Bad tech testing experience

[sparks40]

I went to take my Tech exam today, and it really put a bad taste in my mouth in regard to getting involved in amateur radio. I arrived just before 9am, when the testing was supposed to begin. There were 3 VE's in the room, but we had to wait until almost 9:30 for the 4th guy, who coincidentally was the one with all the paperwork and test forms. No big deal. I have been taking a wide variety of practice exams online at various websites for the last two weeks, and i figured i was ready, since i had been passing these practice exams, Anyhow, i guess you're allowed to miss up to ten, and i missed 13. There were more questions on the test regarding propagation, antenna lengths versus bands, and very little on the electrical and electronics end, which i am very proficient at. Hell, i didn't even get any questions on schematics. I guess i just feel like the VE's choose the questions from the current pool, and i'm failing to see the value in needing to be as technical as they were in the testing for somebody trying to get in on the ground floor, so to speak. You would think that they would want to make it a little easier for someone to get into the hobby, as it is worthwhile to them to boost membership in their clubs. I felt a very strong indifference, and also like they weren't very interested in the fact that i was even there. I started out with a strong interest in the hobby, but now i'm not so sure. I can see the validity of the questions, but not to somebody just starting out. Thanks for letting me rant.

 

[ffemt601]

The VE's don't make up the tests they are just merely the proctor. You should get a Technician book and learn the material instead of trying to cram with the online tests. For what its worth the online tests use the same test bank as the exam.

 

[zz0468]

You clearly didn't study hard enough. My wife passed the tech exam on the first try, and she has no background in electronics, and did all her studying on-line.

I'm not telling you that to make you feel bad, my point is, the test IS easy. It's possible for a completely non-technical person with only marginal interest in the hobby to study with free on-line materials, and pass the test on the first try.

You would think that they would want to make it a little easier for someone to get into the hobby, as it is worthwhile to them to boost membership in their clubs.

I guess one would need to define "easy". It's not intended to be a give away license. Maybe if you look at Part 97, and read the purpose of amateur radio. One of the reasons for it's existence is to form a pool of technically qualified people that can use their skills for the general public good. Part of becoming qualified is the technical knowledge that's reflected in the tests.

I felt a very strong indifference, and also like they weren't very interested in the fact that i was even there. I started out with a strong interest in the hobby, but now i'm not so sure. I can see the validity of the questions, but not to somebody just starting out. Thanks for letting me rant.

TThe indifference could have been quite real. that's a common complaint about some clubs, and I wouldn't take it personally. Maybe there's another club nearby that you could try. Or maybe you buck up and take the test again with those guys, and NOT join a club. In my personal experience, general interest ham clubs leave a lot to be desired. I prefer the ones that are more technically oriented, but that's just me.

Don't let it get you down, and keep in mind that there's a reason for all the questions, even for a beginner. You become authorized to make adjustments to transmitters and antennas that could potentially interfere with other services. You are expected to know enough to keep yourself out of trouble. Study!

 

[AK9R]

The 396 questions in the current Technician test pool are broken up into 10 different subelements. The question pool spells out how many questions are to be taken from each subelement. The intent is to make sure that each individual exam covers a broad spectrum of the body of knowledge required to become a licensed amateur radio operator without emphasis on any particular area of knowledge.

Here are the subelements and the number of questions from each that are to appear on each exam:

• SUBELEMENT T1 – FCC Rules, descriptions and definitions for the amateur radio service, operator and station license responsibilities - [6 Exam Questions]
• SUBELEMENT T2 - Operating Procedures - [3 Exam Questions]
• SUBELEMENT T3 – Radio wave characteristics, radio and electromagnetic properties, propagation modes – [3 Exam Questions]
• SUBELEMENT T4 - Amateur radio practices and station setup – [2 Exam Questions]
• SUBELEMENT T5 – Electrical principles, math for electronics, electronic principles, Ohm’s Law – [4 Exam Questions]
• SUBELEMENT T6 – Electrical components, semiconductors, circuit diagrams, component functions – [4 Exam Questions]
• SUBELEMENT T7 – Station equipment, common transmitter and receiver problems, antenna measurements and troubleshooting, basic repair and testing – [4 Exam Questions]
• SUBELEMENT T8 – Modulation modes, amateur satellite operation, operating activities, non-voice communications – [4 Exam Questions]
• SUBELEMENT T9 – Antennas, feedlines [2 Exam Groups]
• SUBELEMENT T0 – AC power circuits, antenna installation, RF hazards – [3 Exam Questions]

 

[GTR8000]

I have been taking a wide variety of practice exams online at various websites for the last two weeks, and i figured i was ready, since i had been passing these practice exams, Anyhow, i guess you're allowed to miss up to ten, and i missed 13. There were more questions on the test regarding propagation, antenna lengths versus bands, and very little on the electrical and electronics end, which i am very proficient at.

