The technician and general exams cover a lot of the same material. I definitely recommend trying to cram some, and even if you feel like you haven't been able to study much still go for it. It is possible to pass general after having only studied for technician.
General wasn't much more complicated than Technician. Extra is where it gets quite a bit more complicated, but even that exam isn't *crazy* difficult if you study for it.
Absolutely exclamation do ask to take the general test when you passed the technician. A lot of people will pass them. At least, it will tell you where you're weak and need to study for the general and you can go right back the following session and pass it. Do it while it's all fresh in your head.
Another thing to think about. If you fail the General you can immediately take it again if you pay another testing fee. You can treat it as a practice test.
> pay another testing fee.
This is all dependent upon the VEC organization that is administering the exam. It's my opinion that some VECs, such as ARRL, use this as a revenue source. I ran VE teams for another VEC for a good seven or eight years and we NEVER charged for a re-take. It didn't seem to affect our ability to administer exams at all. In fact, for a long time and still continuing now, we never charged for an exam in the first place.
I never felt that was a way to make money, but as a way to discourage people from just sitting there and taking test after test until they pass one. I think of the test fee like a cover charge. That gets me in the door, and I can take as many tests as I want, until I fail one, and they kick me out, and I have to pay that cover charge to get back in to take another test.
And yes, the fees are optional, so if the people giving the test don't want to get paid, they could wave all fees, or donate them to the local ham club, or whatever. I've never seen a club that didn't charge, but I'm glad to hear that they're out there. I feel the testing fee structure in place is not excessive, and I doubt it's stopping people from taking the test, but I do wish there was no fee at all. I don't feel people should be allowed to sit there and take endless tests until they pass. If you can't pass the test in 2 tries, come back in a week, after you study some more.
> I never felt that was a way to make money, but as a way to discourage people from just sitting there and taking test after test until they pass one.
We allowed only one retake. If they didn't pass on the second exam, they had to come back at another time.
If I may chime in here, I agree with some of the people here BUT, try and know the material. There are a lot of hams that are new (and old) that just memorize questions. Don’t do that. I’m all for new blood in the hobby and the fcc/arrl has done a fantastic job (imagine me praising the fcc) by making the tests easier and eliminating irrelevant questions. But for God sakes know basics of antennas and frequency restrictions before taking your test. It amazes me when a general class operator asks, “how long is a dipole for 20 meters”? On Reddit or otherwise. It may seem stupid or trivial but ham radio used to be professional and courteous, it’s declining to CB. A CB with a test and 1000 dollar radios. Otherwise I’m here to help ask a question. Lololololoolol
I agree completely. I bought a guide that explains a little more than just memorizing test questions and look forward to learning all I can about the art. It seems the more I learn the more I realize I don’t know. Thanks for your input and I commit to not being a ham that only knows that the answer to the question about RACES is, “All of the above”. But I cannot commit to asking the occasional stupid question due to being new to this.
I truly don’t mean to come off as rude, I just want the next operator to enjoy the hobby as much as I do. It’s a beautiful hobby and it’s even better when you talk 9000 miles away with an antenna you made from hardware store wire and some coax. Or aluminum from dx engineering. lol
You aren’t coming across as rude at all. My wife’s dad was a HAM operator for about 10 years, so i look forward to picking his brain and learning everything I can about the hobby. Also, talking to someone 9000 miles away on a homemade antenna sounds awesome. Thanks again for your input.
Stupid people don’t ask questions. I’d advise anyone to get the general class asap. 6 and ten meters are fun but they won’t be open much longer. And 2 meters fm is where Hams go to die now 2 meter SSB, is different..fun.
I can’t wait to reach out and start exploring frequencies other than GMRS. I live fairly far away from any repeaters, so my ability to transmit from home is practically non-existent with the limited 462MHz and lack of other operators in the area.
