Failed my Technician Exam!

[JeramyJ]

Yes, that's right, I failed it! UGH! It was several weeks ago and I was so traumatized that I have not posted it here till now! I did study but obviously only covered about 1/3 of the material using hamtestonline. So, just to let everyone know I will give it another try but I went down in flames the first go round!

JJ

 

[902]

Yes, that's right, I failed it! UGH! It was several weeks ago and I was so traumatized that I have not posted it here till now! I did study but obviously only covered about 1/3 of the material using hamtestonline. So, just to let everyone know I will give it another try but I went down in flames the first go round!

JJ

That's unfortunate, JJ. I have to ask - were you using the "try it FREE" version, or did you subscribe and have all of the material go "green" with a message telling you that you were ready to take the test? If you are a subscriber, you may want to contact them to let them know. You might be able to get your money back. If you were using the non-subscriber thing they have up, well, that's only a sample, not the real study content.

Don't give up. It's a rewarding hobby with lots of stuff to do. One of those "when you get bored with this, there's always 'that'" hobbies.

 

[QDP2012]

Don't give up. It's a rewarding hobby with lots of stuff to do. One of those "when you get bored with this, there's always 'that'" hobbies.

I definitely agree! Many people hit that same "speed-bump" when earning their license. Despite appearances, not everyone passes these tests on the first try. But, many do pass their later re-tests.

Don't let it get you down. Study again. Try again. Keep going until you get it. Let's us know when you are going to re-test and how you do.

Keep going,

 

[WB4CS]

Sorry to hear about that JJ Definitely don't give up!

My recommendation would be one of the following:
1) Instead of studying online, pick up a study manual. I had good success (back in 1994) with the Gordon West WB6NOA Technician manual. He does a good job of not only giving the correct answer, but an explanation of why each answer is correct. One note: I have never tried the online study courses, so they may be as good as the study manuals, I'm not sure.

2) Supplement your online studying with the ARRL Handbook. It should be a staple item in every ham's shack and is a fountain of knowledge and reference material.

3) I'm not sure how the online study courses work, but I know you can take practice exams on QRZ.com. Take as many as you need for free, and it will be a good way to gauge how ready you are.

Again, keep on studying and don't give up! Good luck on round two!

 

[gewecke]

Do it again! Don't give up!

73,
n9zas

 

[Rt169Radio]

Take a look at the Gordon West tech class study book, I used it and I passed my test with a perfect score.

W5YI : Product : 2010-2014 Technician Class by Gordon West

Also try these practice exam sites. I used all three when I was studying for my tech license.

HamExam.org: Free Amateur Radio Practice Tests with Flash Cards

AA9PW FCC Exam Practice » Amateur Radio Exam Practice

eHam.net Ham Radio Practice Exams

 

[JeramyJ]

Thanks for all the words of encouragement. I will take it again for sure. Can't let it beat me! I did use the full fledged version of Hamtest but I only covered 33% of the material. No green light. I had planned on taking it and just got behind then went to take it anyway. Oh well, good experience I figure. I will be back on track! Thanks again for the resources as well.

 

[reconrider8]

im looking at getting my license also but im kinda scared of whats going to be on the test lol i took a practice exam and got a 50 needed 75 to pass lol

 

[QDP2012]

im looking at getting my license also but im kinda scared of whats going to be on the test lol i took a practice exam and got a 50 needed 75 to pass lol

Keep studying the material and taking the practice exams until you pass the practice exams with at least a 90%. This will help give you two things -- 1) confidence in what you know as you sit for the exam, and 2) a little cushion in your score if you get nervous and miss a few questions strictly from being nervous.

Just like we have suggested to the OP: Keep going!

 

[Blackink]

Listen up JeramyJ, I'm going to give you a score of 100. Yes, a perfect score for admitting that you failed.
And admitting it in this forum. It takes guts to admit failure but if you persevere I'm sure you'll do just fine.
Don't be afraid to study, study, and study some more.

Many people don't admit their mistakes and/or failures and because of that type of thinking, they give up or move on not really knowing why things didn't work out as they had planned.

Good Luck. Keep the Faith. Don't give up.

 

[k7ltc]

Test Prep

Keep studying the material and taking the practice exams until you pass the practice exams with at least a 90%. This will help give you two things -- 1) confidence in what you know as you sit for the exam, and 2) a little cushion in your score if you get nervous and miss a few questions strictly from being nervous.

Just like we have suggested to the OP: Keep going!

Absolutely agree. When I teach prospective Tech Licensees I tell them that before they take the actual exam to ensure they get a consistent 90% or above on practice tests. 100% pass rate for those that follow this. About 50% for those that don't.

Keep after it until you pass. Good luck!

 

[902]

Thanks for all the words of encouragement. I will take it again for sure. Can't let it beat me! I did use the full fledged version of Hamtest but I only covered 33% of the material. No green light. I had planned on taking it and just got behind then went to take it anyway. Oh well, good experience I figure. I will be back on track! Thanks again for the resources as well.

