->If a Technician wants to upgrade to Extra, does one need to take both the General and Extra tests, or just the Extra?  If both, can they be done concurrently?

->Where can I find a printable version of the most recent question pools?   QRZ.com has an excellent online test but I want to be able to print the questions for  offline study.

->I realize that it's not required, but what is a good way to start learning code?

Thanks.

Yes you have to take both exams.

Question Pools

download some software?  I have heard the koch method is pretty good.  Someone who actually knows more about the code can chime in...

ETA:
You can take them both at the same session under the same examination fee.

I learned code from W8OUW now SK. I also used an old DOS program called Super-Morse. It will send a character and you type the letter on the keyboard. It would also send a QSO to copy. Super-Morse helped me get to about 15wpm to get my General ticket but I could not go any faster to get Extra back then.
ETA–– I learned the "Farnsworth" method. Character sent at 20wpm and spacing at 5wpm.

I did an extensive write-up of how I learned CW. It should be in the archive but I'm not finding it. I'll keep looking...

ETA: Found it. Guess it was in Survival Discussions not Ham Radio.

Here it is.

Hope it helps. I'll also add this to the list: RufzXP. It was a big hit at Dayton this year.

you must pass both the General and Extra exams.
you can take both exams back-to-back at the same testing session if desired.



http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=22&t=604477#10323204

ar-jedi