QRZ Practice Tests 2.0 - UPDATED - Beta

[AA7BQ]

Its been a busy week here. The Beta version of the QRZ Practice Tests 2.0 are now available.

All license classes are now covered, and each class offers 100 uniquely different exams to choose from.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I've incorporated many of them in this latest release. Please keep them coming!

http://www.qrz.com/xtest.html

/screenshot.jpg

73,

-fred AA7BQ

[ki4ies]

Awsome test!

[kc4umo]

Very nice.

[KC0W]

34/35 on the Tech exam.........Too boring to try the General or Extra exam, but kinda fun anyway.


Tom kcØw

[va7aax]

really nice . QRZ.com is doing very Fine Business

[k4eez]

hi, when is one going to be made for the General and Extra, it looks real good...

good job!
7 3

[kb9dbc]

AWESOME test, Fred. I love the extra "flash" and the new style of "keep guessing 'til you get it right" works very well.

[KB1JCY]

Fred,

Does this mean that QRZ is going Web 2.0?

Quote[/b] ]Yes, there is some truth to that.
-fred

[KG6YTZ]

Quote[/b] (kb9dbc @ Aug. 08 2007,20:46)]AWESOME test, Fred. #I love the extra "flash" and the new style of "keep guessing 'til you get it right" works very well.
Oh, does it do that? #I didn't notice - I got 100% on the one test I ran http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif - but, yeah, that could be helpful. #Maybe, like the W5YI software, it could also offer an explanation of why the correct answer is the correct answer. #I think that would serve the hobby a lot better than just teaching people to memorize that "the answer to this question is always [whatever]."

Suppose, for instance, that I missed the question about the relationship between frequency and dipole length. #Say I goofed and said it gets longer as the frequency increases. #The test widget [sounds better than "test thingie" http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif] would inform me that my answer is wrong, of course, but when I clicked on the right answer, the widget could tell me something like, "Correct! Since higher frequencies have more cycles per second than lower frequencies, their waves are packed more closely together, so their wavelengths are shorter." #Maybe toss in a little graphic showing the relationship of frequency vs. wavelength.

Just a thought.

[KI6AEU]

I liked how the old one would show you the correct answer.
That way (Last weekend ) when i took mt General. I passed some of the questions because I remembered the answer.
But the new one is nice too. Can we have the option of both?
Ki6AEU

[kc0nyk]

Fred, it's cute...but I sort of like making it more like a real test...or, like the w5yi, tell them why the right answer is right....

We have plenty of 'memorizer'' generals and tech's on the air already. Let's bring back the code and make it just a bit tougher to get the HF acess again.

The test is neat; but will encourage the dumbdown of the hobby to cb or worse if we are not careful

[KD7ZOS]

Yo Fred: Rock on my friend, my hamsters and this OM, used the practice tests many times, while studying Gordon Wests materials, prior to getting our tickets. Finally a prayer heard and dreams realized; I have been told I may be ADHD, perhaps this was why I could not get my ham ticket, 40+ years ago. But after the FCC reorganized the programs, I wanted my ticket and dragged my hamsters along, so that they could have the blessings of Ham Radio, and the doors it may open in lifes opportunities. They passed their Generals about a month ago, next is Extra, then CodeQuick to learn code!! Thanks for caring about the Ham Community, Stay Safe, God Bless and Lead On Fred, 73's Tom KD7ZOS, Tommy II KD7ZWI and Jennifer KD7ZOR!:-)

[kf4zmt]

Outstanding!

[k0jjm]

The "look" of the test if very good. The counter should be the running score on the first guess since that is the one that will "count" when they take the real test. #As noted before a further explanation of the correct answer (once they find it after having picked a wrong answer initially) would be very helpful. #Overall you have done a very good job.

[k6oh]

Very nice test...
The best would be if you could show what the person got wrong and what to review to get the right answers next time.

[n6sun]

My daughter who is 11 just passed the tech exam. I concur with KI6AEU and KG6YTZ where the correct answer is provided... My daughter found that very valuable.

Thanks,

Dirk / N6SUN

[nn2rl]

Really good stuff, and thank you...is there, however, going to be an EXTRA class practice flash? #I sure need it!

[ky5u]

First Fred, thanks for providing the service. I think the new interface is really nice. I personally prefer the simple Q&A format but I can see that this would be popular with younger folks.

[w4trs]

Thanks for the practice tests in any form. #I've found them very valuable in studying for my Extra. #I do like the new format; very classy.

[AD7PI]

When I was studying I looked for a site that used the Leitner system of memorizing. Could not find one.
Google on Leitner and you will see it is just a system that remembers the wrong answers you made and asks those questions again.

