My question is, if you have elements 1 and 2, even after a year has
passed after taking element 1, do you still have the "novice" HF
privileges of the Tech +HF, or do you have to take element 1 every 365
days to keep the privilege, even if you don't upgrade to General.

On Sun, 11 Jan 2004 01:59:41 GMT, "Dee D. Flint"
wrote:


"DeLores Lamb, KD7ZAE" wrote in message
.. .
Someone is telling me if you pass the 5wpm code test today (element 1)
along with element 2 (or even separately), that the element 1 portion
is only good for 365 days. I have tried to read part 97 but it is
confusing. It used to be that you always kept credit for any element
taken. So in 3 years if you wanted to upgrade to General, your
element 1 and 2 would be good. What's the story?

Chris, N7FNB

A CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Element) is only good for
upgrading for 365 days no matter what. However, if you pass your Technician
test and receive a Tech license, that is good for credit for Element 2 as
long as you keep the license current (or within the grace period also I
believe) even though the CSCE has expired.

Here's how the code test works:

CSCE for Element 1 - good for upgrade credit for 365 days but good for the
Tech with HF operating privileges as long as your Tech license is valid and
you keep that CSCE to prove that you passed the element.

So now let's look at your hypothetical case:

Today you pass the Element 1 (code) and Element 2 (Tech written). You will
receive CSCEs for both. Your license arrives within a few days and off you
go happily operating. Now 3 years pass. Your CSCEs will not be good for
upgrade credit BUT the Technician license will still give you credit for
Element 2. You will not have to retake Element 2. However, you will have
to retake Element 1 because your upgrade credit has expired (it remains
legal for you to use your HF privileges even so). Thus to get a General
license, you will have to present your Tech license, pass the Element 3 test
and re-pass the Element 1 test. Now lets suppose you decide to go to Extra
after you get your General. All that you will have to do is present your
General license (as long as it is in good standing) and pass the Element 4
test.

I hope this helps.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE