Here is everything you need to know to get on the air and participate in Hawaii's QSO Party. Scroll through the presentation above and contact us if you have any questions. 

The Secret to Getting an FCC Amateur Radio License in Record Time!
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by ABAZE originally posted on NOVEMBER 30, 2011, with updated links and revisions by Shawn KH6RSB on January 9th, 2016


Getting your ham license is easier than you think.

If you want to be able to use the fancy radio gear that the hams get to use, participate in a local emergency communications team, be prepared to communicate with family and friends even when your cell phone or land-line service disappears, or do the many other cool things that licensed amateur radio operators get to do, you’ll need an FCC license.
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Here’s the quick version, with explanation and resources farther down:

1. Study all the Q&A ahead of time, using a book or flashcards or CD or whatever
2. Take as many practice exams as you want to online, for free
3. Take the exam
4. Get your license from the FCC, for free

“Oh no!  It must be very difficult jump through all the hoops to get such a license,” many of you are probably saying.  Or “How could I possibly learn all of those technical concepts without an electrical engineering degree?”, or “There’s no way I could afford the huge licensing fees.”  Good news – none of this is true!  It’s easier, probably much easier than you think.
The test is easy to pass, and the license application is ridiculously simple.  Not only that, the people who administer the test will enthusiastically help you with any questions you have about the application.

When it comes to the content of the test, the concepts are not complicated. The electronics information you’ll need to know is super-simple.  But wait, there’s more.  Have you heard of the… metric system?  You’ll need to know about that too.  And can you remember some very complex rules?  For example, “You have to say your call sign at least once every 10 minutes when you’re talking on the radio.”  Remember some rules, some numbers and letters that matter to the FCC, and you’re just about ready.

I’m  trying to make the point that the test is easy, because it is.  But I have one more bomb to drop.  Ready?  Every possible question and answer you could get for the exam is already published and available for you to study.  Yeah.  It doesn’t get any easier than that.  You will need to review the Q&A before you go take the test, because a lot of the info isn’t stuff you’ll read about in People magazine, or Wired, or whatever you usually read.

Once in a while you hear about someone who didn’t pass the Technician exam.  I can only guess that the reason why is 1) very poor test-taking skills (e.g., not paying attention to which letter you’re filling in on the answer sheet, even when you know the right answer), or 2) lack of any studying whatsoever (that must be the case for some folks, just like in school.  But you don’t have to take the ham test, so why bother?  Peer pressure?  I don’t know.)

So why do I even need to write an article on this, if it’s so easy?  Because I want to make it even easier, to help anyone pass the test and get that license and open the doors to all the fun that ham radio can bring.  Here are some tips:

• Start by figuring out how you learn best.  Since you already know that all of the Q&A are available, you will need to best way to review them so that they’ll stick in your head.  Do you learn by reading and remembering?  There are a few good books out there that have the Q&A, as well as additional supporting info, to give context to the answers.  Do you do better with flashcards?  They have those too. Maybe you learn by listening?  There are Q&A CD’s with which you can review.  Or maybe you’re like me and you learn how to pass the test by taking practice tests.  They have those too, online and free.  Or if you like, you can pay someone to access their online test-taking tools, which track your progress.  You can find a variety of online resources later in this article.
• One other tip, which you can use on any test that gives you Q&A in advance.  Only read or highlight the correct answers in your study guide.  Cross out the wrong answers and only ever review the right answers. After you go through all of the questions, however many times you like, you will have only imprinted the correct answers on your brain, and when it comes time to take the test, you will only remember the correct answers! 
• Here is the link for the test questions and answers: http://ncvec.org/page.php?id=362 
• The Number of correct answers to pass and the number of test questions from each question pool is:
  Tech:26/35 - Gen:26/35 - Extra:37/50

Ham Radio License Exam Testing Resources

Here are some of the most common, useful books:

