karn (10/22/82)
The FCC today proposed to revise its procedures for awarding the Novice class, or beginner, 'ham' radio license. As it stands now, an amateur radio operator with a General class or higher license tests an applicant on his knowledge of the Morse code. If the applicant passes, a certification notice is mailed to the commission and the FCC then mails a written exam to the applicant. The written exam is completed and mailed to the FCC for grading. The agency proposed Thursday to streamline that process by allowing the licensed ham radio operator to administer not only the Morse code test, but to prepare and administer the written test using an FCC Study Guide. If the applicant passes both tests, the licensed ham would simply certify that to the commission and a Novice license would be issued. The proposal is now open to public comment. Phil Karn, KA9Q/2