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want to call before going, many times these books may be purchased from a local Radio Shack.

SPEND QUALITY TIME IN STUDY
Just like in school, do not expect to do well on the exam if you have not thoroughly studied for it. The best way to pass a ham radio license exam is to work your way through the book with a highlighter and memorize the questions and answers given. On a practical note, it is much easier to study just the correct answers that accompany the questions that will be on the test. Since the answers will be in a different order on the test then they are in the preparation book, highlighting just the correct answers after every question is especially helpful.

FIND A LOCAL HAM RADIO CLUB
In the radio community, an older or more experienced person that helps you in your pursuit to be an operator (as well as the difficult task of setting up all the equipment once you receive your license) is called an Elmer. As soon as possible, look on the Internet or in your local Yellow pages for this ham club and attend one of their meetings. It is through these clubs that you will be able to find a local "ham fest" (a flea market-like gathering of ham radio operators and other electronic dealers to deal) or other meeting where a testing session will be administered. These testing sessions are not normally held with a very often, so you may have to drive outside of your local area for testing service.

Besides just finding a place to get tested, a local ham radio club is an excellent place to meet others who can help you get established in the fine hobby of radio. The chances are that the young man at the local electronics shop is not going to know anything about building and antenna for your eighty-meter rig, but the old men at the ham club will be sure to let you in on their trade secrets. Ham radio clubs also function as social clubs, complete with officers, their own repeaters, dues, and Christmas parties.

TAKING THE TEST
After you have found the place to be tested about six months into the future, you should plan on effectively studying the materials often (at least three to six times a week). This kind of constant saturation should prepare you for the test. Arrive at the testing center early. Make sure you bring your study materials along with you to do any last minute "cramming" (you remember college) while you are waiting in the lobby. Of course, normally you would get this information first from the agency, but if no information is given, you should plan on bringing about $20 with you to the test. The test always costs money to take, and normally credit cards are not accepted. The FCC form 605 is usually available at the center, but most test takers fill out the form ahead of time either by downloading it off the Internet or tearing it out of their workbook.

When taking the test, be sure to relax and let the answers come flooding back to you. Be sure to observe all of the classic suggestions given to high school students before taking their SAT's: get plenty of sleep the night before, eat a well-balanced meal, drink plenty of water, go to the bathroom before going into the testing session, bring no.2 pencils and a good eraser, and don't rush through the exam. The passing grade for these exams is a 74%.

AFTERWORDS
Once you pass the exam, you will probably get a telephone call from the FCC informing you of your new call sign. You will also receive a couple copies of your license in the mail: perfect sizes for your billfold or a wall-mounted picture frame. The ham radio license lasts for ten years before it must be renewed. Renewing your license is incredibly important. Earning a license takes work; don't let forgetting to renew become the reason you have to do it all over again.

W4BMX

Learn more about this author, Will McCall.
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