Essex Ham

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RSGB Direct-to-Full Syllabus - Feb 2021 Consultation

Posted: 16 Feb 2021 04:40 PM PST
https://www.essexham.co.uk/direct-to-full.html


The RSGB is set to release a new syllabus on Wednesday the 17th of February
for a brand new type of exam Direct to Full. The aim is that, just like
under the last few years of the RAE, newcomers will be able to get their
Full licence with just a single exam session.

This page is a placeholder for discussion of the consultation, and the new
syllabus and exam.

Why Direct-to-Full?

The RSGBs stated reason is:

Despite efforts to attract new people into the hobby it remains a niche
interest, with taking the Foundation level being the only way into the
hobby, and the average decline rate runs at ~2.5% per year. This has led
ESC to start to consider possible new routes of entry to the hobby. One
option under consideration is a single exam providing direct access to
advanced. (ESC Report 2018)

Online exams appear to have achieved the objective of increasing the number
of newcomers (and then some!).

Who is Direct-to-Full for?

RSGB has yet to outline their thinking, but presumably:

a) People in a hurry to hit full for whatever reason. Online exams has, as
Francis has pointed out, largely resolved this.

b) Experienced RF/Electronics people who dont need to learn the basics all
over again. Removal of hours of Intermediate practicals has
simplified/shortened that route, as has removal of clubs from the loop.
Presumably students will still have to learn Foundation-level Licence
Conditions and Operating Procedures, as well as FND and INT material
outside of their skillset.

c) Overseas students looking to get a HAREC licence to swap for a
reciprocal licence in their own country

d) Intermediate licence holders looking for a more generalised paper than a
Full-only paper

What is the demand, and success criteria, for Direct-to-Full?

Presumably, RSGB has done some research that confirms theres a decent
demand for this new exam.

If the aim is to stop the pre-online exam -2.5% drop, getting 36 people a
year to pass via Direct-to-Full would achieve that goal.

A 10% increase in Full passes, would be approx 28 people a year.

How will people study for Direct-to-Full?

Its likely that very few clubs will run D-2-F courses. Existing Full online
courses currently assume FND and INT knowledge is secure, so presumably
would need to run two distinct courses, one for Full, and one for D-2-F

Its unclear whether a new book will be written to cover the new D-2-F
syllabus?

Direct-to-Full Exams

RAE was 80 questions in 2 hours 15 mins with no practical element
Full is currently 130 questions in 4 hours 30 minutes with 7 practical
elements
Full exam cost is currently £97.50 (F+I+F)


We dont yet know what D-2-F will be

Practicals

Will practicals form a part of D-2-F? Assuming this new syllabus is for
people strong on existing theoretical knowledge, presumably a practical
element (QSO, station setup) is just as appropriate/relevant as for those
taking the traditional route.

Marketing

Assuming this exam is aimed at a new market, who is that market and how
will D-2-F be marketed/promoted at that market?Â*Will having two routes to
Full cause any user confusion?

Consultation

Were hopeful that as promised after the last syllabus consultation, this
latest consultation will be more transparent and not agreed upon privately
behind closed doors.


Related Links

Was the RAE Exam Easier than Today’s Exams?
Getting a Full Amateur Radio Licence – Then and Now
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appeared on Essex Ham.