Advanced Radio Communication

Exam Blueprint: Advanced Radio Communication

This blueprint outlines a two-part examination process to comprehensively assess a student's mastery of the advanced radio communication learning objectives.

• Part 1: Written Examination (40% of total score)

• Part 2: Practical Skills Assessment (60% of total score)

A passing score of 80% is required for each part independently.

Part 1: Written Examination

Objective: To assess the candidate's understanding of the theoretical knowledge required for advanced radio operations. Format: A mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, open questions and scenario-based questions. Total Questions: 50 Time Limit: 90 minutes

Section A Example: Multiple Choice (20 Questions)

Covers all knowledge objectives.

• Sample Concept 1 (Advanced Radio Theory): "Which of the following is the primary advantage of a trunked radio system over a conventional repeater system?"

• Sample Concept 2 (Interference): "A 'whistling' sound on a transmission is a common indicator of what issue?"

• Sample Concept 3 (Formal Message Handling): "What is the primary purpose of using a preamble in a formal message?"

Section B Example: Short Answer (5 Questions)

Focuses on explaining concepts in the candidate's own words.

• Sample Concept 1 (Field Expedient Solutions): "Describe two situations where you might need to deploy a field expedient antenna."

• Sample Concept 2 (Digital Transmission): "Explain one key advantage and one key disadvantage of digital voice (e.g., DMR) compared to analog FM."

Section C Example: Scenario Analysis (2 Scenarios with multiple questions)

Tests the ability to apply knowledge to a realistic situation.

• Scenario 1: The Communications Plan

  • Setup: Provide candidates with a sample ICS 205 form for a multi-agency incident.

  • Task: Ask a series of questions based on the form, such as:

    • "What frequency and tone will Search Team Alpha use for tactical communications?"

    • "If the Command channel fails, what is the designated backup channel?"

    • "A Dutch fire brigade unit arrives. According to this plan, which network should they be assigned to for interoperability?"

• Scenario 2: Troubleshooting

  • Setup: Describe a scenario where a field team in a valley reports they cannot hear Net Control.

  • Task: Ask the candidate to describe three distinct potential causes for this communication failure and what single immediate action they would recommend the field team take first.

Part 2: Practical Skills Assessment

Objective: To assess the candidate's ability to perform critical communication tasks under simulated operational conditions. Format: A series of hands-on, observed stations.

Station 1: Net Control Station (NCS) Operation

• Objective: Demonstrate the ability to manage a formal radio net.

• Task: The candidate will act as NCS for 15 minutes. During this time, they must open the net, check in three field stations, receive and log a status report from each, handle one priority/emergency message, and correctly close the net.

• Evaluation: Assessed on use of correct prowords, clear voice, ability to control traffic, and accuracy of the written log.

Station 2: Complex Message Relay

• Objective: Demonstrate the ability to relay complex information accurately.

• Task: An evaluator will read a detailed, multi-part message to the candidate (e.g., a medical assessment with vital signs or a detailed clue description with coordinates). The candidate must write it down verbatim and then accurately transmit it to another station.

• Evaluation: Assessed on 100% accuracy of the relayed information.

Station 3: Radio Programming

• Objective: Demonstrate the ability to program a radio from a plan.

• Task: Given a laptop with programming software, a radio, and a simple communications plan (e.g., 3 channels with different frequencies and tones), the candidate must correctly program the radio.

• Evaluation: Assessed on the successful programming of all channels as per the plan.

Station 4: Field Expedient Antenna Construction

• Objective: Demonstrate the ability to solve a communication problem with limited resources.

• Task: Given a length of wire, a connector, and basic tools, the candidate must construct a simple dipole or similar field expedient antenna and connect it to a radio.

• Evaluation: Assessed on correct construction technique and the ability to explain why the antenna should improve performance.