I would have liked to been able to take one or more practise tests, and then print out the missed questions. I did something like the WY5I, by opening a second browser page and googling for the theory.

Your new test has lots of flash, but no basic improvement.

[ne1ll]

Excellent. Love the fact you get instant feed back as soon as you answer the question. I like this much better than doing a whole test and then going back to review them. Lets you concentrate on each question one at a time.

Over time I never would have upgraded if not for the practice tests here!

Thank-you Fred.

[k9jdk]

Good job. Looks good.

Thank you.

[KI4MXO]

very nice! keep it up!

[ke5mhu]

I like the new test. it has pleasing colors and layout. When I took it, it showed the % I got right, even though I kept clicking until I got it right.

[KB1IAI]

good show. some theory would be nice too.
cant wait till your done.
73 paul kb1iai

[KC0YEF]

How about a reassuring sound when a correct answer is given remember pavlof?

Also the Flashing light is an NLP association that will actually reinforce a correct answer answer if the flashing is at a certain frequency http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

Love the test when you get extra done This will be my new home for a while
Also could you make it run without connection to the internent? as I am in the field a lot...

73
James

[KG6PIX]

great alpha version. i would like to see a general test and an extra test later on. i passed the real tech exam four years ago using the regular practice tests. this new one will most likely help people to pass their real ones more easily. i will be taking my general exam on wednesday. hopefully the alpha version for the general exam will be up but if not i will continue to use the old one. it helps a lot. keep up the good work
max
kg6pix

[K8MHZ]

According to Riley there is an incorrect answer to one of the questions. I am referring to T3D05. Who is going to set the record straight and get the answer changed?

[KL1ZO]

I used your tests for all three of my exams, and they were VERY helpful. One feature I used on another site was the "ALL" feature. This allowed the user to take the whole pool in order. I liked comparing questions that were subject-related.:

Take a look here:
Another good test site (http://w5jck.jackswinden.com/Extra_Exam_Fullsize/index.html)


Thanks for all you do.

73,

Jim

[AD7BF]

It won't run on my laptop. I'll give it a try on my computer at work as soon as I have a chance.

[K4GUN]

Very nice. I like the fact that you can't move on until you select the correct answer. That will be very nice to have when you get to the Extra exam.

[kd4lok]

Enjoyed going through the Technician test. Looking forward to the General becoming available.

Bob

[KG6YTZ]

Quote[/b] (KI4VIR @ Aug. 11 2007,17:22)]The old test style was simple and straightforward. #You only need to click one button to move to the next question; #now you need to click two.
...which is what I thought at first, too, but then I noticed that, after the correct answer is chosen, it will automatically move on to the next question after a brief pause of perhaps two or three seconds.

[AA7BQ]

The existing HTML practice tests on QRZ have been
around for quite a while and have grown long in the
tooth, as the saying goes. They also place an unnecessary
burden on the server with a page load on every question.
The new Flash application only hits the server twice to do
the entire exam!

On a typical day, the current Practice Test hits our servers
over 150,000 times. Each test session will hit the server
between 35 and 50 times. The new test will result in a
substantial decrease in server load, and, better performance
elsewhere on the site as a result.

Flash is installed on 99.9% of all browsers now. It's a de
facto standard for rich web applications. Yes, folks can
disable Flash on their computers, but few do because it
has so much to offer. The success of many of the mega
websites such as YouTube has more then proven that Flash
is here to stay.

Web 2.0 is here and QRZ is on the band wagon.

Expect to see more Flash applets from QRZ in the coming
year.

Thanks for all the notes and suggestions. I've already taken
a few things away from this discussion that will appear in
the Beta version.

73,

-fred

[WS2L]

I don't need to pass anymore tests but I must say the new version looks much nicer than the old version. Nice job Fred.

[KI4YIK]

Much much better in my opinion great choice!

[W4USC]

I like the graphics better, but I'd still like to see the correct answer displayed and the ratio of Correct Vs Wrong i.e. 4 of 5 [4 right out of 5 questions].

I DO NOT LIKE the way your completion is formatted [as below]
5/35 # Completed 4 # Score: 11.43%
This is confusing at best to a new ham like me.

I personally would like to see a format like this, but I guess my lone voice has no chance of being considered.
5/35 # Correct 4/Wrong 1 # Score: 80.0%
A true current view of the test, not a % of the entire test as you propose.