You are aware that every possible question that might appear on the exam is openly published, correct? The practice tests are not the only resource out there. Perhaps if you're so proficient with the electrical/electronics end, you should've concentrated more on the "other stuff" while studying, instead of blaming others for your lack of preparation. Just a thought.

NCVEC - 2nd Public Release 2010 Element 2 Pool 2/01/2010

 

[reedeb]

Back in 1995 I spent the money for the book and studied [crammed evey extra hour I had] For 3 weeks. I then went and took the then tech no code test and passed it [in 15 minutes with only 1 wrong].

Get the book, study the book, read the book, then take the test. Don't expect the VE's to greet you with open arms

Did your teachers welcome you into the classroom as a long lost cousin? NO, these folks don't know you from Adam. You're just someone else trying to get his ticket.

If you are that put off by this experience and now not so enthused, maybe you never was in the first place

You cannot blame the VE's nor the test for YOUR failure.

 

[sparks40]

You are aware that every possible question that might appear on the exam is openly published, correct? The practice tests are not the only resource out there. Perhaps if you're so proficient with the electrical/electronics end, you should've concentrated more on the "other stuff" while studying, instead of blaming others for your lack of preparation. Just a thought.

NCVEC - 2nd Public Release 2010 Element 2 Pool 2/01/2010

I guess i wasn't being entirely clear. My point was that i don't feel that there is a valid reasoning for having to know some of this stuff beforehand. How does it relate to someone just starting out, throwing a mobile in a vehicle, and maybe springing for an HT. Costwise, i would think that most newbs are gonna start with inexpensive 2m equipment, or maybe a dual band rig.It's not like i'm gonna run out and throw up a tower and build a repeater. Alot of questions seem to relate to things you should be learning AS YOU PROGRESS IN THE HOBBY. What good is it to memorize a bunch of questions without having the opportunity to APPLY the knowledge. I would also think that the more "seasoned" operators would be more willing to assist the new guys wanting to get into the hobby, but sadly, that doesn't appear to be the case, at least where i'm at. I tried e-mailing some of the guys from a local club here, but never received any response. I guess you have to be technically inclined to key a mic and utter a call sign to talk about what you had for breakfast, or what time youre taking the wife to the doctor to have that wart removed. You are correct in the fact that i should have studied the material more, but memorizing the answers to questions doesn't teach you the "why" part of the question. Anyway, i may just stick to a cellphone. It costs less and gives me the ability to have a private conversation.

 

[15plus1]

.... I guess you have to be technically inclined to key a mic and utter a call sign to talk about what you had for breakfast, or what time youre taking the wife to the doctor to have that wart removed. ....

Would u like some cheese to go with that ????

So u failed the test, and now you're bitter b/c u were unprepared ??? For crying out loud, the entire question pool AND answers are published....Could they make it any easier ???? Maybe an open book test ???
Boo Hoo .....

 

[KB0VWG]

The hard part is gone

I went to take my Tech exam today, and it really put a bad taste in my mouth in regard to getting involved in amateur radio. I arrived just before 9am, when the testing was supposed to begin. There were 3 VE's in the room, but we had to wait until almost 9:30 for the 4th guy, who coincidentally was the one with all the paperwork and test forms. No big deal. I have been taking a wide variety of practice exams online at various websites for the last two weeks, and i figured i was ready, since i had been passing these practice exams, Anyhow, i guess you're allowed to miss up to ten, and i missed 13. There were more questions on the test regarding propagation, antenna lengths versus bands, and very little on the electrical and electronics end, which i am very proficient at. Hell, i didn't even get any questions on schematics. I guess i just feel like the VE's choose the questions from the current pool, and i'm failing to see the value in needing to be as technical as they were in the testing for somebody trying to get in on the ground floor, so to speak. You would think that they would want to make it a little easier for someone to get into the hobby, as it is worthwhile to them to boost membership in their clubs. I felt a very strong indifference, and also like they weren't very interested in the fact that i was even there. I started out with a strong interest in the hobby, but now i'm not so sure. I can see the validity of the questions, but not to somebody just starting out. Thanks for letting me rant.

