[Tor3]

What I did was to find the local club, go there, learn about the next course & exam, and focus solely on learning morse code (because I wanted the full license). Because I had an electronics&radio background I didn't have to spend any time on that part, I could focus all my time on the specific amateur radio regulations (not difficult) and learning morse (although IIRC I still had to take a written exam about radio transmission theory - not sure though, it's been a long time. I remember though that professional "telegraph" operators from ships didn't have to take any exams at all, but I don't think that kind of ship operators exist anymore. No morse code there, for sure..).

[moftz]

CW coding hasn't been a requirement at any level for 12 years. Its good to know but unless you want to do HF, it's irrelevant.

[Tor3]

I only want to do HF.. but that's outside the point, I did write that this was a long time ago, and at that time you did need CW to get the full license.