Any Tech, old or brand new, can take the code test and get the HF
privileges. It is not called Tech Plus since the code credit, while
permanent for operating, is only good for one year for upgrading purposes.
The old Tech Plus was & is good for code credit even for upgrading even if
it has been more than a year since passing the code.


Part of the reason I upgraded from tech plus to extra was to
"lock in" the credit I'd have for passing the old tech (general
written) and 5wpm I had from 1976. Also getting access to
all of ham radio privs was nice too.... HF turned out to be
more fun than 2m ever was.