I've been following this thread with some? interest and now I'm a member its 2 pennyworth time.
Back in 1982 armed with a copy of the RAE syllabus I spent a happy few weeks drinking beer on a beach in Gabon swotting up on what was required - work had been suspended!!? I'm not an electronics expert but have a scientific background and a few weeks later went to the local C&G centre. The result was enough to get me G6DRT.
Fast forward many years and I'm still in the hobby. 2m only and only digital modes. I have never been on HF as all I wanted to do was 2m. No offence for those who are HF but it has never appealed to me. What was the point of asking me questions about it?
So, why this email? Well, I cannot remember the square root of damn all about circuits / interference / testing that the RAE required me to learn. in fact I suggest that I forgot it very quickly as it was superfluous. But, I still operate. And here is the nub of the issue. This hobby needs new blood if it is to survive. The 'younger generation' have enough on their plates exam wise in their formative years without the burden of yet more exams. And for what? Like me to promptly forget what I learnt I would think.
Yes - have some sort of testing procedure but keep it purely operation only. Forget the technical side initially and if that person wants to progress introduce that later. That is why such a scheme that is proposed would get my vote.
In case you are wondering what the square root of damn all is then the value is equivalent to diddly squat!!!