Thanks for letting us give our ideas. That is considerate.
73’s
W4USC

[ke5mhu]

My wife,daughter, and I used QRZ to help prepare for the exams. I first made Tech, and later passed General.
My daughter and wife tested on the day I made General. My wife made General and my (12 year old) daughter made Tech, all thanks to QRZ practice exams!

W5Van, Ke5gpk, Ke5pgl

[k5gbw]

I like the improvements for the most part. However two things stand out. First the sweeping color change of the "QRZ Practice Test Center" is distracting. Secondly, although the guess until you get it right is helpful in developing your knowledge; I feel you should give your users a choice at the beginning of the test if they would like the new method or the one chance only like your current tests.
If I may make one suggestion for improvement. The ability to work on questions from a section of the pool for a particular class of license. For example I am currently working on earning my Extra ticket. I would like to be tested only on section E1 questions. As I continue though the license manual I could add E2 questions to the pool. In this way I can continuously be tested on questions I have read the material of and not be tested on items I have yet to learn.

[n6hcm]

Quote[/b] (aa7bq @ Aug. 12 2007,11:18)]Flash is installed on 99.9% of all browsers now. It's a de
facto standard for rich web applications. Yes, folks can
disable Flash on their computers, but few do because it
has so much to offer. The success of many of the mega
websites such as YouTube has more then proven that Flash
is here to stay.
i have to admit that, when i saw it required flash, i was a bit disappointed since flash applications are often bloaty ... the alpha you posted, however, was quite zippy.

the fact that flash is pretty ubiquitous now, though, doesn't mean it will be ubiquitous on the systems of your target audience ... many folks here talk about how their systems are running stuff like windows 95 (!!) ... and dialup users are almost certainly at a disadvantage here.

not being any of these people, the test ran well on my system and it looked reasonable. i liked the score-keeping at the top ... i look forward to this presentation for the extra exam questions.

[KC0YEF]

Quote[/b] (KI4VIR @ Aug. 13 2007,11:34)]
I clear my cash EVERY time I turn off my browser.
Some may be using the information in their Cache, I am not Just because you say it doesn't make true either...
Also if the man says it puts a drain on HIS server HE would probably know since he pays for it.

Since you are unclear o WEB 2.0 here is the skinny
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub....20.html (http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html)
Web 1.0 Web 2.0
DoubleClick --> Google AdSense
Ofoto --> Flickr
Akamai --> BitTorrent
mp3.com --> Napster
Britannica Onlin--> Wikipedia
personal websites --> blogging
evite --> upcoming.org and EVDB
domain name speculation --> search engine optimization
page views --> cost per click
screen scraping --> web services
publishing --> participation
content management systems --> wikis
directories (taxonomy) --> tagging ("folksonomy")
stickiness --> syndication

The list went on and on. But what was it that made us identify the major differences
In the year and a half since, the term "Web 2.0" has clearly taken hold, with more than 9.5 million citations in Google. But there's still a huge amount of disagreement about just what Web 2.0 means, with some people decrying it as a meaningless marketing buzzword, and others accepting it as the new conventional wisdom.


VROOOM VROOM

Quote[/b] (KI4VIR @ Aug. 12 2007,11:18)]<snip>
Many people who visit the test page are re-visiting for practice. The information is in their cache; therefore the load on your server is minimal, regardless of whether they visit an HTML page or a Flash page.
Remember, just because something is new, it does not necessarily mean it is better.
"Web 2.0" is a vague and meaningless term. Don't be carried away by nonsense to rev up the IT market.

<snip>

[KD5UYX]

Quote[/b] (aa7bq @ Aug. 08 2007,16:07)]Since the practice test area has been extremely popular, I've started working on a new version. #The latest edition has a lot more Flash (literally) and offers some interesting visuals.

The program is still under development however I'm sure that some would like to see where we're going with it and I would particularly like some feedback on the direction. #Check it out today at:

http://www.qrz.com/xtest.html

73,

-fred #AA7BQ
Very good test, simple and informative. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[ws5d]

Mighty fine, easy on the eye! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[AA7BQ]

The Beta version is now available. You might want to check it out again. All license classes now covered plus 100 different exams for each class.

http://www.qrz.com/xtest.html


-fred

[n6hcm]

still very nice. i didn't notice the slider on the bottom in the last edition--was it there?

Quote[/b] ]
Yep, the slider is new.

-fred

[W4USC]

I thank you for adding the “ACCURACY” to the new format.

On a side note:
I passed my Tech test July 7th, and upgraded to General last night August 14th thanks to your practice tests [using the old format].
W4USC
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KC0YEF]

Wonderful http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Good Job

[KC0YEF]

I would love to see the GROL questions and answers as well. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[KG6PIX]

seems to work great most of the time. sometimes though on my computer the
program quits on me right in the middle of the practice test
other than that what a great program to study with
max

[k4rky]

Very Good Idea. I like the theme and ease of use. Easy to manuever around.

