrong answers (alternately, download the MS-WORD version and delete the incorrect answers, then print out the question pool).
As an example here is one question from the Technician exam pool:
T2A07 (C) [97.113(a)(4)]
Which of the following are specifically prohibited in the Amateur Radio Service?
A. Discussion of politics
B. Discussion of programs on broadcast stations
C. Indecent and obscene language
D. Morse code practice
As shown in the exam pool header, (C) is the correct answer. So you should delete (or black out) the incorrect answers so you will only read the following:
Which of the following are specifically prohibited in the Amateur Radio Service?
Indecent and obscene language
Don't try memorize the letter of the correct answer (in this case C), but read and become familliar with the text of the correct answer.
It's not so hard, is it? You're now one question closer to passing your exam!
- Then use this as your study material. Simply read each question and only the correct answer. Do this several times.
By the time you have read through this 10 or more times, you will be able to pass the exam because only the correct answers will look familliar to you.
During other times, feel free to read other study books, rules & regs, backround information, etc.
The important thing to remember is to not spend too much time looking at a practice exam. You're better off reading this question pool and only the correct answers. Until you are sure of all the material, you want to minimize the amount of times you read any of the 'distractors' (Thats what they call the incorrect answers). So try some of the online practice exams to judge if you are ready, but don't try them too often until you are familliar with all the correct answers.
Note that this method can allow you to pass the exams without any understanding or knowledge of the material. It can work for anyone that thinks that ham radio is 'over their head'.
This is a proven system that works well.
On exam day, if you want, you can take all three exams at the same test session for the same test fee (currently $15). Feel free to try, as it does not cost you anymore. When taking the Technician exam, I always suggest that people try the General exam, even if you have not prepared for it at all. Note that if you fail your Technician (or any other) exam, you can try again if you would like to for another $15 fee.
People have been known to pass all three exams in one sitting. But that is a lofty goal and unless you have a great memory, I wouldn't suggest it for the average person.
Please remember to take the time to read and understand the rules and regulations and operating procedures after you pass your exam(s) and before you start operating. You can also take the time to study and understand radio theory and operations without the pressure of trying to pass an exam.
Good luck!
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. Now the wait..