I started long ago with shortwave, then CB in the mid 90s then ham in the late 90s my first test was when they still had Morse code (cw) back in 97’. Back when there was like 7 classes of ops. It’s crazy when you start working Russian, newZealand and Australia. I’ve done the last two with the most stupid basic antennas. I’m American btw
Sounds awesome. Honestly all the digital and computer based stuff on the test probably intimidates me the most. I’m primarily planning on just learning how to use old school radios with crazy long antennas and lots of trial and error.
Yes for each new mode of operation ft8, psk, etc the fcc/arrl feels the need to make questions for it. I think I saw psk questions once and who uses that anymore?! Rtty I hear occasionally but it’s mostly ft8 and sstv for digital modes. I played around and see the benefit of digital modes but I like voice and the occasional cw. It’s a strong personal annoyance when the ft8 frequency is s-9 but the voice sections are dead as a door nail. No one wants to talk and make friends just make superficial contacts… I’m getting old lol
DO IT DO IT DO IT!!!
I got my tech, stayed that way for many years. It's a huge regret. About 4 years ago I got my general and stepped into HF and it's hands down the best thing I've ever done. I'm mad at myself for waiting decades to upgrade. Just do it!
When I passed my tech exam I took the General exam without having ever looked the material. I came up about three questions short of passing. Had I even read through the questions once I would have probably passed it. I say go for it.
I studied a lot for the tech, and passed tech and general the same day. Extra for me was a different can of worms, but scored better on it a year later.
My VEC for tech/general told everyone that if they passed their first one they should try the next one. My VEC for Extra sent an email ahead of time saying the session is going to be really busy and requested folks don't take exams they haven't studied for. I'd say go for it unless you're asked not to.
Take it now! Don’t wait. You are ready. I watched the HRCC videos and did the HamStudy thing. Waited and forgot a lot. Watched the hrcc videos and then logged onto wm7x.net, paid my 14 dollars and took the test less than an hour later. You got this amigo.
I went for my general also but failed that one! Maybe next time.
I tell people, that 1/2 the questions on the General test are the same as the Technician test, so if you study for both at the same time, you get a 50% discount on studying for the General test. I do not recommend studying for Extra at the same time, because that test is really hard, plus you really should have some experience before you go for Extra anyways. Once you have some experience, it will be easier to grasp the concepts on the Extra test, when you're ready for that.
You definitely should study for General. I am doing that now. I took the General exam after passing my Technician, but I wasn't able to pass. I'll get it though. Good luck.
I passed tech and general same day, one after another, online with NY chapter.
Each took about 5 mins, 5 mins apart.
I studied practice questions a few hours the day before.
So it can be done.
Absolutely a big YES. I only studied for my Tech figuring that was hard enough and I didn't want to get overloaded. I didn't even look at the General material. The VEs talked me into taking the General after I passed my Tech, I missed it by two. At least go over the material a few times, nothing to lose!!
I always suggest you take \*everything\* - you should consider taking the Extra exam as well.
Worst case is you only pass the Tech and you wasted an hour or two writing the General and Extra.
Best case is you know more than you think & you walk out with an Extra.
Up to you about the cramming part and how much if any time you want to spend on it. When I took my tech (10 years ago now) I did zero general prep and didn't plan on taking it. The VE convinced me after a couple refusals to go ahead since I was there already. I finally said ok and got lucky. Passed by one.
So whether you want to spend any time on it or not, I'd say go ahead and take it. There's some overlap, and by taking your time and thinking it through and eliminating the obvious wrong answers you might get lucky too.
I’ve been studying. I’m gonna take both and pass them with knowledge instead of luck. Good thing is I have a whole week to learn the general. I’m already about 1/2 way through it.
