Another discussion on these changes are in this thread (
http://forums.radioreference.com/di...se/292509-fcc-makes-rule-change-dmr-trbo.html) where they're discussing the legalization of DMR/TRBO operation on the ham bands. I suggest that if your post is about that topic, you post there and leave the licensing discussion to happen here (obviously the mods can overrule this if they feel necessary).
It appears that the FCC has changed the rules to allow hams that have expired licenses (beyond the normal grace period) to reactivate their license with minimal retesting. Proof of your prior license will obviously be required to receive credit for any elements based on your earlier license.
* If you previously had a tech/tech + class license you will still need to pass the element 2 exam (the Tech exam). This doesn't change from the earlier rules.
* If you previously had a general or advanced class license, you can now receive credit for element 3 (the General exam), but will still need to retest for element 2 (the Tech exam).
* If you previously had an Extra class license, you can now receive credit for element 3 (General exam) and element 4 (Extra exam), but will still need to retest for element 2 (the Tech exam).
This should allow most folks that previously had their ham license to reenter the hobby at their previous grade of license with minimal testing. The rational appears to be that their prior license is proof that they had the necessary knowledge to be licensed at that grade and passing the element 2 exam indicates that they have retained sufficient knowledge to justify their relicensing.
Our decision to grant credit for written examination Elements 3 and 4 for expired licenses that required passage will provide some relief for former General, Advanced, and Amateur Extra Class licensees, and is consistent with how we treat expired pre-1987 Technician Class licensees who want to reenter the amateur service. Requiring licensees with expired licenses to pass Element 2 in order to be relicensed will address commenters’ concerns about lost proficiency and knowledge because a former licensee will have to demonstrate that he or she has retained knowledge of technical and regulatory matters in order to be relicensed. Stated conversely, a former licensee who cannot pass Element 2 loses the presumption that he or she has retained sufficient knowledge of amateur radio rules and principles, and will not be relicensed. Requiring former licensees to pass Element 2 will also deter attempts by someone with the same name as a former licensee to obtain a license without passing an examination.
