Just passed my General class test on Saturday!!!!

[SteveShannon]

Just now, WRPL700 said:

Steve is absolutely correct about the tests.  If I can pass the Tech with a 35/35 and the General with a 35/35 then anybody can do it.  They have some great tools for people to use to study for the exams (hamexam.org) is what I used (which someone here suggested.... thank you!).  Ham is a great hobby and I am glad I did it.

Thanks! Another resource is HamStudy.org.  That’s what I used when I started. They are free, but you’re welcome to donate if you want and they do have an app they sell for a low price for your phone or tablet.

[WSDV256]

Well, After studying my butt off for several weeks, I took the test Saturday for General class and passed (35 out of 35).  I do have to say thanks to the guy who gave me the link to hamexam.org where you can do flash cards of the questions, it really helped!!!  Now on to new bands... maybe I will try out 17 meters or 20 meters in the coming weeks.  

Congratulations!!


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[WRCR724]

On 5/5/2025 at 6:54 AM, WRPL700 said:

Steve is absolutely correct about the tests.  If I can pass the Tech with a 35/35 and the General with a 35/35 then anybody can do it.  They have some great tools for people to use to study for the exams (hamexam.org) is what I used (which someone here suggested.... thank you!).  Ham is a great hobby and I am glad I did it.

 

Go for the extra license. Doesn't give you much more other than not having to worry about what portion of the bands you are in and bragging rights, but why not? 

[BoxCar]

40 minutes ago, WRCR724 said:

 

Go for the extra license. Doesn't give you much more other than not having to worry about what portion of the bands you are in and bragging rights, but why not? 

39 minutes ago, WRCR724 said:

 

Go for the extra license. Doesn't give you much more other than not having to worry about what portion of the bands you are in and bragging rights, but why not? 

 *1 on going for Extra, Being Extra is also the gateway to becoming a Volunteer Examiner for new hams and those wanting to upgrade,

[FishinGary]

If you go for AE and you're really lucky you may be issued sequentially one of the highly coveted 1X2 or 2X1 callsigns. If not, you'll still get a 2X2 which lets everyone know you're an AE. 

You can apply for a vanity 1X2 or 2X1 as well, and I considered it, but when I got my 2X2 I was happy with it.

[WSEZ864]

20 hours ago, FishinGary said:

If you go for AE and you're really lucky you may be issued sequentially one of the highly coveted 1X2 or 2X1 callsigns. If not, you'll still get a 2X2 which lets everyone know you're an AE. 

You can apply for a vanity 1X2 or 2X1 as well, and I considered it, but when I got my 2X2 I was happy with it.

If one passes their AE exam, they keep their original call sign unless they can find a vanity call they like that's available and apply for the change. You won't get issued anything automatically just because you passed the exam. Getting AE only qualifies one to apply for any available call and one will not automatically get reassigned a new or shorter call.

[WRCR724]

4 minutes ago, WSEZ864 said:

If one passes their AE exam, they keep their original call sign unless they can find a vanity call they like that's available and apply for the change. You won't get issued anything automatically just because you passed the exam. Getting AE only qualifies one to apply for any available call and one will not automatically get reassigned a new or shorter call.

You have to complete the NCVEC form 605 and on that form, there's a box to check if you want to change your callsign systematically. If checked, you will automatically be assigned a new callsign when your upgrade is processed by the FCC. So it kind of is automatic if you request it. Until then, you can use your current callsign/AE and operate with your new frequency privileges. 

Also, you don't need to pass ANY exam in order to request a new systematically assigned callsign. You could submit form 605 to a VEC or submit the request online through the FCC license manager site.