Amateur Radio Examinations
Exam sessions are conducted by volunteers working under the direction of the ARRL VEC in accordance with FCC rules. Contact the exam session administrator (n0gr@arrl.net) to ensure you have everything you need.
If you require special assistance because of a handicap or disability, be sure to notify the exam session administrator at least one week before exam day so the VE Team can determine which accommodative procedures (if any), must be used. Depending on the nature of the handicap or disability, the VE Team may require a written statement from your Physician that indicates the nature of the handicap or disability (FCC Rule 97.509).
ON EXAM DAY PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
- A legal photo ID (driver’s license, passport).
- When no photo ID is available, two other forms of identification must be presented:
non-photo ID/driver’s license (some states still have them)
b. birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal)
c. social security card
d. library card
e. utility bill, bank statement or other business correspondence that
specifically names the person; or a postmarked envelope addressed
to the person at his or her current mailing address as it appears on
the Form 605.
- Students may bring any of the above items and/or a school ID, minor’s work permit, report card, or a legal guardian may present a photo ID.
- Bring your Social Security Number (SSN) or your FCC issued Federal Registration Number (FRN). VEC’s are required by FCC to submit either your SSN or your FRN with your license application form. You must use your FCC issued FRN if you already have one or the processing of your license application may be delayed by the ARRL VEC. For instructions on how to register your SSN with the FCC and receive a FRN in advance of the testing session, visit the FCC’s FAQ page and the FCC’s registration instructions page.
- If applicable, bring the original AND a photocopy of your current Amateur Radio license and any Certificates of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) you may hold from previous exam sessions. The photocopy(s) will not be returned. There is NO photocopier available at the testing session.
- Two number two pencils with erasers and a pen.
- Use of a calculator with the memory erased and formulas cleared is allowed. You may not bring any books, written notes or calculations into the exam session. Slide rules and logarithmic tables are acceptable, as long as they’re free of notes and formulas. Cell phones or other wireless devices must be silenced or turned off during the exam session and may not be used as a calculator during the exam session.
- Bring a check, a money order or cash to cover the exam session fee, which is $15.00 for 2017. Make checks payable to the ARRL VEC.
- The ARRL VEC has announced the NCVEC Question Pool Committee has released the new 2015-2019 General Class, Element 3, question pool to the public. This pool will take effect July 1, 2015, and will remain valid until June 30, 2019. Be sure you are using an updated study guide if you plan to take the General Exam after July 1, 2015. The Extra Class, Element study guide to use is the one that went into effect July 1, 2016.