Yes, it was different. If you lived more than (I can't remember the
distance now) something like 125 miles from the nearest examination point or
were handicapped, you could take a Conditional exam by mail. It was given
by another ham of General Class or higher similar to what the VE program
does today.
Although the license conveyed the same operating privileges as a General
license, it was not recognized as a General license when you wanted to
upgrade. Therefore, when you wanted to upgrade to a higher class license,
you had to go to the FCC to take the tests, including the General exam.
Steve Pollo
Lansing, Michigan
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