[KI4VIR]

The annoying flashing text at the top is still present.
It still takes too long to go from one question to another (the HTML version took 0 seconds).

It is unwise to make changes unless they improve the quality of the test.

[KC0YEF]

Quote[/b] (KI4VIR @ Aug. 16 2007,07:06)]The annoying flashing text at the top is still present.
It still takes too long to go from one question to another (the HTML version took 0 seconds).

It is unwise to make changes unless they improve the quality of the test.
KI4VIR:
I have several old and new computers all running Mozilla Firefox and have no issues even on my old Pentium III Laptop.
5 days ago you said the same thing about changes I am glad there is this opportunity to be a part of this BETA release...

Group:
I would like to see more color eg use amber until you get the answer right never red as you are trying to reinforce a correct answer to get us to pass.

[AA7BQ]

Update:

As of this morning, 2338 practice tests have been taken on the new system. Some people have reported some problems regarding to the test stopping partway through.

As you try the new program, please note the TEST NUMBER
that you're taking and be sure and report it to me, or to this forum.

Thanks,

-fred flloyd@qrz.com

[N8TCQ]

Quote[/b] (kc0nyk @ Aug. 08 2007,22:36)]Fred, it's cute...but I sort of like making it more like a real test...or, like the w5yi, tell them why the right answer is right....

We have plenty of 'memorizer'' generals and tech's on the air already. #Let's bring back the code and make it just a bit tougher to get the HF acess again.

The test is neat; but will encourage the dumbdown of the hobby to cb or worse if we are not careful
How about we make you pass a motorcycle endorsement test or maybe the test for a CDL before you get your drivers license to drive a car? Isn't learning basically memorizing facts and formulas and whatever information is pertinent to the subject being studied? Get over your " I had to, so everybody should have to" attitude and get up to speed in this new techno world. Eventually it'll all be anarchy on the air waves anyway, no tests, no license and no call signs either. I'm not saying that's progress, but you and I can't stop it either, so go with the flow man.

[AA7BQ]

UPDATE:

The second beta version is now available.

This latest version adds a "Fast" mode checkbox that
when clicked, reduces the pause time between questions.

Enjoy,

-fred AA7BQ


P.S. Still tracking down reports that the test will
occasionally drop the user back to the QRZ home
page. So far I haven't been able to reproduce this
behavior.

[KC0YEF]

E4E01

kicked me out after 27 questions

[kc0tks]

I know you worked hard on the new test and it looks great but several things lack in the new that I felt were key in the old.

First were the tests themselves. If you went down the list of test numbers from 1 to 13 or 1 to 19, etc you would cover every possible question in the pool. Now it looks as if you would have to take 100 of them to assure that.

Next, is the lack of a running total, 1/35 correct, 26/35 correct, etc. instead of just a percentage.

Last but definitely not least, get rid of that crazy timeout that closes the test down after a short period of inactivity. I got up to let the dog out and when I got back, it was gone. I'm not studying for a test but if I was, that would be very discouraging.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" would apply here. The old tests were a wonderful tool. Please don't do away with them. Add the new ones if you must but leave the old ones alone!

Most hams are into functionality and simplicity, not glitz. I still use dos software for some tasks. I may break down and upgrade to Windows 3.1 one of these days though!

[AA7BQ]

Quote[/b] (kc0tks @ Aug. 18 2007,13:40)]
First were the tests themselves. If you went down the list of test numbers from 1 to 13 or 1 to 19, etc you would cover every possible question in the pool. Now it looks as if you would have to take 100 of them to assure that.
That's a misconception. The number of tests you must take to see every question in a given pool varies by the class. For the Technician class, all of the questions are shown during the first 14 tests. All the tests above number 14 are randomly chosen from the pool.

For the General exam, all the unique questions are used after test number 24. For Extra, they are all used up after test number 28.

Quote[/b] ]
Next, is the lack of a running total, 1/35 correct, 26/35 correct, etc. instead of just a percentage.

Okay, so it's different now. What's the problem? Is it making it harder to learn? Who among us fails to grasp the notion of 70% being the passing score?

Quote[/b] ]
Last but definitely not least, get rid of that crazy timeout that closes the test down after a short period of inactivity. I got up to let the dog out and when I got back, it was gone. I'm not studying for a test but if I was, that would be very discouraging.

