Passing the Amateur Radio examination in Sri Lanka
This is blog is intended to the residents in Sri Lanka, who are keen on getting Amateur Radio License. The first step is passing the examination held by the “Telecom Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka” (TRCSL)[1].
This article explains the process of getting passed on all three class of tests offered by TRCSL.
Amateur Radio is also known as HAM Radio.
Bit of Background
Sri Lanka has three classes of amateur licenses issued by TRCSL. TRCSL is the competent authority for the Radio Spectrum management of Sri Lanka. Think the TRC as the counterpart of FCC in USA.
TRC offers three classes of licenses
- Novice Class
- General Class
- Advanced Class
What License Class to Choose?
“Novice Class” license allows a person to operate on popular VHF (144–146 MHz) among some other lesser used HF bands. It was observed that exam paper for “Novice Class” is somewhat difficult than that of “General class” on last few exams (as of year 2019)
“General or Advance” class license allows all the available amateur bands to be used by the license holder. This includes 9 HF Bands, 2 VHF Bands, and many UHF and higher bands.
However Advance class license allows twice maximum power radiated by the operator compared to the power limitation for General class license holder. However, almost all activities can be performed within the power limit of “General Class” license. There is no much practical need to radiate more than 500 W output in HF (SSB) and 25W in VHF in normal amateur operations.
Getting Advance Class is a prestige, which allows to radiate 1000W in HF(SSB) and 50W in VHF and above. Candidate needs to demonstrate proficiency of Morse code copying and sending, in addition to respective written test to get the Advance Class licence. Current requirement is 5 words-per-minute.
Structure and Syllabus of the exam
The Novice and General class exams consists of two papers, each has MCQ type questions. Candidate has to get more than 50% of marks for each of the papers.
The first paper is about basic electronic theories, elementary Radio Frequency theories, and some common terms used in Amateur Radio.
Second paper is mostly concerned about the regulations and operating practices applicable for Amateur Radio operation.
Both are very easy. Someone has done GCE(A/L) Exam will find the electronic theory paper very easy. However the syllabus is designed such that to allow a person, who has followed non-science stream, to be able to get hold of the theory paper and get pass the exam.
The regulation and operating practice paper is something someone has to do cram on, as it contains bit of do’s and don’ts on transmitter operation. This is mainly focused on how not causing any undesirable effect on person or equipment, owned by you or a third party.
How to get ready
There are quite a few online resources available for preparation for the exam. A syllabus published by Wijay (4S7VJ) [2] will be most helpful.
The best cause of action is to talk to an existing HAM license holder who is also active for any guidance. Also you can reach out one of the two active HAM clubs in Sri Lanka RSSL [3] and ARAL [4]. The members and officers of those clubs are very friendly and will guide you in the process at each step.
Waiting for exam
TRC SL generally conduct the Amateur Radio Operators Exam once a year. The application date will be put into the Government Gazette. However it is much easier to become member of one of the clubs, to get notifications of the exam and process, as reading through Gazette is a time consuming task for an individual.
You will get ample time to prepare the exam once it is gazetted. Typically there will be six month for the date of the exam from the date of call for application.
The Exam day
Calculators are allowed on the exam. However there is no need of the calculator as most of the calculations are usually a simple calculations you can do with pen and paper.
It is not an open-book exam. No communication devices are allowed.
The Novice and General class exam will be finished around mid-day. So you may take a half-day leave if you are employed.
Waiting for results
The agonising part of the process is the time it takes form the Exam and Results. It can take any amount of time, as the Exam process is handled via many government organisations, including Department of Examinations.
The candidates will be eventually notified by TRC-SL of their results. Passed candidates are required to apply for license within stipulated time, (typically within two years) to obtain the license.
Advanced Class examination process is not over. Passed candidates now have to apply and pass the Morse test (5 WPM).
References
[1] http://www.trc.gov.lk/amateur-services.html
