The GROL replaces the following types of license and endorsements that are no longer issued:
* First Class Radiotelephone Operator License
* Second Class Radiotelephone Operator License
* Third Class Radiotelephone Operator Permit
* Broadcast Endorsement
* Aircraft Radiotelegraph Endorsement

Dates for FCC exams are established by RSI at its NWOSU Test center. The RSI Certification Administrator will establish a convenient date for you to sit for the exam. At ETA test sites located throughout all states, including all U. S. military installations (DANTES) all FCC elements are available. Call RSI for schedule information. Examinations are also available by appointment. License exams may be taken at over 600 ETA locations as well as all U.S. Military Education Centers. Fast electronic filing available. RSI main test ETA test center is at NWOSU Alva, Ok.

Why should I become licensed?
FCC licenses are required by law to operate and maintain many types of communications equipment. The broadcast, aeronautics and maritime industries are the primary license holders. Many other fields require FCC licenses. New technologies are evolving which demand highly qualified technicians and operators to comply with stringent procedures and regulations. RSI's ETA-I test center can arrange for local test sites for the examinations.

See FCC http://wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/wncol.html

Written Examination Elements

Element 1: Basic radio law and operating practice with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 18 out of 24 questions.

Element 3: General Radiotelephone. Electronic fundamentals and techniques required to adjust, repair, and maintain radio transmitters and receivers. The exam consists of 76 questions, 56 of which you must answer correctly to pass, from the following categories:

• operating procedures
• radio wave propagation
• radio practice
• electrical principles
• circuit components
• practical circuits
• signals and emissions
• antennas and feed lines

Element 5: Radiotelegraph Operating Procedure. Radio operating procedures and practices generally followed or required in communicating by means of radiotelegraph stations. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 38 out of 50 questions.

Element 6: Advanced Radiotelegraph. Technical, legal, and other matters applicable to the operation of all classes of radiotelegraph stations. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 75 out of 100 questions.

Element 7: GMDSS Radio Operating Practices. GMDSS radio operating procedures and practices sufficient to show detailed practical knowledge of the operation of all GMDSS sub-systems and equipment. The exam consists of questions from the following categories: general information, narrow band direct printing, INMARSAT, NAVTEX, digital selective calling, and survival craft. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 57 out of 76 questions.

Element 8: Ship Radar Techniques. Specialized theory and practice applicable to the proper installation, servicing, and maintenance of ship radar equipment in general use for marine navigation purposes. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 38 out of 50 questions.

Element 9: GMDSS Radio Maintenance Practices and Procedures. Requirements set forth in IMO assembly on Training for Radio Personnel (GMDSS), Annex 5 and IMO Assembly on Radio Maintenance Guidelines for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System related to Sea Areas A3 and A4.

The exam consists of questions from the following categories: radio system theory, amplifiers, power sources, troubleshooting, digital theory, and GMDSS equipment and regulations. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 38 out of 50 questions.

Telegraphy Examinations Elements
Element 1 - 16 code groups per minute.
Element 2 - 20 code groups per minute.
Element 3 - 20 code groups per minute.
Element 4 - 25 code groups per minute

Code speeds are computed using five letters per word or code group. Punctuation symbols and numbers count as two letters each. The Commission will grant credit for Telegraphy Elements 1 and 2 to applicants who hold an unexpired (or within the grace period) FCC-issued Amateur Extra Class operator license. Taking a Written Examination You must decide for yourself how to prepare for an examination. The marine permit and basic radiotelegraph exams are relatively simple. They may require only a few hours of study. The general radiotelephone, GMDSS operator and maintainer, advanced radiotelegraph, and radar examinations are more difficult and require a knowledge of electronics. Electronics can be studied through engineering and trade schools, correspondence courses, military or employee training programs, or your own efforts. The RSI programs help you perpare
http://rfcomply.com/products_services/safety_training/

Examination Procedures
Use of reference materials in FCC examinations is not permitted. Do not bring any books, papers, notes, study guides, or other unauthorized aids to an examination. You may use a non-programmable calculating device during any examination, so long as the memory is erased when the device is turned off.