Contact
Nancy Austin, KC1NEK
RI Section Manager
Email: [email protected]
Introduction
It has never been easier for anyone to study individually at their own pace, or collectively in a group to earn their first FCC Amateur Radio Technician license or improve their knowledge of the hobby-service and upgrade to a General or Extra class license. The ARRL provides various books and study materials for purchase on the ARRL Store. The free online learning platform, HamStudy.org has made self-study and exam testing prep a successful option for many starting out.
ARRL affiliated clubs in Rhode Island offer periodic licensing classes and study sessions. You can find information about classes in your area on the ARRL Headquarters web site and also on individual radio club web sites.
Please note many exam classes are now being held online across the country and open to all. These options can be discovered by adding the keyword “online” to your search criteria, leaving the location blank, with a generous start/end dates: https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-class
Another licensing option are “bootcamp” style exam classes where last-mile learning is condensed into a few days, followed by the exam. HamXposition and large regional clubs have had success with this method. For example, the Nashua NH club will be holding a 2-day Tech class and exam over the weekend of February 17th and 18th, 2024. The General class and exam is planned for March 16th and 17th, 2024. For more on this option, see: https://www.n1fd.org/amateur-radio-license-class/
As with all things ham, it’s a big tent, with learning pathway options for all kinds of learners. What kind of learning pathway works best for you?
Amateur Radio License Exams in the Rhode Island Area
Please refer here for 2024 exams: ARRL search tool to find a license exam session.
The monthly RI Section Manager Newsletter always includes information about upcoming licensing exams posted on the ARRL website and offered in-person by Rhode Island clubs.
During the recent pandemic, various clubs across the country experimented with virtual examinations conducted remotely over the internet. These remote, online exams have continued to evolve in innovative ways, while maintaining exam integrity. For examples of this licensing exam pathway in 2024, visit: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/remote
The ARRL website also offers a list of online VE sessions here: https://www.arrl.org/online-exam-session
The Newport County Radio Club (NCRC) has offered in-person, digital VE exams since 2022. Using the ExamTools platform, the test taker fills out their answers on an iPad, gets instant results, with their data updated promptly on the FCC database. Sometimes a new call sign is ready for the user in a day.
Become a VE: Volunteer Exam Sessions
ARRL-sponsored Volunteer Exam teams administer FCC sanctioned examinations. Individuals can qualify to become certified Volunteer Examiners by taking a simple “open book” test. More VE Resources are available here:
ARRL Volunteer Examiner Manual 9th Edition
Continuing Education Courses
The ARRL also offers members the opportunity to improve their knowledge of Amateur Radio through a wide range of continuing education courses.
Introduction to Emergency Communication (EC-001)
This course is designed to provide basic knowledge and tools for any emergency communications volunteer. The course has 6 sections with 28 lesson topics. It includes required student activities, a 35-question final assessment and is expected to take approximately 45 hours to complete over a 9-week period. You will have access to the course platform at any time of day during this 9-week period so you may work according to your own schedule.
Public Service and Emergency Communications Management for Radio Amateurs (EC-016)
This course is designed to train licensed Amateur Radio operators who will be in leadership and managerial roles organizing other volunteers to support public service activities and communications emergencies. In this course you will learn how radio amateurs prepare and organize to support local community events, and, working in coordination with governmental and other emergency response organizations, deploy their services to provide communications when needed in an emergency. This course is made available on our Web site to all ARRL members. It is a self-study course that you may complete at your own pace.
Other ARRL Learning Resources
Don’t miss the ARRL Bookstore: https://home.arrl.org/action/Shop/Store
Or the new searchable digital library of ARRL magazine content dating back more than a decade (2024-2012) available via the new ARRL Magazines app for iOS, Android, or Amazon Kindle. https://www.arrl.org/arrl-magazines
Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology
As part of its educational outreach through the Education & Technology Program (ETP), ARRL will sponsors Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology sessions. The week-long Teachers Institute (TI) is an expenses-paid, professional development seminar that provides teachers at all grade levels with tools and strategies to introduce basic electronics, radio science, space technology, and satellite communication, as well as weather science, introduction to micro-controllers, and basic robotics in their classrooms. The Teachers Institute curriculum is designed for motivated teachers and other school staff who want to learn more about wireless technology and bring that knowledge to their students.
ARES® Training
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®) offers training for individuals who wish to improve their emergency communications skills. Please reach out to RI ARES and learn more: https://riares.org
HamXposition – NE Division Convention Workshops, Meet-ups, Seminars Aug 22-24, 2024
Stay tuned for the packed seminar and workshop schedule of opportunities planned for this August 22-24, 2024 in nearby Marlborough, MA at the annual ARRL New England Division:
Contest Training
The Yankee Clipper Contest Club offers instructional presentations on topics relevant to contesting at their in person meetings and virtually throughout the year.
Contest University is an annual one-day seminar/workshop in Dayton, Ohio, held the day before Hamvention. Top Amateur Radio contesters, including members of the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame, impart their years of practical knowledge gained from battling in the contesting trenches to help attendees get an edge and improve their scores. It’s an information-packed day! Check out these videos from Contest University .
SKYWARN Training
SKYWARN training classes are offered on a regular basis throughout southern New England by employees of the National Weather Service forecasters and trained SKYWARN volunteers. For a current schedule, visit <https://wx1box.org>.
Videos of the 2021-2003 Skywarn training sessions are available there as well to watch on-demand for free.