This one surprised me a bit. I was prepared to argue that there was no timeout until I checked the HTML code that loads the test. Sure enough, there was a 10 minute meta refresh tag on the page. Ooops. Sorry about that. It's fixed now and that should take care of all the complaints filed thus far regarding the test prematurely ending. Thank you for helping me find it.

Quote[/b] ]
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" would apply here. The old tests were a wonderful tool. Please don't do away with them. Add the new ones if you must but leave the old ones alone!

I could get sarcastic and say that the old tests are the Web equivalent of the spark gap transmitter but I'll restrain myself here. Suffice to say that once we've worked out all the bugs gathered from those of you who've contributed comments (thanks!), that the new test will become the de facto standard. The old tests will soon be forgotten and thousands of new hams will graduate into the brotherhood without ever knowing the difference.

Quote[/b] ]
Most hams are into functionality and simplicity, not glitz. I still use dos software for some tasks. I may break down and upgrade to Windows 3.1 one of these days though!
16-bit windows (i.e. anything before Windows XP), belongs in the junkyard now, just like vinyl records and VHS movies. Hams do enjoy functionality and simplicity, however, they also appreciate technology more than the average person. It's okay if you want to be an antique collector such as a glow-in-the-dark tube radio enthusiast. Don't, however, presume to tell us that all this new-fangled technology is for the birds. Those of us who are technology heat seekers are all enjoying it, and we don't mind waving to you in our rear view mirrors.

-fred AA7BQ

[KB5UKT]

How do you get the figures to show durring a test? I couldn't find them displayed?

Thanks Fred

Mike KB5UKT

[AA7BQ]

Today's software update has added the images.

Note that only the Extra tests have images.

73,

-fred

[n1jbs]

The tests seem to be working ok except the "correct"
on the bottom. Has anything changed with that?

The new version does not display the correct answer long enough. Please do not get rid the old version.

Quote[/b] ]This has been fixed in version b6 (see below)
-fred

[ky4vt]

I have used your site for my Tech, and General practice, and just took tests 1-4 for Extra. I really enjoy the instant feedback - better than waiting til the end to get graded. I'm not sure if I like being told the right answer, or trying (guessing) answers til I get it right better. Can the question stay put if I get it wrong, instead of moving on to the next question. Only a minor annoyance to hit the "Back" arrow to go back and check the other answers. I'll be back for more tests before I go to the exam session. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

Quote[/b] ]You can now choose the behavior you like in the latest version (see below). -fred

[KI4VIR]

The minor improvements were a step in the right direction from the previous beta version, but the unnecessary "bling" needs to go. (Do you really need a red blinking sign that says "FAILED"? No.)
Hint: If you gave the users what they wanted, your flash version would look just like the old HTML version. So... go back to the old HTML version. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[AA7BQ]

A new version, b6, was just posted this evening. Now there are 3 choices for test speed and a grading display bug in b5 has been corrected.

[AA7BQ]

KI4VIR,

I do not appreciate your comments. They are argumentative and non-constructive. Telling me to "... go back to the old HTML version" is pretty defiant for someone who contributes nothing to this site other than rhetoric.

I've put more than 40 hours into this project and am late for dinner as I write this.

....

-fred

[KI4VIR]

Quote[/b] (aa7bq @ Aug. 27 2007,19:31)]KI4VIR,

I do not appreciate your comments. They are argumentative and non-constructive. Telling me to "... go back to the old HTML version" is pretty defiant for someone who contributes nothing to this site other than rhetoric.

I've put more than 40 hours into this project and am late for dinner as I write this.

....

-fred
I quote you here:
aa7bq wrote:
"Web 2.0 is here and QRZ is on the band wagon."

That is rhetoric, and those are your words.

The HTML version was functional. The flash version clearly does not give the users what they want, as indicated by this thread.

"Bling" is not an improvement. In fact, a user with a visual disability would choose a plaintext HTML version over flash without thinking twice. Have you even considered users with disabilities? Apparently not. You've been hypnotized by the mystique of "Web 2.0".

Now, if you can make a very good flash version (which you have yet to do) then maybe you'll get people to follow you. But so far, you haven't done that. Until that moment comes, leave the HTML version alone.

Nice ad hominem attack, by the way, for someone who is a ham radio operator. Please try again.

[PY5LF]

Very good job!
Thanks

[n1jbs]

Quote[/b] (aa7bq @ Aug. 27 2007,22:20)]A new version, b6, was just posted this evening. #Now there are 3 choices for test speed and a grading display bug in b5 has been corrected.
I hope they are paying you well- good work
and Thank You for your effort

[AA7BQ]

Please see newer article.