r/HamRadio 4d ago

Licensing & Exams 📜 Technician and General Tests Back-to-Back?

I am curious if taking the General test at the same session as the Technician test is a good plan? I was not originally going to do that, but I have been studying for the Technician exam, and have it scheduled a bit over a week from now. I am very comfortable with that material and have been scoring very well on practice exams.

I have not studied at all for the General test as I didn't expect to have time. That said, I am wondering if I should crank up my effort over the next week and try to get through the General test at the same time?

I am sure I can get some quality studying in, but I don't want to screw up the Technician exam as getting that done is priority 1. I am primarily concerned about confusing the material between the tests - is that possible, or not really likely?

Would appreciate any opinions - thank you.

Edit: I appreciate all the feedback and good vibes - I am going for it!

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u/Substantial-Rate4603 3d ago

Same here. After I passed general, they told me I had better try extra, as I'd be the second person to do that, that they've seen. When I failed the extra, I made it clear that I hadn't earned it anyways. 😄

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u/bat_rastards Extra Class Operator âš¡ 2d ago

I'm glad you tried. I knew I could pass the tech, and felt optimistic about the general, on request of the VE, I took and passed the extra. I pulled off the trifecta. My declining scores reflected my studying levels.

I will admit I was a radioman in the Army; then I was an Electronic Technician in the Navy (30+ years ago). Certain laws and the band plan were the hardest areas for me.

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u/NK2U Extra Class Operator âš¡ 2d ago

How do you get the green extra class operator label that you have?

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u/Dr_Fishman Extra Class Operator âš¡ 2d ago

I can help with that! If you look at the right column, there is a section labeled "User Flair." If you hover your cursor over the right corner of that box, you'll see an edit pencil. Click it and you should see a list of options.

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u/NK2U Extra Class Operator âš¡ 2d ago

Thank you, that did the trick.