I had 4 kids take the Hamtestonline thing - one from Technician to Extra, another Technician and General, and two Technicians. What happens is there is a report feature that changes colors. The more you start answering questions right, the more toward green it goes on those groups of questions. It's nothing more than rote memorization. My daughter wanted a bunch of stuff, so I told her that she had to prove she could learn before I'd get them. So, first she got her Tech. Great. Next she wanted something else. Told her impress me. Get your General. Tests out and got it. Then she wanted a laptop. It was expensive, so I figured she wouldn't go for her Extra. She studies, goes to take the test and fails it pretty badly. She locked herself in her room for a week taking the test on the computer. The day of the test, she storms out and she is MAD! Like fury. "Let's go, I'm ready!" The guys were all like, 'Oh, the little girl is gonna take it again. We feel so bad for her.' She sits down, takes the test and in about 10 minutes she's up and hands everything in. The one guy looks at the test. Shakes his head. Hands it to the other guy. He looks at it. Calls a third guy over. He looks at it. Calls her up and tells her she got 100%. All she can say to them was, "Damned right!" She wanted that laptop more than anything (and I am as cheap as Jack Benny - but I STILL had to pay up). She was 13 (she's 20 now and still acts up like a skunk stuck under a fence). So, have some patience. When you keep working that thing, you'll see what I mean about things changing colors and going green. Go into the modules and make sure they're all turned on. Like the guys say, everyone learns differently. You might find you take better to a book or some other method. They all present the same material. Hang in there! We'll work you on the air!

 

[pinballwiz86]

Buy the ARRL study guide. Use a highlighter to mark the answers. Take practice exams on eham. When you keep getting 90% right consistently, then you WILL pass. Good luck!

 

[jaspanm]

I was never a test taker. Took me 5 tries. I was getting 90+% on the practice exams but when I sat down at the table 30-50%. You can do it I did. Good luck.

 

[05WideGuy]

Buy the study guide by Gordan West like many have stated and test yourself on QRZ. When you can get constant 90's in QRZ you will be ready to pass the real test!

 

[W8RMH]

Yes, that's right, I failed it! UGH! It was several weeks ago and I was so traumatized that I have not posted it here till now! I did study but obviously only covered about 1/3 of the material using hamtestonline. So, just to let everyone know I will give it another try but I went down in flames the first go round!

JJ

http://forums.radioreference.com/amateur-radio-general-discussion/261349-i-bitten.html

After reading your previous thread above I think your priorities are way off.

You stated "After reading much information and watching many videos I had concluded that a MT was the best to start off with." I don't know what you were reading or watching but I think it may have confused you.

You purchased and installed equipment before even cracking a book. And did you honestly think you would do well on the test after only covering a third of the material.

I don't know of any testing, besides amateur radio, which provides you with the questions and answers prior to taking the test.

As previously stated above get the Gordon West book. He lists all the questions and answers "exactly" and goes into further detail to help you understand the material and not just the questions and answers.

Use the online practice tests to evaluate what you have learned and what you need to work on more. When you can pass the practice tests while only missing a few questions or less you should be ready. Good Luck.

 

[05WideGuy]

it's not to be taken lightly, there are almost 400 questions and answers to MEMORIZE not an easy thing to do! I tested at night so I took the day off of work and studied all day, not to mention all the hours before that. I tested and only got one wrong. Ya gotta want it real bad to get it!

Do you have a Ham Club close to you, go talk to them.

 

[k3cfc]

I bought my Gordon west extra class book and the 6 cd's from w5yi and use them all the time. don't dis pare and forge ahead. YOU CAN DO THIS!

Good luck

K3CFC

 

[AK9R]

it's not to be taken lightly, there are almost 400 questions and answers to MEMORIZE not an easy thing to do!

The solution to this dilemma is easy...

...Don't try to memorize the answers.

If you truly understand the material, the answers to the test questions will come to you without having memorized them one-by-one. The unfortunate aspect of goal-oriented testing is that you don't learn the material, you only learn how to take the test.

Here's a suggestion...Get one of the license study guides, either from the ARRL or Gordon West. Read the guide from cover to cover (yes, it will take you some time and dedication). Then start taking practice exams using either the question pool in the back of the book or one of the practice test web sites. For every question you miss, go back to the book and study the material again. When you get to the point that you get around 90% or better on the practice tests, you are ready for the real thing.

But, don't waste your time memorizing the questions and answers. You won't learn the material that way.

 

[05WideGuy]

The solution to this dilemma is easy...

...Don't try to memorize the answers.

If you truly understand the material, the answers to the test questions will come to you without having memorized them one-by-one. The unfortunate aspect of goal-oriented testing is that you don't learn the material, you only learn how to take the test.

Here's a suggestion...Get one of the license study guides, either from the ARRL or Gordon West. Read the guide from cover to cover (yes, it will take you some time and dedication). Then start taking practice exams using either the question pool in the back of the book or one of the practice test web sites. For every question you miss, go back to the book and study the material again. When you get to the point that you get around 90% or better on the practice tests, you are ready for the real thing.

But, don't waste your time memorizing the questions and answers. You won't learn the material that way.

You are right; learn the material and understand it is the best approach! But, I'm not a technical guy the best way for me to pass the test was memorization. It worked, I only got one wrong answer. I personally don't need to know a lot of the information that was on the test. I just want to use the radio to communicate during emergency times (destructive weather); other than that I just talk to club members. I'm not knocking you on your vision of Ham Radio, I would really like to understand the technical side of the hobby, but I won't ever use it. I will take my radio to a technician when it doesn't work.

Regards, Joel KF5UTJ