I upgraded my amateur radio license to Extra Class in the fall of 2012. The Morse code requirement was dropped a few years ago, making it much easier to obtain the highest class of license. The ironic thing about it is that now that Morse code is not required, I have the urge to become extremely proficient at it.

Some of the benefits of having the highest class of license is that you can become a volunteer examiner to give the Amateur radio license for all class levels. One can do this with any Volunteer Examiner Coordinator in the US.  The local club that I belong to (The Southwest Dallas County Amateur Radio Club, SWDCARC)  has their accreditation through the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL), so I filled out my paperwork to become accredited.  I received my VE accreditation a few months ago, and I helped give my first test just last month.  That was a pretty good feeling– like I am doing my part to keep Ham radio alive.

If you are interested in learning more about Amateur radio, visit the ARRL. If you have decided to start studying for your tests, let me recommend for you either the Gordon West books (WB6NOA), or a look into HamTestOnline.  Good luck!