Question pools:

The written "theory" questions found on all tests come from a common "question pool". Only those questions that are found in the pool are permitted to be used on exams. The question pools are publicly available, and you can access them directly on the web. The questions are prepared and approved for use by a national committee made up of representatives from all the VEC's (Volunteer Examiner Coordinators) nationwide.The Anchorage Amateur Radio Club is registered as a VEC.

One place you can find the question pools is the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) web site. You can visit the ARRL site at www.arrl.org and follow the search directions to find the question pools. You can also go directly to the applicable section at www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools . You will need to have "Acrobat Reader" on your system to view the graphics (wiring drawings and charts) that are part of some questions. If you do not already have this plug-in on your system, it is available for free via download. The questions themselves are presented as "straight text" and do not require any special software to display. You can, of course, print the questions via your local printer for later use.

License Manuals:

Most people preparing to take the test for a new license, or to upgrade an existing license, prefer to use a "license manual". License manuals are available from several publishers, and locally (in Alaska) from at least 3 sources. License manuals are typically arranged so that each book covers one of the "elements" that make up the complete series of exams. The most popular study materials are published by 2 sources. They are:

ARRL (American Radio Relay League): The ARRL offers several different publications. The ARRL book series are very well written, offering substantial amounts of additional information with each group of questions. This additional material is designed to help the student gain a more complete understanding of the "why" behind the questions. You can telephone them (toll free) at 1-888-277-5289 to order books, or you can go directly to the license manual section on their web site at: www.arrl.org/catalog/index.php3?category=Licensing . In addition to the license manuals, they also offer tapes (and CD's) to assist in learning and improving Morse code skills. ARRL publications are available locally (see "sources" below)

Gordon West Publications: Gordon West, WB6NOA, has earned substantial respect among the ham community for his clearly written and "to the point" study guides. The Gordon West series of books are preferred by some students because they have a sharper "focus" on the questions (and their answers), with less of the added fine detail found in the ARRL books. Descriptions of some of the Gordon West materials can be found at: www.w5yi.org/Technic . This page features the material for the Technician exam. Once you have looked at this page, you can move to other pages for information on other Gordon West publications. Gordon west books are available locally. (see "sources" below)

Video tapes:

The ARRL (American Radio Relay League) offers a video course for Technican / General licensees. This course consists of 3 video tapes, and runs for a total time of about 12 hours. This course is priced at about $150.00, and is available on special order from the SCRC bookstore. While the course is intended to assist an instructor, some individuals have used it to successfully pass their written exams. This course does not offer instruction in the Morse code. Morse code training must be pursued separately.

Ham Radio classes:

Formal classes are offered from time to time. Typically, these classes meet 2 days per week, usually in the evening, and run for 4 to 6 weeks. Instruction in both radio theory and the Morse code are offered. Check with your local radio club for classes in your area. When we are aware of an upcoming class, we will list it under "sources". below.

No classes nearby? While many people feel comfortable with the structured learning environment of the classroom, it is definitely not a requirement that you attend classes to gain new or upgraded Amateur Radio license privileges. It is entirely possible to study alone or in a small group, using nothing but one or more of the license study guides offered by the various publishers, and successfully pass your exam, usually on the first try.

_________________________________________________________

Sources of :

Study materials are available locally in Alaska. In the Anchorage area, try:

____________________________________

South Central Radio Club bookstore
Randy Vallee, AL7PJ
(907) 333-7219
email: vallee@gci.net

Offering: ARRL publications (all types - books, tapes and CD's)
_____________________________________

RLM Enterprises
Rick and Lil Marvin  KL7YF/NL7DL
(907) 277-6741
email: rlment@alaska.net

Offering: Gordon West publications (books, code tapes, audio book tapes)
_____________________________________

Alaska Ham Radio Supply
Ken Weldon, AL0R
(907) 688-4267

Offering: Selected titles of both ARRL and Gordon West publications
_____________________________________

Classes:

Anchorage area: Rick and Lil Marvin offer a beginning ham radio class typically twice a year, once on the Spring and again in the Fall. They also occasionally offer accellerated "2-day" cram classes. These classes are intended for beginners, but additional material is available for those wishing to move to higher grades of license. The Spring class usually starts in late February or sometime in March, the Fall class in late September or early October. The exact days of the class are not known at this time. Both theory and Morse code instruction are offered. The classes are usually held at the Ann Stevens Red Cross Building, located at the corner of 8th Avenue and Cordova street, in Anchorage. For more information about this class, contact Rick or Lil Marvin, at (907) 277-6741, or send them an email at: rlment@alaska.net

Anchorage area: A general class upgrade course is offered from time to time. This class is intended for those who already have their Technician class license, and are wishing to upgrade to General. The class offers instruction in Amateur Radio regulations and Electronics practices and principles applicable to passing your General Class license examination, plus introduction and skill building for passing your 5 WPM Morse code test. The class normally runs about 6 weeks, 2 times per week (12 sessions total). The class features extensive demonstrations of technical subject matter and "guest" appearances by local area hams on specific subjects, such as kit building, low power and portable operation, practical antennas, contest operating, communicating during emergencies, and how to build an effective and safe ham shack To find out more about this class and when the next session is being scheduled, please contact Jim Wiley, KL7CC, or send an email to him at: jwiley@alaska.net

Fairbanks area: No classes are scheduled at this time

Kenai-Soldotna area: No classes are scheduled at this time

Palmer-Wasilla area: No classes are scheduled at this time

Juneau area: No classes are scheduled at this time

________________________________________________________________

If you have other questions about Amateur Radio in general, or specific questions about the testing program, you may send an e-mail to us. To send us an e-mail, Click here

Use the links below to learn more:

List of Volunteer Examiners by name

List of Volunteer Examiners by location

When and where can I find a testing session?

What do I need to bring to the exam session?

What happens after I pass my exam?

Learning the Morse Code - tools and techniques.

How can I become a Volunteer Examiner?

Volunteer Examiners Instruction Manual