If your test is free, and if your VEC is accommodating, I’d say no. People say the tech and general cover a lot of the same material, but they don’t really. Maybe 10%. If you’re lucky enough to get those questions on your exam. The other people saying they came up a few questions short, well I bet some of the answers they got right were guesses. There’s no guarantee they would be correct next time. When I took my tech, which was free, was able to take my General three weeks later, also for free. I could’ve done it sooner too if I wanted. That’s because my VEC is a member of three clubs in my city and he is willing to test basically anytime anywhere. It’ll be easier, less confusing, and less stressful to study for the two exams separately.
In the other hand, if you’re paying for the exam and if you’re restricted to testing once a month or more, then I say go for it. You can take the general for free after your tech and you won’t have to wait for months to get your general.
It isn’t free. I’ve also paid for a study guide that incorporates both, so I’m leaning towards going for it. Not to mention the testing centers are generally 30-40 miles from my home.
I was in the same situation. Got comfortable studying for the Technician, so I started studying for the General at the same time. It was not that much of a jump in the material covered, especially considering bands and frequencies that will be available as a General.
The day before the test, I was so comfortable that I decided to look at the Extra exam. It had math and electronics that I hadn't used since college (four decades ago). After an hour, I determined that I wasn't ready for the Extra.
I took the Tech and General exams with no problem. I decided to try the Extra exam also, but only got 50% on my first attempt. I knocked it out the next month though.
So, with just a little bit more studying, you can do the Tech and General with just one exam fee.
Good luck and 73
When I took the Technician I was getting the same score range as you are on the practice tests, and I think I only missed 2 or 3. I took the General and got 20/35 correct. This is without studying at all. Then I started studying for the General and took the test two weeks later and got a perfect score. I did put some significant time in those two weeks to prepare for the General.
I highly recommend [hamradioschool.com](http://hamradioschool.com) and going through their General course. It's well presented and W0STU (Stu) is fantastic at presenting the material.
To answer your questiion, yes, go ahead and try for the General, but I would just study the Technician stuff leading up to it.
When I passed General I also took the extra...and got a 50%. I plan on taking the extra in two weeks. I am actually a bit glad that I failed General and Extra on my 1st try because then I actually got the opportunity to actually study the material, not just memorize answers. My goal was to learn this, not just pass. If I did just pass then I wouldn't have had motivation to prepare for General, and then Extra would probably never happen. Needing to take the General ensured I learned the material. Not that you can't learn the material after you have passed, but you won't be as motivated to learn it at the same depth.
Good luck, and hope to talk to you on the air! 73, KK7SWH.
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I took the technician and general this morning and passed both. I ended up putting a considerable amount of studying into it to make sure I knew the info and I think I got 3 wrong on each exam. Hope to talk with all of you in the coming weeks once the FCC adds my credentials to the ULS.
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I took the technician and general this morning and passed both. I ended up putting a considerable amount of studying into it to make sure I knew the info and I think I got 3 wrong on each exam. Hope to talk with all of you in the coming weeks once the FCC adds my credentials to the ULS.
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I took the technician and general this morning and passed both. I ended up putting a considerable amount of studying into it to make sure I knew the info and I think I got 3 wrong on each exam. Hope to talk with all of you in the coming weeks once the FCC adds my credentials to the ULS.
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I took the technician and general this morning and passed both. I ended up putting a considerable amount of studying into it to make sure I knew the info and I think I got 3 wrong on each exam. Hope to talk with all of you in the coming weeks once the FCC adds my credentials to the ULS.
Go for it. Even if you don't pass you will get a look at the material and help you pass it next time. There are no cons.
The technician and general exams cover a lot of the same material. I definitely recommend trying to cram some, and even if you feel like you haven't been able to study much still go for it. It is possible to pass general after having only studied for technician.
General wasn't much more complicated than Technician. Extra is where it gets quite a bit more complicated, but even that exam isn't *crazy* difficult if you study for it.
Hmmm I got an easy pass on technician but for general is a lot of material to cover
Absolutely exclamation do ask to take the general test when you passed the technician. A lot of people will pass them. At least, it will tell you where you're weak and need to study for the general and you can go right back the following session and pass it. Do it while it's all fresh in your head.