The test these days are a walk in the park compared to when I took my test, Had to do 5 wpm cw and then 13 wpm cw for my General and you complaining about not able to do a written test!!!! I think you need to study some more, alot more.

 

[KR4BD]

In the post by W9RXR (Above), it clearly shows that each test has a designated number of questions from each subject matter that must be on the test. I am a VE and I can tell you that some versions of the tests do not have questions involving schematics while others do. However, each test must have the designated number of questions from each of the 10 subject matters as W9RXR outlines above. A passing grade of 26 CORRECT answers, out of 35, is required to pass. The questions are all "multiple choice". I'd say just brush up on the areas that gave you the most trouble on the test. In my opinion, the Technician and General Tests are quite easy. The Extra Test will take some serious study to pass, however. But again, all the Extra Class Questions are "out there" to study.

 

[kb0nly]

Wow talk about complaining for someone that wanted to get his ham license, but now chooses to bash the entire hobby instead because he failed...

I hear this all the time as a VE. I can't count how many times someone came in to test and failed because they didnt study enough and then they want to blame everything but themselves. Seriously, if you wanted to be licensed this is what you have to do to be licensed. The tests are already dumbed down enough, you should have taken the tests back before they removed some of the more technical stuff. Now its all memorization of facts and figures with a little math mixed in.

You complained about an entry level, the TECH IS the entry level. Its already dumbed down enough. I entered as a Tech in 1994, studied very little, and passed on the first try because i was already very technically minded and experienced. I waited for a bit then took the General and Extra exams and became a VE for local clubs to help out. I have seen both sides of this, both as the tester and the testee. So i understand the frustration. I have seen some guys come in and take the General or Extra a half dozen times, hoping each time the random question generator will smile upon them!

Another word about the test generation... You blamed the VE's for that as well. We don't have anything to do with it, we launch the software on the computer, tell it to print out X number of Tech, General, Extra, exams and it spits them out to the print with an answer sheet for each. We have NO control over what it does other than click the class we want and hit print. So sorry you feel the VE's did this to you, but they didn't.

As for them being indifferent... As a VE we are a VOLUNTEER, we give our time for the cause, in the case of many of us the cost of gas and meals to drive around to club meetings to do so. Perhaps you caught them on a day that they weren't happy to be there. I have had it happen many times where a club scheduled a testing session last minute and nobody was really happy to be there, but we did it anyway with the best attitude we could muster. The guy with the testing materials was late, it happens, thats life. Perhaps he got hung up printing out exams, been there done that.

After your last comment... Please do stay on the cellphone and leave ham radio to those who are more interested. Its not everyones cup of tea, but those who enjoy it don't need to listen to those who don't whine about it.

We now return you to your normally scheduled programming.

 

[canav844]

I guess i wasn't being entirely clear. My point was that i don't feel that there is a valid reasoning for having to know some of this stuff beforehand. How does it relate to someone just starting out, throwing a mobile in a vehicle, and maybe springing for an HT. Costwise, i would think that most newbs are gonna start with inexpensive 2m equipment, or maybe a dual band rig.It's not like i'm gonna run out and throw up a tower and build a repeater. Alot of questions seem to relate to things you should be learning AS YOU PROGRESS IN THE HOBBY. What good is it to memorize a bunch of questions without having the opportunity to APPLY the knowledge. I would also think that the more "seasoned" operators would be more willing to assist the new guys wanting to get into the hobby, but sadly, that doesn't appear to be the case, at least where i'm at. I tried e-mailing some of the guys from a local club here, but never received any response. I guess you have to be technically inclined to key a mic and utter a call sign to talk about what you had for breakfast, or what time youre taking the wife to the doctor to have that wart removed. You are correct in the fact that i should have studied the material more, but memorizing the answers to questions doesn't teach you the "why" part of the question. Anyway, i may just stick to a cellphone. It costs less and gives me the ability to have a private conversation.

Well see that's just it right there, you're not supposed to memorize the answers (memorization does not equal technically inclined so this post comes across as illogical ranting and not well reasoned thought with your self contradiction).

The fact is those questions were selected to best reflect the knowledge for the privileges you are granted. It's not a newb license, it's a Technician License, and that means that you have access to much more than 2 meters and for those privileges you'll need to have sufficient knowledge in various areas. It makes it so that those that are in the hobby are of sufficient caliber so that everything is shared properly, and just like the vast majority of hams out there, if you only ever take the technician license you'll have the knowledge base to let the hobby develop. We're not here to make the clubs as large as possible, we're here to make the hobby as enjoyable as possible, and bringing new people on is a great part of that, but if they aren't up to the standard then they aren't ready yet.

