The Clarksville Operating Radio Enthusiasts' (C.O.R.E.) Group Volunteer Examiner (VE) Team

OK- let's assume you've decided you are interested in getting your Amateur Radio license because___.(fill in reason here). You ask yourself "How does that work? Do I have to give a DNA sample or something? And what's all this about a test?" Well, only the test part is actually true. There is no mystery, no secret meetings to attend or handshake to learn- the process is remarkably straightforward. For about five years now, the dreaded Morse code has not been required for any level of ham license.

To put it in a nutshell, for the entry-level Technician license you have to pass a 35 question multiple-choice test on basic radio theory, operating procedures and FCC rules. "I haven't taken a test in ___ years!" you protest. Calm down now- this one's not all that bad. All the questions and answers are available for you to study word for word and only the A,B,C,D order of the answers can be altered. In short, you can't be asked a question you've never seen. Most of us studied on our own, using one of the many excellent study guides available or you can ask questions of anyone in the group. Also, you can take practice tests online when you think you are perhaps ready for the test.

Ok- so you've practiced for the test and you're ready. Now, where is the test given? One place the Licensing Exams are commonly given is any Hamfest (think radio and computer equipment swapmeet). A listing of them can be found on the ARRL Website. Failing that, there are other ways of arranging a testing session. We have our own team of Volunteer Examiners, almost all Extra Class amateurs, meaning we can adminster any exam you are ready to take. We have adequate depth in our VE Team that the testing sessions will occur even if duty calls and we are out of the area. Testing sessions will be at least once a quarter and the dates will be published on this website as well as in the Leaf-Chronicle. Our next scheduled exam session has not been set, but they are at the Clarksville-Montgomery County Red Cross Chapter on Madison Street. This is our normal testing location.

 

Another testing option in Clarksville is the W5YI VE Team which sponsors testing at the Gateway Medical Center's Cumberland Room on the last Sunday of alternate months at 1pm.

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Page last updated 26 March 2012