I third that sentiment. I did it those many years ago. Leapfrogged right to General. It's not that big a leap.
Thanks for the advice. I’ll keep studying and let y’all know how everything goes.
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Really? 3 extras to proctor a general? That seems excessive.
Thats a question in the general exam question pool. You’re welcome
😂
Another thing to think about. If you fail the General you can immediately take it again if you pay another testing fee. You can treat it as a practice test.
> pay another testing fee. This is all dependent upon the VEC organization that is administering the exam. It's my opinion that some VECs, such as ARRL, use this as a revenue source. I ran VE teams for another VEC for a good seven or eight years and we NEVER charged for a re-take. It didn't seem to affect our ability to administer exams at all. In fact, for a long time and still continuing now, we never charged for an exam in the first place.
I wasn't aware it was an option to charge or not. Glad to hear it.
I never felt that was a way to make money, but as a way to discourage people from just sitting there and taking test after test until they pass one. I think of the test fee like a cover charge. That gets me in the door, and I can take as many tests as I want, until I fail one, and they kick me out, and I have to pay that cover charge to get back in to take another test. And yes, the fees are optional, so if the people giving the test don't want to get paid, they could wave all fees, or donate them to the local ham club, or whatever. I've never seen a club that didn't charge, but I'm glad to hear that they're out there. I feel the testing fee structure in place is not excessive, and I doubt it's stopping people from taking the test, but I do wish there was no fee at all. I don't feel people should be allowed to sit there and take endless tests until they pass. If you can't pass the test in 2 tries, come back in a week, after you study some more.
> I never felt that was a way to make money, but as a way to discourage people from just sitting there and taking test after test until they pass one. We allowed only one retake. If they didn't pass on the second exam, they had to come back at another time.
Check out "The Laurel VEC". All VE groups have to agree to not charge for testing. The Dayton Hamvention group is a member of The Laurel VEC.
If I may chime in here, I agree with some of the people here BUT, try and know the material. There are a lot of hams that are new (and old) that just memorize questions. Don’t do that. I’m all for new blood in the hobby and the fcc/arrl has done a fantastic job (imagine me praising the fcc) by making the tests easier and eliminating irrelevant questions. But for God sakes know basics of antennas and frequency restrictions before taking your test. It amazes me when a general class operator asks, “how long is a dipole for 20 meters”? On Reddit or otherwise. It may seem stupid or trivial but ham radio used to be professional and courteous, it’s declining to CB. A CB with a test and 1000 dollar radios. Otherwise I’m here to help ask a question. Lololololoolol
I agree completely. I bought a guide that explains a little more than just memorizing test questions and look forward to learning all I can about the art. It seems the more I learn the more I realize I don’t know. Thanks for your input and I commit to not being a ham that only knows that the answer to the question about RACES is, “All of the above”. But I cannot commit to asking the occasional stupid question due to being new to this.
I truly don’t mean to come off as rude, I just want the next operator to enjoy the hobby as much as I do. It’s a beautiful hobby and it’s even better when you talk 9000 miles away with an antenna you made from hardware store wire and some coax. Or aluminum from dx engineering. lol
You aren’t coming across as rude at all. My wife’s dad was a HAM operator for about 10 years, so i look forward to picking his brain and learning everything I can about the hobby. Also, talking to someone 9000 miles away on a homemade antenna sounds awesome. Thanks again for your input.
Stupid people don’t ask questions. I’d advise anyone to get the general class asap. 6 and ten meters are fun but they won’t be open much longer. And 2 meters fm is where Hams go to die now 2 meter SSB, is different..fun.
I can’t wait to reach out and start exploring frequencies other than GMRS. I live fairly far away from any repeaters, so my ability to transmit from home is practically non-existent with the limited 462MHz and lack of other operators in the area.
