Upgrade Completed
After about six weeks of studying, I passed my Amateur Extra examination. I like to do tests like this with a defined timeline, and especially over a holiday break, because I can focus on the studying. Whew!
If anyone is wondering, my test preparation materials of choice are the Gordon West (WB6NOA) test preparation books. I've used them to study for all of the element examinations. They are clear, easy to read, and have useful memory mnemonics (ELI the ICE man is my favorite by far). Like he states, you need to "work the book" (write all over it).
Usually, once I read through the entire book at least once, I then use Roy Watson (N1ZTL) d/b/a Dela Systems iPhone testing applications. The app allows you to take either section quizzes or full tests, and develops a nice history so that you can focus on your weak areas. Much like Gordon's books, I've used Roy's apps for every element exam. My strategy is actually to do all of the section quizzes at least once. If I get a 100%, great. Time to move on. If I don't, I then go look up each answer in Gordon's book to figure out what he says, then I take the section quiz a few more times to make sure I "get it". Within the last four days to a week, I would then take around 3-4 randomly generated examinations per day using Roy's app until I'm confident that I have enough knowledge to pass, and to reduce any test-taking jitters.
** NOTE: The Extra examination question bank is getting an update in the middle of this year! If you want to upgrade this year, do it before June! **
If anyone is wondering, my test preparation materials of choice are the Gordon West (WB6NOA) test preparation books. I've used them to study for all of the element examinations. They are clear, easy to read, and have useful memory mnemonics (ELI the ICE man is my favorite by far). Like he states, you need to "work the book" (write all over it).
Usually, once I read through the entire book at least once, I then use Roy Watson (N1ZTL) d/b/a Dela Systems iPhone testing applications. The app allows you to take either section quizzes or full tests, and develops a nice history so that you can focus on your weak areas. Much like Gordon's books, I've used Roy's apps for every element exam. My strategy is actually to do all of the section quizzes at least once. If I get a 100%, great. Time to move on. If I don't, I then go look up each answer in Gordon's book to figure out what he says, then I take the section quiz a few more times to make sure I "get it". Within the last four days to a week, I would then take around 3-4 randomly generated examinations per day using Roy's app until I'm confident that I have enough knowledge to pass, and to reduce any test-taking jitters.
** NOTE: The Extra examination question bank is getting an update in the middle of this year! If you want to upgrade this year, do it before June! **
What's Next?
The next big step is to become Volunteer Examiner (VE) accredited. I'm going to do the ARRL VE accreditation. I'd like to be able to help give exams. When I took this last test, I was shocked that some folks were willing to walk out without taking the next level tests! It's free, and your passed certifications don't get taken away - always take the next test!
For the rest of the year, I'm also going to focus on learning Morse Code (CW). I'm actually much more confident about it (I think about it a lot, and I'm constantly "translating" things and signs that I'm reading into CW as practice, but I haven't trained my ear to decode it well enough). This is the year! I'm going to try CW OPS, since I keep hearing good things about them.
For the rest of the year, I'm also going to focus on learning Morse Code (CW). I'm actually much more confident about it (I think about it a lot, and I'm constantly "translating" things and signs that I'm reading into CW as practice, but I haven't trained my ear to decode it well enough). This is the year! I'm going to try CW OPS, since I keep hearing good things about them.
Useful Links
Here's some helpful links for you:
1. Gordon West's Technician Preparation Book
2. Gordon West's General Preparation Book
3. Gordon West's Extra Preparation Book
4. Roy Watson's Website: Dela Systems
5. CW OPS Website
6. Becoming a VE (ARRL)
1. Gordon West's Technician Preparation Book
2. Gordon West's General Preparation Book
3. Gordon West's Extra Preparation Book
4. Roy Watson's Website: Dela Systems
5. CW OPS Website
6. Becoming a VE (ARRL)