San Francisco Ham Cram

AERO is a disaster preparedness activity and this page tells about SF radio licensing exams.

If you hold a Technician or General license already, click here.

Here is our latest poster. It has the latest, up-to-date info. See it to check on any late-breaking changes.

And some FAQ's:

Can I really earn my license in one day?

Sure, between 75-100% of our students do. And no previous knowledge or training is required. At the end of the day you may have passed the Technician exam, and if so, you will receive your license in a week or two.

How much does it cost?

$14 FCC mandated VEC fee, $6 if you want the technicial (beginning) study guide.

$14 FCC mandated VEC fee, $26 if you want the general (upgrade) study guide and lecture.

Why this program?

What are the advantages over other programs?

Sounds great, when and where is the next exam?

You can find the time, date and location of the next exam on our latest poster. READ BOTH PAGES!

What do I need to bring?

Your money, of course, lunch money, 2 ids (at least one with picture), and several pencils or pens (pencils with good eraser are best).

If you are claiming credit for other exams passed previously (such as for an advanced or code exam) or for licenses currently held, bring a copy (which we will keep) of your proof (such as a copy of your CSCE or a license that requires the claimed elements) AND the original (which you keep).

What is your schedule?

Study and exams for 2008:  1/20       3/16       6/1       9/7       11/16    

Who gives this exam?

The FCC has delegated amateur examinations to 17 Volunteer Exam Coordinators, this exam is given by W5YI-VEC.

When do I learn about my license?

See http:/www.qrz.com/new_hams.html

In 2-3 weeks you can learn about the granting of your call sign and your call letters.

What do I do next after I get my license?

Attend the meetings of your local amateur Radio Club. Find out about the SF Amateur Radio Club at sfarc.org

Do you have more advanced exams?

Yes, the Element 1 (Morse code) exam, Element 3 the General class exam, and Element 4 the Extra class exam.

Do you have study guides for the other exams?

Only for Element 3, the General class exam. There is a brand-new study guide and class. The study guide and class cost $26, the class takes about an hour followed by a 3 hour cram and the exam ($14). Since the exam has gotten harder, our failure rate has climbed. We now recommend that you STUDY a high school physics text, the parts on electricity (DC and AC).

What's all this about an upgrade plan???

AERO is planning a special upgrade effort this fall. Only about six such programs are offered in the US each year, and to the best of my knowledge, this is the first one in the Bay Area. This effort will take place at the SF Hall of Flowers, our usual test location.

Part I is the General Class Exam Ham Cram on September 7, 2008. This step is very important because it starts you on the upgrade path we are setting up. If you are already a General Class license holder, skip this step.

Part II is the special workshop we are holding to teach the Extra Class material. This workshop will meet 9 weekday evenings between September 9th and November 5th. There will be a study guide, two recreational reading books full of practical advice, 16 lecture hours, a 2 hour last minute question session, coffee, and the effort of learning together. Here is the schedule:

Part III is the Extra Class exam on November 16, 2008. With the material you have learned in Part II, we hope you will breeze thru the exam.

The fee for Parts II and III will be about $160, payable $14 at Part III, and the rest on the first day of Part II. The fee for Part I is $40. You will be given all your study materials (ARRL Extra Class License Manual, DX101x and the Complete DXer) when you pay for Part II. If you are concerned about whether this program is for you, email me at the registration address below.

Because of all the planning involved, we need advance reservations. There will be limited seating so reservations are first-come, first-served. Your reservation can be cancelled without charge up to August 25th. After that you can send a substitute who is not already registered (let us know) or simply pay for the books we have ordered for you (about $77 plus tax). If you are concerned about whether this program is for you, email me at the registration address below for some direction.

This is a special opportunity to really LEARN the ins and outs of ham radio, and upgrade your license at the same time. Get out past the nets and into the world of international commmunication!

To register just email dave1 at wcf dot com
No deposit required at this time. The text above on this page covers general questions about the exam sessions.

And the site is convenient to public transportation. The MUNI Metro N line runs one block south, get off at 9th Avenue and Irving Street. The N connects to the other Metro lines and BART at the stations between Embarcadero and Civic Center. The site is also serviced by the 16, 44 and 71 right at 9th Avenue and Lincoln. Also the 6, 43 and 66 stop two blocks south at 9th Avenue and Judah. And if public transportation isn't for you, there is ample free parking in Golden Gate Park.

Questions? Email dave1 at wcf dot com.

Last updated: August 18, 2008