In another post, a reader commented:
I am a new Amateur Extra license holder. I have an idea. Now that I have my Amateur Extra I kind of miss the “studying for it.” In the back of my mind I thought “now I can relax an finally learn code.”
My idea is this: how about a national organization like ARRL offering testing and “Code Certificates.” They could have levels like 5, 10, 15, and higher. They will not add any privileges other than bragging rights like “I am an Amateur Extra with a 10 wpm certificate.” It could be fun, and it could create an economy in itself, as the ARRL can sell testing at ham events and certificates, and then all kinds of code equipment and apps etc will be made. The key manufacturers could help sponsor the movement.
You’ll notice how I added the word Amateur when I mentioned Amateur Extra. And, they are capitalized. I’m proud of what I accomplished and to be part of it all. Thanks to all of those who came before! I have two SDR radios and a bunch of old tube gear and lots of antique radios and parts and gobs of tubes. I respect the old timers. I hope they could catch the vision of what I propose and Elmer us new comers with code. Problem is, they might see a lot more noise in the air!
I replied:
Well, speaking as an old timer (46 years now. yipes!), I’d welcome more noise on the air. Having said that, did you know that the ARRL already offers code proficiency certificates? They offer certificates up to 40 wpm.
As it turns out, he hadn’t actually known about the code proficiency awards. This was exactly what he was looking for!
Now that we have code proficiency covered, perhaps someone should offer technical proficiency certificates. To gain these certificates, applicants would have to pass a test on a particular technical topic. The test would cover the topic in more depth than the current Amateur Extra Class test. Think of it as an “Extra Extra.”
For example, the test for digital modes certification might ask a number of different in-depth questions on how JT65 works. To qualify for the computers and digital logic certificate, you’d have to answer a number of different questions not only about PCs, but also Arduinos and Raspberry Pis. You might even be asked to submit an Arduino sketch or a Python program. Some other certificates that I could see offering include Software-Defined Radio (SDR), Building/Homebrewing, RFI/EMI, and Antennas. If you have other suggestions, please leave a comment below or email me directly.
The next step would be to find experts in each of the categories and get them to start developing the tests. If you consider yourself an expert in one of the above-mentioned subjects, and would be interested in participating, let me know.
The ARRL’s code cert is for reading only (i.e. not sending). It’s a step in the right direction, but anyone could set their PC to copy the run’s 40 wpm machine-sent code and get a certificate without knowing a single character.
I’ve always thought it unfair that old-timers look down on new hams because they didn’t pass a code test, when there is no test available.
I absolutely agree that there should be certifications for several other aspects. I said the same thing over two years ago:
https://kd0tls.blogspot.com/2015/01/are-you-certified.html
The goal should be to create more proficient operators, not quasi-RF engineers.
Anyone who uses a computer to obtain a code-proficiency certificate is really only cheating themselves. It’s just silly to do that, if you really think about it.
As far as the technical certifications go, the question is where you draw the line. It’s helpful to have some engineering skills when selecting equipment and installing antennas, but I wouldn’t envision the certifications to require the level of mathematics that’s required to get an engineering degree.
“Anyone who uses a computer to obtain a code-proficiency certificate is really only cheating themselves.”
The point is that it’s meaningless, and doesn’t cover sending. Passing a *real* code test proves something, which is important since we are essentially talking about “bragging rights”.
“I wouldn’t envision the certifications to require the level of mathematics that’s required to get an engineering degree.”
You miss my point again.
Rather than pushing for more and more difficult exams for those wishing to push their limits, the focus should be on specific certifications that promote *operator competency* over abstract knowledge
Some people get a code proficiency certificate for “bragging rights,” but I think that most do it just to feel like they’ve accomplished something. And, they have. It’s a real challenge to copy Morse Code at 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 wpm, and those that qualify for one (without using a computer) deserve congratulations.
Of course, the “real” code test is getting on the air and making contacts. I would hope that those who get the certificates also get on the air and make CW contacts.
Getting back to the Extra Extra certificates, I don’t think I’m missing your point at all. I think you misunderstand me if you think I’m promoting “abstract knowledge” (your words, not mine). That may be my fault for not explaining it properly, or it could be because this is still just a partly-baked idea.
Let me try again. In my view, the certifications would stress practical, over abstract, knowledge. That is, I would try to design the test such that it really tested the knowledge and ability of the applicant. That is to say that those that passed the test are not only able to do something, but understand why what they did worked. That will sometimes involve a higher level of mathematics than is currently required for the Extra Class exam.
KI4HTC
James
I wish they make extra class a little easy to past I have try seven time to past it,but it to hard for me. I do have a general class license I wish they do away with the extra class or make a little easy to pass it.
I’m certainly not opposed to anyone starting certification programs for CW, or digital modes, or coding, or whatever. But there does come a time when doing things teaches more than studying for tests. Instead of JT65 certification, how about figuring out how to set up JT65 software and hardware, and using it to make contacts? Instead of CW certification, how about getting on the CW segment of your favorite band and improving your code speed by using the code to converse with other hams? Instead of Arduino/RPi certification, how about designing and building some microprocessor-based equipment for your shack?
One significant advantage of doing is that it imparts a level of confidence in one’s abilities that test-taking can’t. As a VE, I sometimes see newly-minted hams who have taken passed one, two, or all three elements, then panic when they realize that they have no idea how to get on the air and conduct a QSO. If you’ve been a ham for a while, you’ve been in that spot, and you know that the way to get through it is by trying to do it, often with the help of others.
Finally, this: for those who see CW certification as a route to acceptance by those who had to pass code tests to get their license, I have some bad news and good news. The bad news is that those who don’t accept your no-code license never will, and not because of anything you did wrong, but because of their own narrow-mindedness. The good news is (1) most of us do accept you and (2) you don’t need anyone’s acceptance in the first place.
I think you and I are on the same wavelength, Bob. These certifications would incorporate some practical activities that would prove the applicant’s competence. It would be more than just a look it up in a book or memorize the answers kind of test.