Ask Michael, KB9VBR: Strategies for passing the Extra license exam

[@hammathguy3995]

Many years ago, when I studied for the Extra test, downloaded the entire question pool. This was in the times before on-line practice testing. Think 30 years ago. I went through the pool one question at a time. If I already knew the answer I moved on. I marked it if I didn't. This separated what I know and what I don't. There is no need to study what I already know. I got out my copy of the ARRL Handbook and looked up all the stuff I had marked. This worked well for me. I passed both the Advanced and Extra exams in one sitting. The Advanced test was every bit as hard as the Extra. That was my strategy. Worked for me. Could work for you. I could say "Good Luck on the test". But, I won't. You'll be well prepared and know your stuff. Luck is not required. 73

[@redstickham6394]

I did Novice through Advanced between 1988-1990. I started studying Extra and the theory wasn't too bad, but I couldn't hit 20wpm CW. I usually hit a wall at 17WPM. I later ended up having major surgery and cancer treatments so it went by the wayside. I picked up again in 2003 and passed using the Gordon West book.

[@LiquidCheney]

This is how I would do it now if not for the new software you mentioned.

[@walterandersen6821]

Do the hamstudy modules over and over until you get a 90% in each. Concurrently take practice exams on sites offered eggs qrz and arrl. Do it when you have a spare moment. Use the Gordon West book and listen to cds. I listened to cds during commute. Helped me with theory. Some good mnemonics to remember theory. The book is excellent reference guide. My first practice test was 30% and after the study routine for 2 months it was 100%. I scored a 98% on the final exam. I took the exam after 20 year gap from amateur radio.

[@danpahnke5477]

Guys, I don’t think I have any tips to help with taking the extra exam but your videos gave me the motivation to study and try it! I took it at the very beginning of 2022 and passed it. What a Great Feeling! Thanks for your wonderful videos. W9ddp

[@JD144-]

I’m studying for the extra right now. Thanks for the tips!

[@TimR1099]

On the power increase, the number in the db increase tells you the number of zeros, e.g., 10db = a factor of 10 (one zero); 20db = a factor of 100 (two zeros); 30db = a factor of 1000 (three zeros). (Yes, I know it doesn’t work for a 3db increase).

[@darylnd]

Thanks, guys! I passed my Extra last week at Pacificon. Shout out to the Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club and their VEs! I may shorten my call to be a bit lighter on the CW key, but for now, 73 de KN6NPZ.

[@thebugg333]

Trying to look for obvious answers in extra is hard, some of them look all wrong. Glad I passed on my first attempt, trying to memorize at this level is also challenging, but possible if you spend enough time. You are at a point where you need to understand what they are asking more than knowing the answer. After I got my tech, I went to general then extra within the month.

[@oldsoldier181]

I actually just started studying for mine today. Want to get it done before June

[@ke0ourwilliam982]

I need to take my Extra also. Was hoping to get off working nights first. Just do not study well working nights.

[@davewhite7679]

Years ago the Extra class 20 wpm code requirement was a deal breaker for many of us. With the code eliminated and the entire multiple choice question pool available now for practice testing, there's no reason not to pass the Extra exam. Just keep drilling on the questions that give you difficulty until you routinely pass the practice tests. 😀 KZ9V

[@christophersmith1155]

why dont i hear operators that are in the artic circle ( alaska northern canada ) ? is it because of the magnetic pole ?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I don't think its due to the magnetic pole that you don't hear very many arctic circle stations; but instead because there aren't many people that live up there, let alone amateur radio operators. I have worked stations in Alaska, Northwest Territories, and Svalbard, so it is possible.

[@bassangler73]

I just passed my General and I'm about to start on the Extra...I'm dreading this one...lol

[@barrykelly2722]

Ditto

[@alexthelion335]

Yeah, me too

[@michealcade7313]

Hello there from from south east Arkansas KI5SPA

[@xanatax1844]

wow, 😮 sounds like I’m ready! 😊 I know it! Should just some spend some review time, so I don’t heck it up, and schedule an exam.

[@swedesspeedshop2518]

Can someone explain why the testing has to be so extreme just to use a radio? I've passed my tech and general and thinking about trying for the extra but I just don't understand why it has to be so hard when in the end most of what I hear is rag chewing and signal reports? I'm new to the hobby so maybe I'm missing something? You can just buy a gmrs license and the radios have 50 watts with repeater systems just doesn't seem that different to me ?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The testing process isn't extreme to get on the air. With your General license you have access to over 90% of the available US amateur radio spectrum. The Extra class exam is hard because it is meant to be hard. It is supposed to represent the pinnacle of the amateur radio service and tests you on some pretty esoteric stuff. But there is an incentive to passing such as: access to spectrum that international or DX stations can be found on, administering all classes of license exams as a VE, and reciprocal licensing at the highest level with other countries. But if you want to just get on the air and talk on the radio, passing the Technician (and the General) is a pretty low bar. Of course there is more to amateur radio than just rag chewing and signal reports. There's the entire aspect of experimentation, building antennas and radio equipment, digital modes, propagation, etc; and the Extra exam steps you into that realm. On a side note, A GMRS license serves a different purpose than the amateur radio service and is quite limited in what you can do with it in respect to frequency allocation and technical implementation. But it is certainly fine (and an excellent choice) for short range communication between friends and family.

[@kc2tbag]

Get the Gordon West study guide!

[@patricksharimccarthy9495]

What’s the app?

[@barrykelly2722]

My Elmer is like ... glue

[@michaelsmith8849]

Good afternoon from Norwood Ohio N8MRS

[@pcrequest]

Study mode, not practice exams: blog.hamstudy.org/2022/08/why-should-i-use-hamstudy-and-not-just-take-practice-exams/

[@waltbowlby1638]

Wa9neu. Cave in rock il