Ham radio class/exam nearby, should I?

[geoff5093]

Yeah something just doesn't seem RIGHT about that. I just never heard of someone charging so much for a class. On top of that, I've never seen where a class was given in just one day. Usually when we offer classes, they're a month long, on weekends, and some times week nights. And at the end of the class on a Saturday, there is a VE Test session, and it's open to any and all wishing to take the exam. I've never heard of someone excluding you from testing just because you didn't participate in the class. ITS BUNK!

Yes, the exam questions on eham are like how the real test will be. The VE can pick and choose from the entire pool of questions which 35 to test you on. Each section has a required number of questions.

You'll need to bring 2 forms of picture ID, proof that you're a US Resident. And you'll need 14 dollars. Bring small bills so in case they can't make change. Bring a pencil, and a black ink pen, and you're allowed to use a calculator only after they insure the memory is empty.
Be sure and silence your cellphone.

The examiner will have you fill out paperwork, and then give them the money. Once everyone has completed that, you'll be given a question book and a test sheet. ALL QUESTIONS are multiple choice, just like on eham. You'll fill in the circle for A B C D E F on each question on the answer sheet.

Once you're done, go over your questions and answer selections. Once you're satisfied, turn in the answer sheet and question book. They will all begin to grade your test. After they score it, they'll let you know if you passed or not. When I took mine, there were still people taking the test. So when they finished mine they just looked at me and gave me a big THUMBS UP....

After everyone was done, they joked around with me asking who I paid off to make a 100. LOL... It was the best feeling I'd had in a long long time... I was going to be happy just passing, but never expected a 100.

The test is rather easy. common sense for the most part. Just go take the practice tests on eham, if you are scoring 80% or more, you should be ready and expect to pass it for real.

Thanks, TBH I still dont have the electronics aspects down yet, so I need to study that. A lot of the FCC rules and regulations are pretty straight forwards (such as to let all emergency traffic have priority).

Out of curiosity, if you take the exam and fail, are you able to pay another $14 and retake it, or do you have to do it at a later date?

I have verified with the OP that this is the class he was referring to:
http://www.ranv.org/weekend.html

I have also done some looking at found that Mitch (W1SJ) has his class listed with the ARRL (see this link) but that he apparently didn't notify them of the fee since they don't list it. You will note that he does not list the fee on his web page either. I have notified the ARRL of this apparent error.

It is too bad that such people can capture money from unknowing individuals and I am glad that we here were able to steer the OP to something a little more reasonable.

Just so everyone else knows, that is the course i'm talking about, which is at the Red Cross in Manchester. The group also posted an article in the local paper as well, about the Ham radio introduction class on the 27th, but no where does it say the price.

 

[elk2370bruce]

Thanks Lou! Always the voice of reason.

 

[nexus]

Geoff, If I'm not mistaken, and I'm sure someone will correct me...

If you fail the exam, you can re-take the test that same day, (if the VE's allow it) It usually depends on if there are still other people taking tests. If there is enough time. I don't believe you are charged a second time (this part I'm iffy on)

I also don't believe that you are charged again if you decide to take your General exam. If you take and pass Technician, then they should allow you to take General as well for the initial 14 dollars, provided there is enough time left in that session. You should contact the VE ahead of going there. If you saw one in that list on ARRL's link use their contact information and ask them if they will allow you to retake the exam if you fail.

 

[geoff5093]

Geoff, If I'm not mistaken, and I'm sure someone will correct me...

If you fail the exam, you can re-take the test that same day, (if the VE's allow it) It usually depends on if there are still other people taking tests. If there is enough time. I don't believe you are charged a second time (this part I'm iffy on)

I also don't believe that you are charged again if you decide to take your General exam. If you take and pass Technician, then they should allow you to take General as well for the initial 14 dollars, provided there is enough time left in that session. You should contact the VE ahead of going there. If you saw one in that list on ARRL's link use their contact information and ask them if they will allow you to retake the exam if you fail.

Thanks for the info, I have contacted him but not on those subjects, basically just to verify the time, the license, and the price. I'll ask him about what happens if I fail and such and about the general license when he gets back to me.

Thanks again!