• From the ARRL, with CD included:  Ham Radio License Manual.  You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0872590976/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hamr0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=0872590976.  All the Q&A are here, with some additional, basic explanations.  All you need to pass the test.
• From Gordon West, probably the biggest name in Amateur Radio license training: Technician Class 2014-18 FCC Element 2 Radio License Preparation 8th Edition.  You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Technician-2014-18-Element-License-Preparation/dp/0945053797/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1452373764&sr=1-1.  I like Gordon (“Gordo”) West’s books.  He’s old-school, and takes a fun, interesting approach to learning about ham radio and getting that test out of the way.  All the Q&A are here also.
• Downloadable Study Guide: http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2014-no-nonsense-tech-study-guide-v20.pdf

Here are flashcards, if you learn well this way:

• Technician Class Flash Card Set: http://www.flashandpass.com/amateurradio/ Note: the ARRL does not seem to carry their official set any longer. I do not have any experience with this particular set so feedback is appreciated. 

You can take the tests in advance, as many times as you want, for free!  (There are other sites you can pay for, but take a look at your free options first):If you have a tablet or phone there are apps that let you take practice exams whenever or wherever you are. Have to wait in line at the DMV, perfect time to practice! On your lunch break? Take a practice test while you finish your sandwich. Once you pass the practice exams every time you are ready for the real thing.

Apple iPhone or iPad 

• https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ham-radio-exam-tech/id601991935?mt=8

Android

• https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iversoft.ham.test.prep&hl=en

Here are some online testing resources that you can use directly from your computer or laptop.  

• http://www.eham.net/exams/
• http://hamexam.org/
• http://www.hamtesting.com/index.php

Note:  If you have only read one or two chapters of a licensing book and want to take a free online test, and then only get 15% correct, don’t get frustrated and give up!  You will need to review the rest of the material in the license book. If you go through all of the Q&A before you take an online test, you will get much better results.  I know that may sound like common sense to many of you, but I know a lot of folks who are so itching to take the test that they don’t review all the Q&A first, and they wondered why they didn’t get all of the answers right. :-|  But I know you’re smarter than that.

What did I do?  I started by reading through both of the Q&A books I list below (but I often take an overkill approach).  Then I read a book that explained additional info for beginners to ham radio, because I was curious about how ham radio worked.  And then I took a few practice tests, until I could reliable get a score greater than 80%.  After that, I focused on areas where the answers made the least sense to me, practicing those a few more times, making sure I had the right answers fresh in my memory.  This approach made passing the test a piece of cake.

Find the study approach that works well for you, and when you’re ready, take a couple practice exams. Once you can pass the online test regularly at 80% or higher, you should be ready to take it for real.

You can do it!  Seriously – how often does the test you’re taking already have all of the answers available?

Where to Take a Ham Radio License Exam

Finding a place to take the exam should not be difficult.  When I looked, I had a hard time finding a place, but I was on my own with nobody to help me.  These resources will make it much easier for you!

• Here is one way to find a place giving an exam, from the ARRL: http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session​ .  (By the way, I recommend that once you get your license, you join the ARRL and get your subscription to QST Magazine, full of great articles on amateur radio every month.  The ARRL helps keep amateur radio frequencies available to us all, and the magazine is a great way to learn more about the hobby.)
• Another site you can use to find a ham club in your area:http://www.hamdepot.com.
• Here is another (filtered to the US, but you can search worldwide):http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Ham_Radio/Clubs/North_America/USA.

Eventually you’ll find out where the testing takes place in your area.  And that’s it.  You can review all the answers at your leisure.  You can find a club nearby who will let you take the test and help you (if you need it) with the simple FCC form.

Ham Radio FCC License Fees

And then you pay.  Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you.  The cost of a license is expensive… NOT!  An FCC amateur radio license is FREE.  You may have to pay ~$15 to take the test, so that the club running the testing can pay for supplies, room rental, postage to ship off your answer sheets to the FCC, etc., but you read correctly about the cost of the license.  Free.

