Carl -
Your first license can be anything you qualify to receive based on the test elements you pass. There are no longer any "in-grade" time requirements for any amateur license.
- If you pass only Element 2, you will get a Tech license.
- If you pass Elements 1 and 2, you will get a Tech license, but you will also have the Novice HF privileges.
- If you pass Elements 1, 2 and 3, you will receive a General license.
- If you pass Elements 1, 2, 3, and 4, you will receive an Amateur Extra license.
Note that Element 1 is required for both General and Extra. If you only pass Elements 2 and 3, or 2, 3, and 4, you will only receive a Tech license.
Any "unused" elements you pass (such as Element 1 if you don't get the General or Extra, or Elements 3 and/or 4 if you don't pass the code) will result in a CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination) that can be used for up to 365 days as credit towards a later upgrade.
Steve
W3HF