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this post was submitted on 04 Aug 2024
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As a non-amateur who every few months thinks "I should consider getting a license", I've been hoping for an obvious bootstrap point.
The library has some old "here's every exam question" style cram books, but I'm actually looking for a course for understanding, so I don't pass the exam and proceed to have no idea what to do or how to behave. That went so well eith the driver's license exam. :)
The answer on how to get your licence depends on which country or locality you live.
If you are comfortable sharing that, we can likely get you a starting point.
Here’s your bootstrap. Assuming you’re in the US, HamStudy.org. Spaced repetition studying for the exam, no Morse code requirement anymore.
FCC exams can now be administered remotely via computer. I’ve taken all three of my exams remotely; my first while sitting on a beach!
@667 @HakFoo Unfortunately our club is fixated on scheduled instructor led classes (death by powerpoint for the most part) and in-person administration of electronic tests.
They deliberately conceal the fact that self-study and on-demand remote testing are options when people inquire about getting licensed.
edit: fixed wordwrap
That’s disappointing to hear. What would be the fallout within your club if you were to just go get licensed on your own? Does your jurisdiction permit licensure outside of clubs?
@667 In the US licensure is independent of clubs.
There _is_ gatekeeping going on. It seems to stem from OMs who want to control how folks get into hobby.
Although they won't turn away a warm body toting a license...
Edit: added tag line
Ahh ok, I’m US licensed also. Was surprised to see your club insists on such a rigid learning experience.
You’ll know best for your present situation, but I’d encourage you to just go get your license on your own and get on the air. There’s plenty of media channels to learn.
@667 I'm already licensed ... went "from zero to hero" on my own over a span of about 4 months back in 2011.
It's just so frustrating seeing the obstacles which are constantly thrown in the way of people who want to become licensed (or upgraded).
Edit: licensing year
100%
That’s wild your club makes newbies sit through such a course and refuses any kind of modernizations. OMs for sure.
I studied all the legal questions for all three license levels through brute force using that site. Went through the questions so many times that I could tell you the answer within the first few words.
Now is that a good thing? Meh, i think most of the learning occurs once you're on the air. Then again, i do have a EE degree so the radio science part i already knew.
I agree. The FCC exam is a framework for learning. All my follow-on learning, including antenna building and using an NVNA have come from doing it.