My tech license was granted in 1985 on Jul 9. I don't have the paper copy any more. I was wondering if I would be able to use this as proof to upgrade to a General license. It is from this same website, QRZ.com. Does any one know? Thanks
QRZ is not official and the FCC/VEs won't accept it -- or at least SHOULDN'T accept it -- as proof of anything. All you need to do is download your license from the ULS and present it and you'll be good to go.
Maybe. But you can find a call book online that shows you being licensed as a tech in 1986 and that should be sufficient for most VE teams. But check with them.
Ok, thanks. ULS doesn't show anything for my license back that far. I appreciate the quick response. I'll look for a call book. They show this:
Ok, thanks. ULS doesn't show anything for my license back that far. They show this: View attachment 1314294
Prior Tech licensing does not confer any privilege to automatically upgrade to General. A Tech is a Tech regardless of whether the exams were the same. Break out the books and brush up for the exam!
If he was a Tech Plus licensed under the old system prior to March 1st, 1987, he has already passed the General test and it does confer privilege to upgrade with just application and fees
Not so. If he took the test before March 1987, he is eligible for an update to general. He can prove it by a copy of the page from an old call book from 1986. These are available online. The VE team that does the paperwork needs to be satisfied with his proof. Most VE teams will accept the call book as evidence. Has been this way for many, many years.
The rule showing this credit can be found in section 97.505. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-F/section-97.505
Perhaps from multiple other sources, like the 1993 QRZ Callbook: https://www.qrz.com/db1993/?callsign=N3EMH While not official, multiple unrelated sources, sure should!
There are services, like the ARRL and W5YI that could take up the case and make a ruling. Their knowledge of the rules should help establish if or not, the upgrade is available. It takes a lot of evidence that they can stand behind as valid, or not. 73 Tom W9YW
The call book evidence has been accepted for years as a valid source. This isn't difficult, you just need to be sure your VE team understands the rule. You don't need a bunch of other stuff, really. https://www.arrl.org/technician-class-survivor-challenge
@N3EMH John. Here is your listing from the 1986 RAC. As a former VE team manager, we accepted this as evidence of former license holder status for element credit. We forwarded it to the ARRL VEC. Print it and take it to a session. You might want to contact the team in advance, and or the ARRL VEC: Maria Somma, AB1FM VEC Manager (860) 594-0300 or email vec@arrl.org.
