Posted: 11/6/2016 7:00:32 PM EDT
Feel free to laugh, but I have a few questions about getting my license that are sure to generate at least one smart response. 
To start, I am assuming that it is not an open book or open note exam. If there is any math involved, do they allow a calculator to be used? Honestly, math is something that I am just absolutely horrible at. Passing my statistics class was a minor miracle! This week I am taking the graduate Skywarn spotter class and have read that a HAM radio is good for making reports. I had been thinking about GMRS but I doubt that the NWS or any emergency response organization would be monitoring those channels. I downloaded one of the books to study, and have thought about ordering the paper book. Last question, is there any benefit to having the paper book versus the no-nonsense technician study guide? The next test date in my area is December 10th, and I thought it might be nice to be ready by then. |
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Hey,
Welcome in to the best Ham Radio forum on the net. Give my podcast a listen (this episode-how to get your ticket) around here all Skywarn is handled thorough Ham Radio. Cert uses ham, ARES uses ham, etc... you may also enjoy my latest, All About ARES |
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Nobody is going to laugh at you here. The test is not an open book type test but it is pretty easy and if you study for an hour a day until test day, you'll do fine.
Calculators are permitted, but they can't be in a smart phone or have a bunch of memory etc. A plain Jane calculator is all you can use. There won't be much math so don't get hung up on that. A lot of people here use online practice tests/study guides and don't even have a paper book to study from. Good luck and welcome to the best ham forum on the 'net. 
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Quoted:
around here all Skywarn is handled thorough Ham Radio. Cert uses ham, ARES uses ham, etc... Quoted:
around here all Skywarn is handled thorough Ham Radio. Cert uses ham, ARES uses ham, etc... I had actually seen your post about ARES earlier. I let my EMT license expire after moving back to TN and didn't bother with a Volunteer Fire Dept, so I started looking at Cert but from what I can tell our county only uses them to pass out bottled water and pamphlets. Quoted:
Good luck and welcome to the best ham forum on the 'net. Thanks, and I think I will give the free info a shot. If it starts to feel like its not enough I guess I will pick up a book. |
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As others stated this is THE place to come with questions.. You wont get a bunch of snarky answers.. we like helping members get licensed. I'm an extra class instructor and volunteer examiner for our local club. Your test will have 35 multiple choice questions. You need to get 26 correct to pass. The Q's & A's will be worded exactly as in the study guides. The only difference will be the A, B, C, D order on the test itself. As you go over the material you will have questions.. feel free to ask.. we'll help. I recommend the ARRL study guide. I simply like it's way of explaining the background info needed for the questions.. you can order it here: http://www.arrl.org/shop/ARRL-Ham-Radio-License-Manual-3rd-Edition/?page=1 You can also take practice tests online. http://www.qrz.com/hamtest/ I would also encourage you to study the general class as well. It's not much more difficult than the tech class and a lot of the material overlaps.. When you pass the tech test you will be offered a chance at the general at no extra charge so read up and go for it.. It will give you privileges on ALL amateur bands and the HF bands are where the fun really begins. Best luck & 73.. |
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I would also encourage you to study the general class as well. It's not much more difficult than the tech class and a lot of the material overlaps.. When you pass the tech test you will be offered a chance at the general at no extra charge so read up and go for it.. It will give you privileges on ALL amateur bands and the HF bands are where the fun really begins. Best luck & 73.. I think I have seen some comments on a few of the threads I browsed that people had passed the general without actually studying for it. If I end up absorbing the material fast enough I will definitely read up on the general information so I can do both in one sitting. I have always been able to learn things easier by doing, not by reading, which has made college a real pain so far. HAM is set up where I have to learn by reading before I can go hands on. Hoping to at least get enough of it to stick to pass the exams so I can start with the hands on! |
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is there any benefit to having the paper book versus the no-nonsense technician study guide? The only difference is what fits your style/needs of learning best. Read a book, or take online practice tests, listen to tapes, etc. Some places have classes where they go over stuff. The tests are multiple choice tests drawn from a published pool of test questions, so you can study all the possible questions to just game the test. There is a lot you need to learn and know to actually get on the air and do things beyond what is on the tests. If you're willing to put some time into reading to really understand the why of all the questions you'll be further ahead in actual learning. "Ham" is not an acronym, it's a slang/shortened term for amateur radio. |
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Welcome to ham radio! It's more than just a hobby, there are so many options to it that it can become a lifestyle.
It is correct that you need to know more than what's on the exam to be an effective ham radio operator. Look at it the same way you would shooting. There is only so much you can learn by reading. The rest is done with hardware in hand on a range. Do you have a scanner? If so go to this website, look up the repeaters in your area and load the frequencies into it. You can learn a lot about operating procedure by listening. Incidentally, if you've ever used CB in other than emergency operations, forget everything you've learned because it likely won't apply to ham radio. Do some prepping for your General Class license as it will open up the entire amateur radio spectrum for you. In widespread emergency operations such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes, the lower frequency bands will often come into play. |