"Jim" wrote:
I have been working on my CW for a while... getting ready to test next
month, and I'm concerned that I may not pass it just yet.

My question is, are there any restrictions on how you copy the code while
testing? Example, lets say that I just can't decipher the letters quick
enough in my head, and it is quicker for me to scribble dots and dashes on
paper and then go back and xlate them. Other than dirty looks, would the
VE's have any objections to this method?

As a *former* ARRL VE, I am familiar with this discussion. The last
clarification that I recall was that it was up to the disgression of
the particular VE team whether or not to permit this technique.

Personally, I would not permit it. Writing down dots and dashes, and
then translating them at your leisure, does not demonstrate the
ability to copy at 5 wpm.

Things like this, as well as multiple-choice code tests, and allowing
people to re-take written tests 2 or 3 times in one session until they
pass, have made a mockery of the whole process.

Art Harris N2AH