San Francisco Ham Cram

AERO is a disaster preparedness activity and this page tells about SF radio licensing exams.

CAUTION! The room location is subject to change. Be sure to check the poster linked below 2 weeks prior to the event.

Here is our latest poster. It has the latest, up-to-date info. See it to check on any late-breaking changes.

And some FAQ's:

Can I really earn my license in one day?

Sure, between 75-100% of our students do. And no previous knowledge or training is required. At the end of the day you may have passed the Technician exam, and if so, you will receive your license in a week or two.

How much does it cost?

$14 FCC mandated VEC fee, $6 if you want the technicial (beginning) study guide.

$14 FCC mandated VEC fee, $26 if you want the general (upgrade) study guide and lecture.

Why this program?

What are the advantages over other programs? When we meet at Hall of Flowers:

Sounds great, when and where is the next exam?

CAUTION! The room location is subject to change. Be sure to check the poster linked below 2 weeks prior to the event.

You can find the time, date and location of the next exam on our latest poster. READ BOTH PAGES!

Our Venues:

San Francisco Jewish Community Center

You can park all day for $5 across the street at UCSF lot. Or free on Pine Street. Enter at the front door and check the activities screen for the room we are in. Public transportation includes the 1, 2, 3, 4 and 43 lines which stop right at the building. The 2, 3 and 4 connect to BART at the Montgomery Street Station.

Saint Mary's Hospital

There is a special AERO rate in the One Schrader building garage, $3 all day. Public transportation includes the 5, 21 and 33 lines which stop right at the hospital. The 5 and 21 connect to BART at the Civic Center Station. We meet in the Cafeteria on the B level (down two floors from the hospital lobby.

County Fair Building

The County Fair Building is convenient to public transportation. The MUNI Metro N line runs one block south, get off at 9th Avenue and Irving Street. The N connects to the other Metro lines and BART at the stations between Embarcadero and Civic Center. The site is also serviced by the 16, 44 and 71 right at 9th Avenue and Lincoln. Also the 6, 43 and 66 stop two blocks south at 9th Avenue and Judah. And if public transportation isn't for you, there is ample free parking in Golden Gate Park.

What do I need to bring?

Your money, of course, bag lunch or lunch money, 2 ids (at least one with picture), and several pencils or pens (pencils with good eraser are best).

If you are claiming credit for other exams passed previously (such as for an advanced or code exam) or for licenses currently held, bring a copy (which we will keep) of your proof (such as a copy of your CSCE or a license that requires the claimed elements) AND the original (which you keep).

What is your schedule?

Study and exams for 2009:  1/25       3/29       6/13       9/13       11/22    

Who gives this exam?

The FCC has delegated amateur examinations to 17 Volunteer Exam Coordinators, this exam is given by W5YI-VEC.

When do I learn about my license?

See http:/www.qrz.com/new_hams.html

In 2-3 weeks you can learn about the granting of your call sign and your call letters.

What do I do next after I get my license?

Attend the meetings of your local amateur Radio Club. Find out about the SF Amateur Radio Club at sfarc.org

Do you have more advanced exams?

Yes, the Element 1 (Morse code) exam, Element 3 the General class exam, and Element 4 the Extra class exam.

Do you have study guides for the other exams?

Only for Element 3, the General class exam. There is a brand-new study guide and class. The study guide and class cost $26, the class takes about an hour followed by a 3 hour cram and the exam ($14). Since the exam has gotten harder, our failure rate has climbed. We now recommend that you STUDY a high school physics text, the parts on electricity (DC and AC).

Questions? Email dave1 at wcf dot com.

Last updated: May 14, 2009