Getting a Ham Radio License During COVID-19 Restrictions

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DaveW6DPS

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Location
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While many of us are not launching and having our activities restricted, it might be a good time to get your ham license. Many people have expressed interest, but didn't have study time or a local exam session close to them.

The COVID-19 restrictions are limiting normal face to face gathering, including ham classes and exams.

Hams are adapting to the situation my moving them online. A few years ago the FCC approved setting up remote license testing for the areas of the country with lower population densities, since this limits the availability of both instructors and Volunteer Examiners.

One of the examiner coordinators leading the way in expanding remote testing using Zoom is the Greater Los Angeles Area Radio Group. Among the advantages of GLAARG is the reimbursement fee for testing is only $5, where many VECs ask for $15. The name includes Los Angeles, but the group actually conducts testing across the country. I have personally proctored exams as far away as Georgia from my home in California. For information about remote testing check out their web site: https://glaarg.org/

To study for an license exam one of the best resources is https://hamstudy.org/

If you are running out of ways to keep busy, this might be an option! It does allow some great tracking and telemetry systems, as well as communications to and from launch sites.
 
Hi Dave,
I've been doing this exact thing. Upgrading to Extra, and have been looking for a good way to do the remote testing. Hamstudy.org has links to various groups doing remote testing, but I don't recall seeing glaarg in there (although I didn't look too carefully).

I'm as ready as I'll ever be to take the test. so I'll check out glaarg.org and see when the next remote test session is scheduled, or has any openings! I've heard the the waiting list can be long.....

Thanks for the tip and 73's
Bill
K6WWA (and ex-Californian)
 
While many of us are not launching and having our activities restricted, it might be a good time to get your ham license. Many people have expressed interest, but didn't have study time or a local exam session close to them.

The COVID-19 restrictions are limiting normal face to face gathering, including ham classes and exams.

Hams are adapting to the situation my moving them online. A few years ago the FCC approved setting up remote license testing for the areas of the country with lower population densities, since this limits the availability of both instructors and Volunteer Examiners.

One of the examiner coordinators leading the way in expanding remote testing using Zoom is the Greater Los Angeles Area Radio Group. Among the advantages of GLAARG is the reimbursement fee for testing is only $5, where many VECs ask for $15. The name includes Los Angeles, but the group actually conducts testing across the country. I have personally proctored exams as far away as Georgia from my home in California. For information about remote testing check out their web site: https://glaarg.org/

To study for an license exam one of the best resources is https://hamstudy.org/

If you are running out of ways to keep busy, this might be an option! It does allow some great tracking and telemetry systems, as well as communications to and from launch sites.
Thank you! I’ve been meaning to get a license for years. This might be my time.
 
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