When my wife and child agreed to go to classes for their Technician-class license (which they passed!! HURRAY!!), I said I would study for my General. Although the test was only 35 questions (passing is 26 right), they come from a pool of over 400.

I originally became a Ham in 1981 (CAN'T BELEIVE ITS BEEN 25 YEARS?!?!). With help from my Dad, my Mom and I passed our Novice-class test together. Back then, there was a 5 word-per-minute morse code test along with a significant theory exam. I remember waiting weeks for my license to arrive in the mail!

Now, the entry-level exam is Technician, which has no morse-code requirement and a 35-question exam (26 correct for passing). The level of the theory now is much simpler than it was in 1981. However, there is a lot of new material, specifically regarding radio frequency safety.

Its exciting to be back into this hobby. Of course, with cell-phones and Internet, it's not that novel to talk to someone around the world wirelessly. But, being a Ham is still a prestigous thing since they're admired by the community for their ability to serve in emergencies.

If you've ever considered becoming a Ham, now's the time!