But wait, what about when you renew, 10 years later?  (Yeah, every ten years.  Pretty convenient, right?)  That’s when you have to pay, right?  No, it’s still free.  However, there is a special circumstance when you could pay, if you really wanted to.  If you want a “vanity call sign”, which means you can pick some of the letters and/or numbers (if that combination isn’t used already).  Some hams do that with their initials (like me – my call sign is AB8L).   So that must be expensive, right?  Sorry to disappoint you once again.  It’s $14.25.  For ten years.  And the cost is the same when you renew, 10 years later.

What to Bring to Your Exam

Please bring two no. 2 pencils, a pen and if desired, a calculator (memory must be cleared).
We will furnish NCVEC Form 605 and scratch paper. In addition, iPhones, iPads, Androids,
smartphones, Blackberry devices and all similar electronic devices with a calculator
capability, may NOT be used.

Candidates must present a legal photo ID. If no photo ID is available, you must present any
two of the following: Social Security card, birth certificate, minor’s work permit, school report
card, school ID, library card, utility bill or bank statement in your name, postmarked envelope
addressed to you at your current mailing address.

If applicable, bring the original and a photocopy of your current Amateur Radio license
and / Or Certificate(s) of Successful Completion, CSCE.

The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA) requires the FCC to collect a TIN/SSN
from each person doing business with them. All Amateur Radio license and upgrade
applicants must use their Federal Registration Number (FRN), if they have been assigned
one, when completing Form NCVEC 605. Using your FRN also means that you need not
enter your SSN on Form NCVEC 605.

Take your web browser to www.arrl.org/fcc-cores-registration-instructions for info on
registering in FCC’s Commission Registration System and obtaining your FRN.

Special testing assistance or needs must be arranged in advance.

IMPORTANT: As of February 17, 2015, the FCC no longer routinely issues a paper Amateur Radio license document. Licensees can access their official license via the ULS License Manager. You may print an unofficial copy from the FCC’s ULS License Manager or request a paper license from the FCC. www.wireless.fcc.gov or www.wireless2.fcc.gov

One more thing — the first license level is called “Technician“.  It allows you access to a certain set of UHF, VHF, and some HF frequencies, which will give you the ability to do short- and some medium-range communicating.  The second license is called “General“, and gives more access to more frequencies, including a lot more of the HF spectrum, which will be important for medium- and long-range communications.  Tip:  if you are studying for the Technician exam, you may want to do the General exam at the same time.  You can take more than one test in the same testing session for no additional charge!  (And the license is still free.)  The last type of license is called “Extra” and gives access to all of the frequencies available to amateur radio operators.  You will probably need to study a lot more for the Extra exam - it’s quite a bit harder.  But Technician and General are probably all you would ever need.

Now what?  Have I covered all of your questions and concerns?  If you have any questions, post them and I’ll reply.

Now go out and get a license, and I hope to hear you on the air soon!

Mahalo to Andrew, AB8L for creating this guide! 

For more information visit www.kh6htv.com

MAUI AMATEUR RADIO LICENSE EXAMINATION SCHEDULE


Saturday, April 4, 2015  9:00 AM
Saturday, August 1, 2015   9:00 AM
Saturday, December 5, 2015  9:00 AM


INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAKING YOUR EXAMMAUI VE TEAM 
affiliated with the ARRL/VEC
ARRL the national association for AMATEUR RADIO

Persons planning to take an Amateur Radio license examination should pre-register at least
two weeks before the scheduled exam date. Send email to kh6h@arrl.net or call Mel,
KH6H, at 250-4591 and leave voice mail, including your email address.

If no one pre-registers, the exam session will be cancelled.

Maui VE (volunteer examiner) sessions begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Maui County Civil Defense
Emergency Operating Center, 200 S. High Street in Wailuku.

Exam dates and location are subject to change. 

The 2014 ARRL/VEC exam fee is $15.00. Bring a check or money order made payable to
ARRL/VEC. We are not prepared to handle cash payments.

