On Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:08:36 -0700, Jim Lux
wrote:

Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On 21 Sep 2008 03:37:42 GMT, Ed
wrote:

I have also noticed that most of the PGs don't even have an FRN #
What's a PG?

Its the first two letters in the FCC General RadioTelephone Operator
License number.
Ed K7AAT

Thanks. ULS, CORES, FRN numbers, and such started around 1998(?). It
was essentially optional (because the system didn't work) until about
mid 2000, when Congress demanded that all business with government
agencies include an SSI number (social security number). To get an
FRN number, you need to supply an SSI number.

I passed my GROL in Nov 1994, somewhat before FRN numbers were first
issued. Prior to that, I had an FCC 2nd and later 1st RadioTelephone
license with radar endorsement. I didn't want to deal with the ULS
mess so I avoided getting one. I eventually wanted to upgrade from
Technican class to General class[1], and which required an FRN number.
Oh well. Some of my friends and accomplises that obtained GROL
licenses at the same time as me still have not obtained FRN numbers.


[1] I was going to just sign the paperwork for the General class
license as I had passed 5 wpm back in the stone age of ham radio as a
Novice. However, the VE assured me that the price was the same for
the Extra Class license, so I should try taking it anyway. The logic
seemed reasonable except for one problem. I hadn't studied for the
Extra in the slightest. So, I blundered, guessed, snarled, and
muddled my way through the Extra exam, fully expecting to fail
miserably. I had to borrow a calculator. I was amazed when I passed
the Extra by one question. I'm fairly sure I answered all the
technical questions correctly, but missed most of the operating, band
limits, sub-bands, rules, and regs.

You've described a key test taking strategy that applies well beyond the
FCC license exams. No licensing authority requires 100% scores, and they
generally specify the distribution of questions among subjects. (this is
true for pilot exams and the professional engineering exams, as well).
One can reasonably take a strategy of spending your study time to get
perfect score on the parts you know and accepting what you get on the
parts you don't. Overall, I believe that the lower "stress level" going
into the test knowing that even if you screw up the small number of
questions you don't know, you can still "pass", is an overall benefit.

This, is, of course, why you have behind the wheel driving tests, have
to have an examiner check ride, or reference letters and proven
experience for all those licenses. The folks giving the test KNOW that
you can't possibly test everything.

That reminds me on how i advised coworkers on test taking strategy for
the PE exam. Don't waste time on areas that you know well, nor in
areas where you are really weak. Study the areas that you kind of
know. That is the best chance to improve your score. It works by
track record.