WANNA BE A HAM?
Amateur radio is a fascinating hobby
for individuals of all ages. It is a wonderful means of serving one's community during special events, disasters
and emergencies. For those who go where no phone or cell phone service exists (campers, hikers, skiers, snowmobilers,
etc.), it can be a life saver. Like to travel? Contact Hams in the area and obtain information that
is sometimes only available from a local.
Here is how you can become an Amateur Radio Operator!
1. Pass the 35 multiple-choice exam
administered by a team of 3 volunteer examiners (VEs) missing no more than 9 questions.
2. 7 to 10 days after you pass
the Technician Class test, go to QRZ.com, FCC search page, or another database site and
type in your name. Check the address to be sure it is not someone else with the same name. If your name with
callsign appears, you are in the FCC database and, as soon as your license is in hand, you may use all the
privileges allowed your license class. Your FCC license will arrive in the mail shortly after it appears
in the database. For General or Extra Class upgrades, you may begin using your new priviledges once you have
your CSCE in hand. Until your new license arrives, remember to say "Slant AG or AE" following your callsign when on
frequencies only allowed by your new status.
NOTE: As of 23 Feb 2007, Morse Code will not be required
for any level of amateur radio license.
The Technician Class question pool expires 6/30/2010, General Class expires
6/30/2011, and Amateur Extra expires 6/30/2012. There are two zip files for each class. Multiple Choice
has the question and all 4 possible answers; No Distracters has the question and only the correct answer. There
is also a rich text file of each and an answer file which can be printed out and studied without a computer. Click on
the links below to download the zip files.
NOTE: These
PowerPoint drills are not designed to teach but to assist you in passing the examination. There are links below
where additional instructional and study materials can be obtained. Additional information can be obtained
by searching for specific data using Google or other search engines. I would also suggest contacting a local amateur
radio club and requesting an "Elmer", a ham who volunteers to assist individuals desiring to get their license.