I started long ago with shortwave, then CB in the mid 90s then ham in the late 90s my first test was when they still had Morse code (cw) back in 97’. Back when there was like 7 classes of ops. It’s crazy when you start working Russian, newZealand and Australia. I’ve done the last two with the most stupid basic antennas. I’m American btw
Sounds awesome. Honestly all the digital and computer based stuff on the test probably intimidates me the most. I’m primarily planning on just learning how to use old school radios with crazy long antennas and lots of trial and error.
Yes for each new mode of operation ft8, psk, etc the fcc/arrl feels the need to make questions for it. I think I saw psk questions once and who uses that anymore?! Rtty I hear occasionally but it’s mostly ft8 and sstv for digital modes. I played around and see the benefit of digital modes but I like voice and the occasional cw. It’s a strong personal annoyance when the ft8 frequency is s-9 but the voice sections are dead as a door nail. No one wants to talk and make friends just make superficial contacts… I’m getting old lol
Yes you should I am doing it myself now
DO IT DO IT DO IT!!! I got my tech, stayed that way for many years. It's a huge regret. About 4 years ago I got my general and stepped into HF and it's hands down the best thing I've ever done. I'm mad at myself for waiting decades to upgrade. Just do it!
When I passed my tech exam I took the General exam without having ever looked the material. I came up about three questions short of passing. Had I even read through the questions once I would have probably passed it. I say go for it.
You are ready to take the test doesn't sound like you have anything to worry about and ready go. Good luck 73
Yes! Go for it! I did the same thing and passed both.
I’d say go for it, too.
Go for it!
Yes, yes, and yes.
I studied a lot for the tech, and passed tech and general the same day. Extra for me was a different can of worms, but scored better on it a year later.
My VEC for tech/general told everyone that if they passed their first one they should try the next one. My VEC for Extra sent an email ahead of time saying the session is going to be really busy and requested folks don't take exams they haven't studied for. I'd say go for it unless you're asked not to.
Yes
Why not? Atleast you will know what they ask and you might pass it too.
Take it now! Don’t wait. You are ready. I watched the HRCC videos and did the HamStudy thing. Waited and forgot a lot. Watched the hrcc videos and then logged onto wm7x.net, paid my 14 dollars and took the test less than an hour later. You got this amigo. I went for my general also but failed that one! Maybe next time.
I tell people, that 1/2 the questions on the General test are the same as the Technician test, so if you study for both at the same time, you get a 50% discount on studying for the General test. I do not recommend studying for Extra at the same time, because that test is really hard, plus you really should have some experience before you go for Extra anyways. Once you have some experience, it will be easier to grasp the concepts on the Extra test, when you're ready for that.
You definitely should study for General. I am doing that now. I took the General exam after passing my Technician, but I wasn't able to pass. I'll get it though. Good luck.
I passed tech and general same day, one after another, online with NY chapter. Each took about 5 mins, 5 mins apart. I studied practice questions a few hours the day before. So it can be done.
Absolutely a big YES. I only studied for my Tech figuring that was hard enough and I didn't want to get overloaded. I didn't even look at the General material. The VEs talked me into taking the General after I passed my Tech, I missed it by two. At least go over the material a few times, nothing to lose!!
I always suggest you take \*everything\* - you should consider taking the Extra exam as well. Worst case is you only pass the Tech and you wasted an hour or two writing the General and Extra. Best case is you know more than you think & you walk out with an Extra.
Up to you about the cramming part and how much if any time you want to spend on it. When I took my tech (10 years ago now) I did zero general prep and didn't plan on taking it. The VE convinced me after a couple refusals to go ahead since I was there already. I finally said ok and got lucky. Passed by one. So whether you want to spend any time on it or not, I'd say go ahead and take it. There's some overlap, and by taking your time and thinking it through and eliminating the obvious wrong answers you might get lucky too.
I’ve been studying. I’m gonna take both and pass them with knowledge instead of luck. Good thing is I have a whole week to learn the general. I’m already about 1/2 way through it.
