prerunner1982
08-15-2013, 11:58 AM
Seeing as how I just went through all of this... I thought I would do a write up for all of those that may be interested but not sure where to begin.
Where do I start:
First I would find a local club that is either giving a class/test or at least a test.
If they give a class there is usually a test given at the end of that class.
To find a local club you can check the ARRL website (http://www.arrl.org/) or a google search for your city and "amateur radio club/society".
Once you have found a club giving the test, set a test date. Some clubs may give them once a month. Pick a date and stick to it, this will give you a deadline and help you study knowing that you are getting closer to taking the test.
You must first take the Technician test, even if you are wanting to get your General class license. So study and become proficient in the Technician material before moving on to the General study material.
Ok, but what do I have to know:
There are many study guide books available such as; The ARRL Ham License study guide, Ham Radio for Dummies, Study guides by Gordon West as well as many others. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=amateur+radio+study+guides&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aamateur+radio+study+guides
However, as I have posted before I prefer FREE material and used the study guides from http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual/ . They worked well for me.
I read through the guide once, then went back read it again writing down info that I thought I may have a problem remembering (writing it down seems to help me), then I would read through the guide another time or two. I would read a couple of pages through out the day, some while on lunch break, or while in the rest room, and then some before bed.
Once you have gone through it a couple of times, take some practice test to see if there are areas you need to work on. Take multiple test as there is a large pool of questions.
Test sites include: www.QRZ.com, www.Eham.net, www.hamexam.org, and others. Some require a free log in to keep track of your previous scores.
Here is also a free practice test app. Amazon.com: Amateur Radio Exams 1.0 FREE!: Appstore for Android@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414GHx%2BW%2BnL.@@AMEPARAM@@414GHx%2BW%2BnL
You have to answer 26 out of 35 correct to pass (74.2%). Once you are in the 90%+ you are ready to test.
Taking the Test:
Arrive early and bring a copy of your driver's license, cash (typically $15 for the test) and a pen. You may also bring an oldschool calculator but you can use the back or answer sheet to manually work the problems. Take your time, read the question and all the answers before marking your answer on the answer sheet.
You passed the Test: (and you will!)
The VEs (Volunteer Examiners) will give you a CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination). This indicates what level of test you have completed.
But what about my callsign:
About 3 business days from the date you took the test you can start checking the FCC ULS database (http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchAmateur.jsp;JSESSIONID_ULSSEARCH=nTcfSNHBzYC wcKHWs2rpClJ3WrN0TMtGyTrQQbsY7HKhWF8GCdh1!-343397125!1945617651) for your call sign. The time it takes for this to happen varies depending on the VEs and the VEC. I took my test on a Saturday and had my call sign the following Wednesday morning. Once your call sign appears here, you may begin using your radio and making contacts.
About a week later you should receive your actual FCC license in the mail. Mine was post marked the following Friday after my callsign appeared on the FCC ULS database and I received it the following Monday. From test date to receiving the license in the mail was 9 days.
Hopefully this helps get you on your way to obtaining your license, but if you have any questions please feel free to ask.
Where do I start:
First I would find a local club that is either giving a class/test or at least a test.
If they give a class there is usually a test given at the end of that class.
To find a local club you can check the ARRL website (http://www.arrl.org/) or a google search for your city and "amateur radio club/society".
Once you have found a club giving the test, set a test date. Some clubs may give them once a month. Pick a date and stick to it, this will give you a deadline and help you study knowing that you are getting closer to taking the test.
You must first take the Technician test, even if you are wanting to get your General class license. So study and become proficient in the Technician material before moving on to the General study material.
Ok, but what do I have to know:
There are many study guide books available such as; The ARRL Ham License study guide, Ham Radio for Dummies, Study guides by Gordon West as well as many others. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=amateur+radio+study+guides&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aamateur+radio+study+guides
However, as I have posted before I prefer FREE material and used the study guides from http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual/ . They worked well for me.
I read through the guide once, then went back read it again writing down info that I thought I may have a problem remembering (writing it down seems to help me), then I would read through the guide another time or two. I would read a couple of pages through out the day, some while on lunch break, or while in the rest room, and then some before bed.
Once you have gone through it a couple of times, take some practice test to see if there are areas you need to work on. Take multiple test as there is a large pool of questions.
Test sites include: www.QRZ.com, www.Eham.net, www.hamexam.org, and others. Some require a free log in to keep track of your previous scores.
Here is also a free practice test app. Amazon.com: Amateur Radio Exams 1.0 FREE!: Appstore for Android@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414GHx%2BW%2BnL.@@AMEPARAM@@414GHx%2BW%2BnL
You have to answer 26 out of 35 correct to pass (74.2%). Once you are in the 90%+ you are ready to test.
Taking the Test:
Arrive early and bring a copy of your driver's license, cash (typically $15 for the test) and a pen. You may also bring an oldschool calculator but you can use the back or answer sheet to manually work the problems. Take your time, read the question and all the answers before marking your answer on the answer sheet.
You passed the Test: (and you will!)
The VEs (Volunteer Examiners) will give you a CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination). This indicates what level of test you have completed.
But what about my callsign:
About 3 business days from the date you took the test you can start checking the FCC ULS database (http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchAmateur.jsp;JSESSIONID_ULSSEARCH=nTcfSNHBzYC wcKHWs2rpClJ3WrN0TMtGyTrQQbsY7HKhWF8GCdh1!-343397125!1945617651) for your call sign. The time it takes for this to happen varies depending on the VEs and the VEC. I took my test on a Saturday and had my call sign the following Wednesday morning. Once your call sign appears here, you may begin using your radio and making contacts.
About a week later you should receive your actual FCC license in the mail. Mine was post marked the following Friday after my callsign appeared on the FCC ULS database and I received it the following Monday. From test date to receiving the license in the mail was 9 days.
Hopefully this helps get you on your way to obtaining your license, but if you have any questions please feel free to ask.