 

[n4voxgill]

I'm glad you brought this to the ARRL's attention. I have been a VE for years and the ARRL trys very hard to keep things above board. The fee for the class has nothing to do with the ARRL as they are only involved in the exam. But a VE is permitted to keep enough of the exam fee, $14.00, to pay for any expenses. It wouldn't surprise me if he was using exam fee money for rent, printing or other items for is paid class. It is an FCC requirment that each exam session be posted. If he has been doing this then he deserves to lose his VE credentials and the FCC should see if there are violations they should investigate. Just because an exam is held at a Red Cross building or church or whatever, it does not mean the Red Cross had any involvement. I bet if they knew he was making a profit off the classes they would not let him use their building. This is the downside of letting private citizens give exam, instead of having to go to the FCC offices during business hours the way it was before.

People should understand that the FCC gets none of the $14.00 fee for taking a test(s). The FCC sets the maximum that can be charged each year, but all of the money paid in fees is supposed to just pay for the cost of putting on exams and processing the paperwork and then VEC actually enters the application into the FCC computer.

 

[shaft]

Geoff, If I'm not mistaken, and I'm sure someone will correct me...

If you fail the exam, you can re-take the test that same day, (if the VE's allow it) It usually depends on if there are still other people taking tests. If there is enough time. I don't believe you are charged a second time (this part I'm iffy on)

I also don't believe that you are charged again if you decide to take your General exam. If you take and pass Technician, then they should allow you to take General as well for the initial 14 dollars, provided there is enough time left in that session. You should contact the VE ahead of going there. If you saw one in that list on ARRL's link use their contact information and ask them if they will allow you to retake the exam if you fail.

If memory serves correctly, you can take all 3 exams the same day as long as you pass each one, and pay only one exam fee.

 

[dgarton]

what's your time worth?

Hi..I would say..what is your time worth...if you want to spend 5-10 hours reading and then spend the time going through all the other stuff....why not spend 9 hrs or so and get your license is one (1) day... do the math..
Doug N&JGN

 

[nexus]

Hi..I would say..what is your time worth...if you want to spend 5-10 hours reading and then spend the time going through all the other stuff....why not spend 9 hrs or so and get your license is one (1) day... do the math..
Doug N&JGN

Maybe you missed the part where it would of cost him $139 to take that class, + the $14 VE examing fee. He's better off just studying at his own pace and then going to take the exam for only 14 dollars.

 

[geoff5093]

Hi..I would say..what is your time worth...if you want to spend 5-10 hours reading and then spend the time going through all the other stuff....why not spend 9 hrs or so and get your license is one (1) day... do the math..

Doug N&JGN

Maybe you missed the part where it would of cost him $139 to take that class, + the $14 VE examing fee. He's better off just studying at his own pace and then going to take the exam for only 14 dollars.

Exactly. It's free if I study on my own and online, versus spending $139 for the course. Secondly, even though amateur radio is interesting, being in a 9 hour class would be pretty boring. Not to mention I would have to miss work that day, so it's even more money I would be losing.

 

[loumaag]

Hi..I would say..what is your time worth...if you want to spend 5-10 hours reading and then spend the time going through all the other stuff....why not spend 9 hrs or so and get your license is one (1) day... do the math..
Doug N&JGN

In addition to what has already been pointed out, if you read the web site I linked, you will see that he requires that you already be prepared (read and know all the material) before you get to the class! So just what does he do in the class?

Gill, you and I often disagree on various subjects, but I am glad to see we have a 100% agreement on this issue.

 

[loumaag]

ARRL Update

Just to keep those that might be interested, the ARRL has replied and they are looking into it. As they point out, there is nothing illegal in W1SJ's charging for the classes, but indeed are curious as to why such information is not provided up front.

 

[SCPD]

Exam fees

Geoff, If I'm not mistaken, and I'm sure someone will correct me...

If you fail the exam, you can re-take the test that same day, (if the VE's allow it) It usually depends on if there are still other people taking tests. If there is enough time. I don't believe you are charged a second time (this part I'm iffy on)

I also don't believe that you are charged again if you decide to take your General exam. If you take and pass Technician, then they should allow you to take General as well for the initial 14 dollars, provided there is enough time left in that session. You should contact the VE ahead of going there. If you saw one in that list on ARRL's link use their contact information and ask them if they will allow you to retake the exam if you fail.

