N2EY wrote:
In article et, "Bill Sohl"
writes:


When I was preparing for the old Extra test (pre-April 2000) all I did was
keep retaking the QRZ.COM practice tests until I consistently got 90%
or better. I actually started getting concictently at 100%.


You "studied the test" - literally! Which is certainly effective, and legal.

But do you think you learned as much as if you didn't have the exact Q&A
available?

A different point altogether, Jim! A person will learn MUCH more by
reading good reference material. Just as an example from the Question
pool vs boo larnin' thread I just started, I learned that Fessenden
received an optical interrupter made by a fellow named Brashear. Now
there is a piece of synchronicity! Brashear was a telescope maker of
great renown at that time. I didn't see that tidbit in any of the
history of telescopes.

But that isn't what they are trying to teach us in electronics. somone
somwhere has to decide what question to ask on the test.


This isn't a criticism of you or Mike or anyone who takes the tests today. It's
just a point about the testing methods used. Not that they're going to change
any time soon.

I certainly didn't take it as such. Especially since I take the two as
a functional equivalent! 8^)


Continued until I scored 100 percent pretty consistently.

And the actual test was a breeze, right?

Wasn't too bad.


Of course you passed.

When I took the actual test, I thinkI completed it in less
than 10 minutes and handed it in.


I'm not surprised! It's only 50 questions anyway!

Once in a while I take an online practice test just for grins. Usually I don't
use scratch paper or a calculator, just to make it more of a sporting course.
Ten minutes is about my speed, too, unless I push it.

Sure - they are kind of fun, and a good way to keep up with some of the
dryer details of regulation. The more enjoyable stuff masks the boring
stuff.



What you did was to 'study the test'. Which isn't "wrong" or illegal,
despite
what some may rant about it. You did what worked for you, within the

rules.

Here's the thing, Jim. I can still remember the right answers. So did I
learn the material?

Maybe. If you were given a new exam on the same material that used
completely
different questions and answers, could you pass it? If so, then you know
the material.

Given the subject material at the time and my lack of any specific
use of much of that material since, I'm not sure how I'd do. Answers to
questions
on space operations (FCC notification intervals), licensing and VE testing
rules, etc. don't stay with most people unless they have reason to
need that knowledge.


I think that depends on the person. Some folks can, others can't, etc.


Additionally, rules and regs can and do change
as we all know...so band edges, especially mode restrictions within a
specific band (e.g. novice sub-bands) change over time.


Yes - and that's one reason to take online practice tests.

In fact, it could be argued that having a published Q&A and online practice
tests makes it *easier* for *already licensed* hams to keep up with the
changes.


*If* you only care about right answers rather than understanding.


Not really. I saw a electrician licensing test book with question pool
recently. Lives depend on the electrician doing safe and proper work.
and they are depending on the Electrician knowing.

But someone cannot become a licensed electrician by written tests
alone. There
are extensive practical tests and experience requirements as well, and
several
levels of licensing. IIRC, here in PA it takes 9000 hours of documented
work
experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician to be
licensed at the highest level.

Sure, but if you flunk the test, question pool and all, then you
aren't an electrician. 9000 hours of training aside.


Point is, if you pass the test but don;t have the 9000 hours you aren't an
electrician either.

True, but No similar "time in grade" applies to ham licensing.


It's not just time in grade but actual supervised work experience. Back in the
old days of a 2 year wait for Extra, a ham could just toss the General license
in a drawer and do nothing for 2 years, yet the "experience" would still count.

We aren't likely to see such experience requirements reinstated either, IMHO.

Too bad, that!

- Mike KB3EIA -