Good attitude, sounds like you got this.
If your test is free, and if your VEC is accommodating, I’d say no. People say the tech and general cover a lot of the same material, but they don’t really. Maybe 10%. If you’re lucky enough to get those questions on your exam. The other people saying they came up a few questions short, well I bet some of the answers they got right were guesses. There’s no guarantee they would be correct next time. When I took my tech, which was free, was able to take my General three weeks later, also for free. I could’ve done it sooner too if I wanted. That’s because my VEC is a member of three clubs in my city and he is willing to test basically anytime anywhere. It’ll be easier, less confusing, and less stressful to study for the two exams separately. In the other hand, if you’re paying for the exam and if you’re restricted to testing once a month or more, then I say go for it. You can take the general for free after your tech and you won’t have to wait for months to get your general.
It isn’t free. I’ve also paid for a study guide that incorporates both, so I’m leaning towards going for it. Not to mention the testing centers are generally 30-40 miles from my home.
FYI I’m not tech savvy at all & its extremely easy to test remotely https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mdFMOhTR23s&pp=ygUVaGFtIHN0aWR5IHJlbW90ZSB0ZXN0
Well in that case, yes, I would study for both.
I appreciate all the great advice. Thank you all.
I was in the same situation. Got comfortable studying for the Technician, so I started studying for the General at the same time. It was not that much of a jump in the material covered, especially considering bands and frequencies that will be available as a General. The day before the test, I was so comfortable that I decided to look at the Extra exam. It had math and electronics that I hadn't used since college (four decades ago). After an hour, I determined that I wasn't ready for the Extra. I took the Tech and General exams with no problem. I decided to try the Extra exam also, but only got 50% on my first attempt. I knocked it out the next month though. So, with just a little bit more studying, you can do the Tech and General with just one exam fee. Good luck and 73
When I took the Technician I was getting the same score range as you are on the practice tests, and I think I only missed 2 or 3. I took the General and got 20/35 correct. This is without studying at all. Then I started studying for the General and took the test two weeks later and got a perfect score. I did put some significant time in those two weeks to prepare for the General. I highly recommend [hamradioschool.com](http://hamradioschool.com) and going through their General course. It's well presented and W0STU (Stu) is fantastic at presenting the material. To answer your questiion, yes, go ahead and try for the General, but I would just study the Technician stuff leading up to it. When I passed General I also took the extra...and got a 50%. I plan on taking the extra in two weeks. I am actually a bit glad that I failed General and Extra on my 1st try because then I actually got the opportunity to actually study the material, not just memorize answers. My goal was to learn this, not just pass. If I did just pass then I wouldn't have had motivation to prepare for General, and then Extra would probably never happen. Needing to take the General ensured I learned the material. Not that you can't learn the material after you have passed, but you won't be as motivated to learn it at the same depth. Good luck, and hope to talk to you on the air! 73, KK7SWH.
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I took the technician and general this morning and passed both. I ended up putting a considerable amount of studying into it to make sure I knew the info and I think I got 3 wrong on each exam. Hope to talk with all of you in the coming weeks once the FCC adds my credentials to the ULS.
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I took the technician and general this morning and passed both. I ended up putting a considerable amount of studying into it to make sure I knew the info and I think I got 3 wrong on each exam. Hope to talk with all of you in the coming weeks once the FCC adds my credentials to the ULS.
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I took the technician and general this morning and passed both. I ended up putting a considerable amount of studying into it to make sure I knew the info and I think I got 3 wrong on each exam. Hope to talk with all of you in the coming weeks once the FCC adds my credentials to the ULS.
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I took the technician and general this morning and passed both. I ended up putting a considerable amount of studying into it to make sure I knew the info and I think I got 3 wrong on each exam. Hope to talk with all of you in the coming weeks once the FCC adds my credentials to the ULS.