I would like to take code exams even if they are
not required by the FCC.

Will VEs continue to conduct code exams and
perhaps offer wpm level certificates?

extremely doubtful

I suspect other organizations, like FISTS, may step up to the plate and
offer some type of competency certificates, if you're really interested in
such things.

Despite what you read here, from a few embittered people who feel the code
exam "persecuted" them, most hams on the airwaves really don't care if you
passed a 5, 13, or 20wpm code test or not.

Why? Well, if I CQ in morse code on a frequency at 25wpm, and you respond,
and we have a nice conversation -- does it really matter if you "passed" a
20wpm code test or not?

73
kh6hz

"KH6HZ" wrote in message
...
extremely doubtful

I suspect other organizations, like FISTS, may step up to the plate and
offer some type of competency certificates, if you're really interested in
such things.


I hope so. In the meantime, the ARRL already has such a program. Once a
month they transmit code runs and if you copy 1 minute solid you can get a
certificate. They start at 10wpm and go up. I've got the ones for 10 and
15.

Despite what you read here, from a few embittered people who feel the code
exam "persecuted" them, most hams on the airwaves really don't care if you
passed a 5, 13, or 20wpm code test or not.

Why? Well, if I CQ in morse code on a frequency at 25wpm, and you respond,
and we have a nice conversation -- does it really matter if you "passed" a
20wpm code test or not?


Yup, using it is the important part.

Dee, N8UZE

On Feb 2, 9:54 am, "KH6HZ" wrote:
extremely doubtful

I suspect other organizations, like FISTS, may step up to the plate and
offer some type of competency certificates, if you're really interested in
such things.

Despite what you read here, from a few embittered people who feel the code
exam "persecuted" them, most hams on the airwaves really don't care if you
passed a 5, 13, or 20wpm code test or not.

Why? Well, if I CQ in morse code on a frequency at 25wpm, and you respond,
and we have a nice conversation -- does it really matter if you "passed" a
20wpm code test or not?

73
kh6hz

My ARRL Division is exploring bringing the "qualifying runs" to a
local venue. I don't know if they will run them concurrently with
License Exams, don't care. It will probably be a means for long time
hams to validate themselves into thinking they are still hams...

wrote:

My ARRL Division is exploring bringing the "qualifying runs" to a
local venue. I don't know if they will run them concurrently with
License Exams, don't care. It will probably be a means for long time
hams to validate themselves into thinking they are still hams...

If I'm not mistaken, the ARRL has offered similar certificates for years.
Not locally, but via mail (i.e. you copy 1 minute of code at X WPM and you
get a certificate from the League). Not sure if other organizations like
FISTS do something similar or not.

I can't imagine for the life of me why you would have an issue with that. In
a sense, it is little different than contesting... WAS, for instance.

Perhaps it is the choice of operating mode that offends you for some reason?

Would it be more to your liking if the ARRL had "FM competency certificates"
where people had to copy a solid minute of a voice transmission and mail it
in the to the League?

On Feb 3, 9:30 am, "KH6HZ" wrote:
wrote:
My ARRL Division is exploring bringing the "qualifying runs" to a
local venue. I don't know if they will run them concurrently with
License Exams, don't care. It will probably be a means for long time
hams to validate themselves into thinking they are still hams...

If I'm not mistaken, the ARRL has offered similar certificates for years.
Not locally, but via mail (i.e. you copy 1 minute of code at X WPM and you
get a certificate from the League). Not sure if other organizations like
FISTS do something similar or not.

Don't know much about FISTS, but you are correct about the ARRL. They
have two programs... code practice and qualifying runs. If you
qualify, send in your copy, and they send you a certificate for
whatever the speed was.

Every once in a while I try to copy the slow code practice, not the
qualifying run, it still doesn't thrill me after 20 years.

I can't imagine for the life of me why you would have an issue with that. In
a sense, it is little different than contesting... WAS, for instance.

I have so little feelings for it that its hard for me to imagine it an
issue. I only brought it up because it was "on-topic," not that I had
an interest in it.

Our Division Director, Jim Weaver, is highly proficient at keeping the
division informed.

Perhaps it is the choice of operating mode that offends you for some reason?

Copying a code tape in a classroom does not offend me. Copying code
practice on the air does not offend me. Copying a qualifying run on
the air and sending in for a certificate does not offend me. Using
code in a two way communication does not offend me.

Would it be more to your liking if the ARRL had "FM competency certificates"
where people had to copy a solid minute of a voice transmission and mail it
in the to the League?

Is this something I want my League spending money on? Sure, I don't
care. If it help these guys get over their loss... it will be money
well spent.

"KH6HZ" wrote in message
...
extremely doubtful

I suspect other organizations, like FISTS, may step up to the plate and
offer some type of competency certificates, if you're really interested in
such things.

Despite what you read here, from a few embittered people who feel the code
exam "persecuted" them, most hams on the airwaves really don't care if you
passed a 5, 13, or 20wpm code test or not.

Why? Well, if I CQ in morse code on a frequency at 25wpm, and you respond,
and we have a nice conversation -- does it really matter if you "passed" a
20wpm code test or not?

73
kh6hz

Well said Mike.
Ace - WH2T, 20 WPM Extra

"Phil" wrote in message
...
I would like to take code exams even if they are
not required by the FCC.

Will VEs continue to conduct code exams and
perhaps offer wpm level certificates?




Right now you could go for the Certificates of Code Proficiency that the
ARRL sponsors. Check their web site for details. For this award you copy
code off special broadcasts and receive a certificate for 1 minute solid
copy. I believe for this award you do NOT have to be a member. I have the
ones for 10 wpm and 15wpm.

Also they are investigating a program for earning such certificates with
sending administered via live examiners at a session. This is just in the
investigation stage.

Dee, N8UZE

"Dee Flint" wrote in message
. ..

"Phil" wrote in message
...
I would like to take code exams even if they are
not required by the FCC.

Will VEs continue to conduct code exams and
perhaps offer wpm level certificates?




Right now you could go for the Certificates of Code Proficiency that the
ARRL sponsors. Check their web site for details. For this award you copy
code off special broadcasts and receive a certificate for 1 minute solid
copy. I believe for this award you do NOT have to be a member. I have
the ones for 10 wpm and 15wpm.

Also they are investigating a program for earning such certificates with
sending administered via live examiners at a session. This is just in the
investigation stage.

Dee, N8UZE

I think the latter would be an excellent idea. I would vounteer to "VE" such
as session. Also, aren't there certain FCC licenses that require 20 wpm
testing (like Radiotelegraph)? Not sure if this license class is obsolete...

One thing that I would like but many people on the ng would disagree with: A
certain vanity callsign format reserved only for amateurs who posses such a
certificate.

I think the latter would be an excellent idea. I would vounteer to "VE" such
as session. Also, aren't there certain FCC licenses that require 20 wpm
testing (like Radiotelegraph)? Not sure if this license class is obsolete...

I think ham radio was the last service that required a code test.

One thing that I would like but many people on the ng would disagree with: A
certain vanity callsign format reserved only for amateurs who posses such a
certificate.


Not gonna happen, the FCC is not likely to want to be saddled with
another chore to enforce that.

The best way to demonstrate your code skills is to get on the air and
participate in CW QSOs and contests. Enjoy.