If you look at all the information out there about ham radio and everything that can be done in it, then look at everything that applies to technicians then try and get that down to a 35 question test; it's a daunting task; we all have our personal opinions about what those 35 questions should be but unless you're a VEC rep then it doesn't much matter, and it doesn't change what the standard is. It's quite likley that you took tests in school, but it's much less likely you use the content of those tests everyday, but that basic knowledge demonstrated your ability to your employer that you had an aptitude to learn how to function in your day to day job.

You know where you need improvement I'd suggest you go study there. I'd read through the ARRL book, then knowing where you need work go to your local library and take out electronics books or antenna books or the 20XX Amateur Radio Handbook, and further enhance your background technical knowledge (Remember it's that Technician license you're after). Yes you can reach out to local clubs or on QRZ or even here and ask for an Elmer; but this is also something that a person should be able to learn with some self study. If you've got questions on specific technical items post those in appropriate areas on here, with all those that are hams, there should be plenty of people around to explain it.

So you need to take a little more time with it, and that's frustrating, I get it I've been there, I took my General the first time and I missed it by one question, I didn't give up I went home studied and came back a month later and passed the test with 34 out of 35 correct. You've already pointed out that it's taught you where you need to focus now. So now if you go back in a week or a month or two months, or take the test elsewhere if a few individuals rubbed you the wrong way; you're already better prepared knowing exactly what to expect. Take a few days off then hit the books for 30min-1hr everyday take notes and learn the reasons and math, you'll find that you won't need to memorize 300 answers because you can reason through them with a few dozen broader concepts. Then you can return here and tell us all how you passed, and have found a way to enjoy the hobby.

 

[mass-man]

WAIT...I don't wanna go back to regularly scheduled programming...this stuff on KRNT is great...

 

[AK9R]

You complained about an entry level, the TECH IS the entry level. Its already dumbed down enough.

Even though the Technician license is now the entry level amateur radio license in the U.S., it still gives you the privileges to operate a station over a huge range of frequencies, not just 2m, with as much as 1500 watts, not just the 5 watts you'd get from a handheld or 50 watts from a mobile, using a wide variety of modes, not just FM. Consequently, the exam questions in the pool cover all of those subjects, not just 2m FM at 5 watts. The Tech license is not just a license to chat with the locals on a 2m repeater. It's a license to communicate over long distances using weak signals, work various data modes, communicate through satellites, transmit television images, bounce signals off of the moon, put up towers, build repeaters, and even work CW. I think the OP came into this test session with a narrow, pre-conceived view of amateur radio and left with an even narrower view. It's a problem that we, as elmers and VEs, need to consider as we try to educate prospective new hams about amateur radio.

As a VE we are a VOLUNTEER, we give our time for the cause, in the case of many of us the cost of gas and meals to drive around to club meetings to do so.

Even though we are volunteers, that's no excuse for us being surly. When I tested for Technician, the VEs were all very professional and business-like, but they keep the session light-hearted. Fortunately, I knew a couple of them before I walked into the room. The VEs at the session where I upgraded to Extra bent over backwards to help and encourage me as I only went there to take the General test. Now that I'm a VE, I see the other side and try to be helpful and encouraging myself. And, yes, we are volunteers. The first session I was a VE at this year was on a day when we got 4 inches of new snow on top of a week of ice, snow, and sleet that had really put everybody in a sour mood. Nonetheless, we still had a job to do and we still helped a handful of new hams get their licenses.

 

[zz0468]

I guess i wasn't being entirely clear. My point was that i don't feel that there is a valid reasoning for having to know some of this stuff beforehand.

Your point is clear now. Perhaps MY point wasn't entirely clear either. The purpose of amateur radio is to create a pool of skilled and knowledgeable operators. The valid reason for the test is to show that you have the required skills. If you don't wish to acquire said skills, then amateur radio is not for you.

How does it relate to someone just starting out, throwing a mobile in a vehicle, and maybe springing for an HT.

Because the very reason that amateur radio is allowed to exist at all is because it creates a group of skilled operators with enough technical knowledge to properly get a transmitter going. The idea is that in time of necessity, that group of skilled operators can be called upon to help.

Again, if you chose not to acquire the necessary skills, then this hobby is not for you.

Alot of questions seem to relate to things you should be learning AS YOU PROGRESS IN THE HOBBY. What good is it to memorize a bunch of questions without having the opportunity to APPLY the knowledge.

