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By Russell V. Carstensen, PE, NCE
NARTE Executive Director
May 13, 2005
For the first time NARTE is offering the General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) examinations as part of the Dayton Hamvention 2005--Friday through Sunday, May 20-22. The GROL is a closed book examination so you don't have to drag along a lot of reference material. NARTE is accepting on site registrations at their booth. Examination time is not longer than four hours although most people finish in far less time.
Closed book examinations are the most challenging style because there are no "lifelines" available after the examination begins. Closed book examinations are conquerable. Careful preparation and a definite strategy will overcome not having text materials to which you can refer during the examination.
Study Prior to the Exam
The essential elements of a closed book examination are that the number of questions is finite, the time allowed is set and the answers will be multiple choice. The GROL examination covers two elements:
Element 1 - basic radio law and operating practice
Element 3 - operating procedures, radio wave propagation, radio practice, electrical principles, circuit components, practical circuits, signals and emissions, and antennas and feed lines
Cramming is a surefire way to bomb out. The best approach is that of actively working with the subject material. That is, working problems and sample tests. It may be a bit late for that to test at the Hamvention but don't panic. There is another way. The NARTE Shaker Test (a 20-page booklet of sample problems that sells for $7.00) is an excellent study aid if run under the same conditions as the actual exam. You could take the Shaker Test in the morning and sit for the actual examination the afternoon. Or take the Shaker Test on Friday and sit for the actual exam on Sunday morning.
Sitting for the exam
Once you have done all your studying and feel confident enough that you know most of the material, it's time to go in there and tackle that exam. Just remember; read through all the questions carefully and pace yourself. Divide the number of questions by the time available to determine how many questions per hour you should have completed. If you're having trouble with one of the questions, leave it and move on to the next one. You can then come back to this difficult question towards the end. Be careful about checking answers. Since you do not have any reference materials, it is better to go with your first response. Only change an answer if you have found a different way to confirm it.
One final important note to remember. Research has shown that a good nights sleep before exams will allow you to receive better marks than having spent the entire night awake cramming. Also, allowing time to arrive at the examination site with a period for last minute review will reduce anxiety and stress and enhance your confidence. Praying to pass could even count as alternative church time!
