Technical > Ham Radio > Getting my FCC GROL -training options?

Getting my FCC GROL -training options?

I studied from the W5YI book before I took mine. Yes, some of it is basic electronics, but there's a LOT of stuff specific to a GROL, like what kind of radio is required for ferry operation with more than 10 passengers on the Great Lakes?
You'll need to get a GROL book.

»www.w5yi.org/catalog.php?sort=10

And a lot of Amateur Radio clubs that do license examination for Amateur Radio will also give you the commercial exam. I went to my local radio club when I took my GROL, and again a month later when I added the Radar Endorsement.

Here's W5YI exams for New York state:
»www.w5yi.org/exam_locations_com.···state=NY
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One man's Magic is another man's Engineering.

reply to JoeGrol
»www.eta-i.org is an excellent location to get it. buy the GROL+RADAR book by Gordon West, it will help tremendously.

if you don't have a test administrator nearby, you can schedule it to have the local library proxy the exam. take it online, you will know the results immediately.

i got mine a while back and it was breeze by using Gordon's book. i bought the one with the CD, and never even took it out the sleeve!
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Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine!

reply to JoeGrol
When I took my General test, (1982) it was administered by the FCC, and I had no idea what I was walking into. I was expecting modern electronic theory (which I was comfortable with). I knew I was in trouble when they put the test book down and I saw the USGPO print date of 1963. I missed it the first time by 1 point, after studying tubes and tube theory for a bit I passed it easily at the next sitting.

More to the point, at least at that time, it was mostly radio and electronics theory. So depending on the cost of testing, it might be easier just to sit once and see how you do.

Adding to this.. Since the FCC gives you all the questions and answers, Element 1 & 3, I would do self study at home.
»wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/i···on_pools

Lucky you. Since you took your test at the FCC, your license can never be revoked by them on account of VE shenanigans.

I got my GROL license in 2003.

I used a program called RadioTelephone Tutor to prepare for my exam.

I have looked into other GROL exam preparation programs, and the ones that drill on missed questions, also drill on questions, that you already know.

You don't want to waste your time with a program, that drills you on questions, that you already know the answers to.

The nice thing about RadioTelephone Tutor is, that it only drills on missed questions.
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Wiki page on the FCC GROL and Ship Radar Endorsement

reply to JoeGrol
I got my GROL (+ RADAR + GMDSS Operator and Maintainer) last year(I also live in NYC). I used the Gordon West book plus the CommStudy Iphone Application from Patrick J Maloney(»www.patrickjmaloneyllc.com/).
I passed my GROL+Radar in one go then came back a week or two later and passed my GMDSS exams. Like the US HAM exams, all of the Questions and Answers are published and only the order of the answers can be changed.

reply to JoeGrol

I had my First Class Radiotelephone License back in 1974, but the place I was working for wouldn't sign it (loooong story), so it expired.

I got my GROL in 2004 when a job I had applied for listed it with a Radar Endorsement as a "plus". Between talking on the phone and setting up the interview I passed the test, and showed up for the interview with my GROL.

They made me an offer I couldn't refuse, and between the time I accepted the offer and started working there, I passed the Radar Endorsement, so brought my *new* GROL with me the day I started.

They were rather happy......
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One man's Magic is another man's Engineering.

reply to Channel One
i dunno about him, but in my case it helped with my job. i maintain a USCG station so i had to have it. plus it helped with my journeyman level CET and now i've moved up to CETsr with an emphasis on wireless communications. now i just need to diversify my classes some and get a few more endorsements to become a CETma.

all that and a couple bucks will get me a cup of coffee at McDonald's!
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Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine!

reply to JoeGrol
The test took me two times to pass - missed the first round by one question as well. Get the sample tests and study the questions - know the subject matter the questions deal with. In these days of certifications, this is a good paper to have hanging on the wall.

reply to SmokChsr

GROL took the place of 1st class. my stepdad had his 1st class+RADAR since about 1970 and when they renewed it as a GROL he was pissed. he displays his 1st class and keeps the GROL cert in the desk drawer.
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Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine!

reply to Channel One
SBE offers a lot of certifications, but the GROL is given by volunteer examiners, exactly like an Amateur Radio license.
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One man's Magic is another man's Engineering.

reply to Channel One

reply to drjim

It's a bit different than the Amateur exams, but most people associated with the W5YI program do both commercial and Amateur exams.
I'm a W5YI VE, and my group gives both exams, The Amateur fees are set by the FCC, but you're right, the commercial ones are more expensive.
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One man's Magic is another man's Engineering.

reply to JoeGrol
I got mine back in...*dusts off GROL license*...1998.

I just read the book on lunch break...then took the test. I do have an extensive electronics and broadcast background, so that was certainly helpful.

If you have taken any of the ham exams, you should be able to read the book and pass. It is not much different than that. A lot seems to be made of these "regulations"...pffft!!

reply to JoeGrol

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