How to Easily Get Started in Amateur Radio
It has never been easier to become an Amateur Radio Operator or "Ham" Radio Operator. Ham radio once required the Ham to learn Morse code or CW "Continuous Wave" as most Hams refer to it.
The old test
The tests used to be to receive CW at 5 words per minute for an entry level license, to receive13 words per minute for an intermediate level license and to receive 20 words per minute for an Extra class license.
The New test
The FCC has abolished Morse code testing as a requirement for an amateur radio license. Testing for an amateur radio license is now a multiple choice test. The questions for this test are taken from a pool of questions. These questions and the correct answers to these questions are readily available. The American Amateur Radio League AARL web site has the question pool available for free download.
Read the question pool and memorize the correct answers. This is probably the only exam where you get to see the exact questions on the exam with the correct answers before the test. There are several sites online where you can practice taking the test. Practice until you pass most of the time in the practice test.
Taking the test
Locate a Ham Radio VE testing session in your area and find out when you can take your test. There is a nominal fee for the test. You can locate a testing session by calling a local Amateur Radio club, by contacting a local Armature Radio Operator or by simply doing an online search. Take and pass your test. If you flunk "which you probably wont" you can just retake it. After about a week you will receive your own unique Armature Radio Call sign from the FCC. Good Luck.
By: Carl Broady
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