What to bring:

Please bring two no. 2 pencils, a pen and if desired, a calculator (memory must be cleared).
We will furnish NCVEC Form 605 and scratch paper. In addition, iPhones, iPads, Androids,
smartphones, Blackberry devices and all similar electronic devices with a calculator
capability, may NOT be used.

Candidates must present a legal photo ID. If no photo ID is available, you must present any
two of the following: Social Security card, birth certificate, minor’s work permit, school report
card, school ID, library card, utility bill or bank statement in your name, postmarked envelope
addressed to you at your current mailing address.

If applicable, bring the original and a photocopy of your current Amateur Radio license
and / Or Certificate(s) of Successful Completion, CSCE.

The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA) requires the FCC to collect a TIN/SSN
from each person doing business with them. All Amateur Radio license and upgrade
applicants must use their Federal Registration Number (FRN), if they have been assigned
one, when completing Form NCVEC 605. Using your FRN also means that you need not
enter your SSN on Form NCVEC 605.

Take your web browser to www.arrl.org/fcc-cores-registration-instructions for info on
registering in FCC’s Commission Registration System and obtaining your FRN.

Special testing assistance or needs must be arranged in advance.

IMPORTANT: As of February 17, 2015, the FCC no longer routinely issues a paper Amateur Radio license document. Licensees can access their official license via the ULS License Manager. You may print an unofficial copy from the FCC’s ULS License Manager or request a paper license from the FCC. www.wireless.fcc.gov or www.wireless2.fcc.gov

A new question pool for Technician Class exams will be used effective July 1, 2014.


Revised February 2015

TO REGISTER ONLINE FOLLOW THIS LINK: 
http://www.kh6rs.com/amateur-radio-license-exam.html

In case you missed the meeting here is the presentation on Digital Modes that Tom NH6Y gave to the club. 

Being a licensed amateur radio operator has its advantages. Not the least of which is the ability to operate from your vehicle. To find out more about Hawaii Act 175 see our previous blog post here:  http://www.kh6rs.com/blog/hawaii-act-175-for-ham-operators

As a licensed ham you can have your license plates swapped out on your car for ones that reflect your call sign. This has several advantages especially if you like to operate from your vehicle on mobile. 

If you are interested in getting your call sign license plate here is a quick guide to help you through the process. 


The first thing you need to do is pickup a "Radio Amateur Call Letter" Form SCD-33 at the 
Maui County Civil Defense at 200 South High Street, Wailuku, HI  96793. After you get the form you need to fill it out completely to avoid any unnecessary delays. The following are line by line instructions on how to complete the form: 
 
Registered Owner:
 (( enter you name and address as it appears on your vehicle registration ))

CALL LETTERS:     Your Callsign
LICENSE NUMBER:   Your vehicle license number as shown on your registration. 
MAKE:    As shown on your vehicle registration
DATE ISSUED:   Date First Sold as shown on your vehicle registration.  I was not sure about this one, but they did not seem to have any problem with what I entered.
TYPE:    The four letters shown on the vehicle registration under "type". Mine has NISS for Nissan.
WEIGHT:   The weight of your vehicle as shown on the vehicle registration.
ID or SERIAL NUMBER:   The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on your registration.  Double-check for accuracy.
AMATEUR RADIO LICENSE EXPIRES:   The Expiration Date on your FCC License.
CLASS OF LICENSE:    Will be on your FCC License under the words "Operator Privileges". 
This morning they called me and said I needed 3 more things to give to them.

Once you complete the form you have the choice of mailing it in or taking it back to the Maui County  Civil Defense Agency. Whichever method you choose make sure you include the following with your completed form. 

1.  Copy of the vehicle registration that will have the plates.
2.  Copy of the FCC Amateur Radio license.
3.  Check for $13 made out to Director of Finance.  (Looks like they now charge a processing).


A quick note: 

Processing time for your plates can vary greatly. They process only after receiving a certain number of requests. Which means if no one else puts in a request it could be a long time before you get your plates. 

Next time you catch Bill (KH6UU) on the air send him a mahalo for for putting together this guide for the rest of us.