question pool expires

[SpaceForceCmdr]

So, on the hamexam.org site, I see their question pool expires after a few months, and then there is a new one. How does this work? Is there one large question pool, and smaller pools get pulled from that and rotated for the real exam? I'm actually having fun taking the practice tests, but it would suck to get good at them right before a pool expires, and then have to learn a new pool.

I know, ideally, this type of rote memorization/recognition is a very low level of learning, so it'd probably be better to gain an actual understanding of things. That way, it doesn't matter what pool the test uses, since someone would already understand all the material. I did order a prep book off Amazon that looked pretty good. I also have an advanced degree in physics, which is helpful =) While I was taking the practice tests, I was having flashbacks to my electronics class in college. We were all newbs, and the prof wasn't much help, so we were all just standing around trying to figure out circuit building on a breadboard. Good times, haha.

 

[nd5y]

I know nothing about that web site, what questions they use or how they rotate them.

All I know is how the question pools used by the VEs for the actual exams work.
There is one pool published every for years for each license class exam.
NCVEC is the FCC approved organization that maintains the question pools.
For more information see their web site.

Home

www.ncvec.org

 

[k6cpo]

While the number of questions that actually change may be small, the entire pool is considered "new" every four years. The idea is that this way the pool can keep up with advancements in ham radio technology and also stay abreast of any rule changes by the FCC.

 

[SpaceForceCmdr]

Cool, so do you think if I keep taking the practice tests until I get a good pass rate, I'll be fine? I'm passing them now, but just barely. A lot of the stuff I would never know unless I read about, which I plan on doing. I'm not actually sure I want to get on the air and talk (yet), but I figure it'd be cool to get the license. When I get an official callsign, then at least I can go to QRZ and make posts in logbooks and whatnot. I just enjoy SWLing at the moment.

 

[ko6jw_2]

If you are memorizing questions and answers a change in the question pools could trip you up. It also depends on what class license you are looking for. Technician is not so much of a problem. Extra has more complicated questions and is much harder to memorize. Nevertheless, if you know some basic formulas like resonance and reactance you can answer any technical question on the Extra test.

The exams also have questions of rules and regs and those are easy to memorize. They are not likely to change in any case.

I have a friend who has tried many times to pass his Extra test and failed. He never took algebra and doesn't know the basic formulas that the questions are based on.

 

[ko6jw_2]

Only the Technician question pool changed recently the others are good for at least another year.

I suggest using the QRZ.com practice tests which compose practice exams from the question pool in the format of real exams. That way you will get the most recent questions. The Technician test is only 35 questions. Do QRZ tests until you are comfortable with the material. Then pass your license exam. Best of luck.

 

[k6cpo]

Only the Technician question pool changed recently the others are good for at least another year.

The Technician pool doesn't change until June 30th. The new pool goes into effect on July 1st. The General pool will change June 30, 2023 and The Extra pool on June 30, 2024. There will then be a one year gap where nothing changes, then we start all over again.

 

[ko6jw_2]

The Technician pool doesn't change until June 30th. The new pool goes into effect on July 1st. The General pool will change June 30, 2023 and The Extra pool on June 30, 2024. There will then be a one year gap where nothing changes, then we start all over again.

The new pool has already been released for those who are not sitting for an exam until the summer but are studying now.

 

[k6cpo]

The new pool has already been released for those who are not sitting for an exam until the summer but are studying now.

Yeah, the NCVEC usually releases them a month or two early so the publishers of study materials—ARRL, Gordon West, et al.—can have new editions ready to go on July 1st.

 

[GlobalNorth]

If you are going for familiarity/memorization in order to test, keep practicing until you reach the 90th percentile or higher level before actual testing. You'll need a 'cushion' for nervousness, unusual test questions that you weren't expecting, etc.

 

[fantasma25]

Cool, so do you think if I keep taking the practice tests until I get a good pass rate, I'll be fine? I'm passing them now, but just barely. A lot of the stuff I would never know unless I read about, which I plan on doing. I'm not actually sure I want to get on the air and talk (yet), but I figure it'd be cool to get the license. When I get an official callsign, then at least I can go to QRZ and make posts in logbooks and whatnot. I just enjoy SWLing at the moment.

GlobalNorth gave you good advice. I also started as a scanner listener and postponed getting my license for several years.