This is partially true, but the requirement to demonstrate some skills and knowledge exists before you get started. The entry level license is considered a license to learn.

I would also think that the more "seasoned" operators would be more willing to assist the new guys wanting to get into the hobby, but sadly, that doesn't appear to be the case, at least where i'm at.

The more seasoned operators are quite interested in helping newcomers to the hobby, but only if the newcomer has a good attitude and a real interest to learn. You seem to have neither. You just seem to want to press a PTT switch and talk. Have you considered CB, GMRS, or MURS? No test required, and you don't have to learn a damned thing... perfect for you!

You are correct in the fact that i should have studied the material more, but memorizing the answers to questions doesn't teach you the "why" part of the question.

Actually, you're not supposed to memorize the answers to the questions. You're supposed to actually know and understand the material. When you have sufficient real interest, that's actually easier than you think, and it does cover the "why" part.

Anyway, i may just stick to a cellphone. It costs less and gives me the ability to have a private conversation.

Yeah, I think that would be best. I have a feeling that as an amateur, you'd be one of those guys that would be a pain in the butt to deal with on the air. We don't need any more of those. Good riddance, and bye bye! :twisted:

 

[reedeb]

. Anyway, i may just stick to a cellphone. It costs less and gives me the ability to have a private conversation.

PLEASE do!! It appears THAT may be the only mode of communication you understand!

 

[AK9R]

Anyway, i may just stick to a cellphone. It costs less and gives me the ability to have a private conversation.

Don't know about costing less. You can buy a 2m mobile radio new for about $150, put up a simple antenna, and talk to people for years on simplex and never have to pay a dime after that initial investment. No monthly or per-minute fees like your cellphone.

As for the private conversation, that's quite true. If you talk on amateur radio, other people will know your business. Which leads me to my main point...

Everybody I've ever talked to on my cellphone has been someone I already knew or someone with whom I had some type of business relationship. In other words, talking on a cellphone is not a very good tool for making the acquaintance of new people. I have met hundreds of people via amateur radio that I never would have met without it. These people are intelligent, engaging, funny, technically skilled, or downright remarkable like my vision-impaired friend. Through amateur radio, my life has been enriched by a broad spectrum of people I would not have otherwise met. Can you say that about your cellphone?

And, for the rest of you guys who are telling the OP that he's not suited for amateur radio, remember that we are all ambassadors for amateur radio. We need to bring new people along and help them see the value in becoming a licensed amateur radio operator. Think about that the next time you tell some new guy to take his cellphone and hit the road.

 

[kb0nly]

WAIT...I don't wanna go back to regularly scheduled programming...this stuff on KRNT is great...

LOL... Good one

 

[kb0nly]

Even though the Technician license is now the entry level amateur radio license in the U.S., it still gives you the privileges to operate a station over a huge range of frequencies, not just 2m, with as much as 1500 watts, not just the 5 watts you'd get from a handheld or 50 watts from a mobile, using a wide variety of modes, not just FM. Consequently, the exam questions in the pool cover all of those subjects, not just 2m FM at 5 watts. The Tech license is not just a license to chat with the locals on a 2m repeater. It's a license to communicate over long distances using weak signals, work various data modes, communicate through satellites, transmit television images, bounce signals off of the moon, put up towers, build repeaters, and even work CW. I think the OP came into this test session with a narrow, pre-conceived view of amateur radio and left with an even narrower view. It's a problem that we, as elmers and VEs, need to consider as we try to educate prospective new hams about amateur radio.


Even though we are volunteers, that's no excuse for us being surly. When I tested for Technician, the VEs were all very professional and business-like, but they keep the session light-hearted. Fortunately, I knew a couple of them before I walked into the room. The VEs at the session where I upgraded to Extra bent over backwards to help and encourage me as I only went there to take the General test. Now that I'm a VE, I see the other side and try to be helpful and encouraging myself. And, yes, we are volunteers. The first session I was a VE at this year was on a day when we got 4 inches of new snow on top of a week of ice, snow, and sleet that had really put everybody in a sour mood. Nonetheless, we still had a job to do and we still helped a handful of new hams get their licenses.

All good points... I was merely trying to point out that what he was expecting and what he got are two totally different things and thats life! Seriously, not everyone has a great day. We have had many great testing sessions, but just as many crappy ones due to weather and other constraints.

 

[jhooten]

Why do you need to know it even though you don't plan on using it? Simple, because even though you don't plan to use that means of communication right away, the license allows you to from the moment it is posted to the FCC database.