If you test and fail, and want to take it again, you pay another $14, even if it's at the same test session.
If you pass and want to take the next level test at the same session, there is no charge. So you can walk in with no license, and go home an Extra for $14. I guess that would be three test, right? I'm confused since the code got dropped.

 

[wesct]

If you test and fail, and want to take it again, you pay another $14, even if it's at the same test session.
If you pass and want to take the next level test at the same session, there is no charge. So you can walk in with no license, and go home an Extra for $14. I guess that would be three test, right? I'm confused since the code got dropped.

Charging another fee is up to the VE's. If the failing score was within 1 or 2 questions, a new test is sometimes given.

As for a testing site, you can always make an appointment with N1NAG (Penny) at the ARRL.
Its maybe a 2 or 3 hour drive, but when your ready, go for it!

wesct

 

[geoff5093]

Well I just got back and I passed with a 94%! I also took the general exam (free), but since I haven't studied for that, I didnt do so well, lol.

I can't wait until I get my new call sign!

 

[n2mdk]

Very good Geoff, glad we could help. Now you can upgrade, something I've been meaning to do. Now that they have dropped the code altogether I'm going to go for my General and Extra tickets. I never had a problem with the theory so I need to brush up some and take the test when I can get to one out here.

 

[nexus]

CONGRATULATIONS GEOFF! I'm glad you went and took that test. I KNEW YOU'D PASS. Anyone who can make 80% or better on those online practice exams are surely going to pass the real deal. Making a 94% is not bad at all. And don't beat yourself up over missing the general exam. There are a lot of different questions in there, I'm sure you realized that. Gen you a general book, and start studying.

Hey when you get your callsign let us know. Go download ECHOLINK and install it on your PC and link up to my local repeater and give me a call on it ok. heh. (I'll explain further on that later) When do you expect to get your radio in?

Wyandotte:
It's Three tests now... One for Technician, General and Extra class. So like you said, walk in with 14 dollars, take 3 tests and walk out with an Extra class license.

 

[geoff5093]

CONGRATULATIONS GEOFF! I'm glad you went and took that test. I KNEW YOU'D PASS. Anyone who can make 80% or better on those online practice exams are surely going to pass the real deal. Making a 94% is not bad at all. And don't beat yourself up over missing the general exam. There are a lot of different questions in there, I'm sure you realized that. Gen you a general book, and start studying.

Hey when you get your callsign let us know. Go download ECHOLINK and install it on your PC and link up to my local repeater and give me a call on it ok. heh. (I'll explain further on that later) When do you expect to get your radio in?

Wyandotte:
It's Three tests now... One for Technician, General and Extra class. So like you said, walk in with 14 dollars, take 3 tests and walk out with an Extra class license.

Thanks! I took one practice test for the general class, and I got a 40% or so, lol. I was surprised however that the real test had pretty much the same exact questions as the eHam practice tests, which is good to know for the general and extra exams.

You guys will be the first to know my call sign. I've heard of ECHOLINK (using the internet to connect stations?), however my radio is in the car and I don't have a laptop, so I dont know how that would work. Wouldn't I need a special adapter/cable on my PC as well?

I actually went down to a local (40min away) shop and picked up the 7800, 2/70B, external speaker, and remote kit for $316. I have everything installed as of Thursday, and I have to tell you, it's so hard to listen to these crystal clear conversations and not being able to reply back

 

[n2mdk]

With Echolink you don't need your radio unless you want to create a link. From your desktop or laptop at home, or anywhere you have Internet access, you can connect to people, links and repeaters directly from the computer. All you need is a Mic. I used to live in NYC so I get online and connect to local repeaters there from here in Ames.

 

[windchaser]

congratulations geoff5093 i took mine today and passed my tec. have a good weekend windchaser usmm

 

[loumaag]

Congrats to both geoff5093 and windchaser, welcome to the fraternity.

Just remember, you can find your license posted on the FCC site as soon as the database is updated by using this page; placing your last name in the name box; sort on name (bottom of page); and hit search. You can start using your new call sign as soon as it is updated in the FCC database.