Exam Session: There will be one license exam session:
? Saturday, 10:00 AM
1.MANDATORY BEFORE THE EXAM
FCC Registration Number (FRN): Examinees are required by the FCC to submit their FRN with their license application form. New license applicants must create an FCC user account and register their Social Security Number (SSN) in the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES) before attending exam sessions. Registrants will be assigned an FRN which is used in all license transactions with the FCC.
For instructions on how to register your SSN and receive an FRN from the FCC, visit the
https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do page and the
https://www.fcc.gov/new-users-guide-getting-started-universal-licensing-system-uls page. Per FCC rules, a valid email address is also mandatory on the application form to receive FCC correspondence, including the official copy of your Amateur Radio license.
2. One legal photo ID (identification):
a. State Driver?s License
b. Government issued Passport
c. Military or Law Enforcement Officer Photo ID card
d. Student School Photo ID card
e. State Photo ID card
3. If no photo ID is available, two forms of identification:
a. Non-photo State ID card (some states still have them)
b. Birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal)
c. Social security card
d. Employer's wage statement or Minor's work permit
e. School ID card
f. School or Public Library card
g. 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.
4. Students/minors without a photo ID need to bring only one of the above items if a legal guardian presents their photo ID; otherwise two non-photo IDs are required. ARRL will reimburse the one-time FCC application fee for new license candidates younger than 18-years old for tests administered under the ARRL VEC program. Candidates younger than 18-years old pay a reduced exam session fee of $5 to the ARRL VEC VE team at the time of the exam. Visit the Youth Licensing Grant Program web page for more information and for the reimbursement instructions. Minor children (under the age of 18) may be accompanied in the room by an adult during the test.
5. If applicable, bring a printed copy of your Amateur Radio license or be able to show proof of the license in the official FCC database. Acceptable copies or printouts of licenses are available from the following sources: the official license or reference license printed from the FCC website or license data printed from the ARRL website or QRZ website. The original(s) and photocopy(s) of any Certificates of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) you may hold from previous exam sessions. If your license has already been issued by the FCC, the CSCE showing license credit is not needed. The candidate is required to show proof of the current license to the team. Expired license proof must be submitted to the team and to the VEC for processing to FCC. These photocopies will not be returned. Instructions on how to obtain an official FCC license copy are on the Obtain License Copy web page.
6. Two number two pencils with erasers and a pen for in-person sessions.
7. A calculator with the memory erased and formulas cleared is allowed. You may not bring any 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 phone must be silenced or turned off during the exam session and the phones' calculator function may not be used. In addition, iPhones, iPads, Androids, smartphones, Blackberry devices and all similar electronic devices with a calculator capability, may NOT be used.
8. Bring a check, a money order or cash to cover the exam session $15 Fee ($5 for under 18)
9. Be aware that some information about you will be made publicly available on the FCC's website (FCC Licensee Privacy) including a felony conviction status. All applicants must answer the Basic Qualification Question (felony conviction status question) on the 605 Form at the exam session. Applicants that answer "YES" for the question must follow these FCC procedures: FCC qualification question instructions
10.Amateur radio application fees, including those associated with Form 605 application filings, became effective April 19, 2022.
The $35 FCC application fee applies to new, renewal, rule waiver, and modification applications that request a new vanity call sign. The fee will be per application. Administrative updates, such as a change of name, mailing or email address, and modification applications to upgrade an amateur radio licensee?s operator class or to request a sequentially issued call sign, are exempt from fees.
VECs and Volunteer Examiner (VE) teams do not have to collect the $35 fee at exam sessions. VEC and VE team licensing procedures are unchanged. New applicants will pay the $15 exam session fee to the ARRL VE team as usual and pay the $35 application fee directly to the FCC.
VE teams can point candidates to our FCC Application Fee webpage for the detailed instructions and information about the FCC fees.
Important Message from ARRL VEC
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FCC APPLICATION FEE AND VEC FILED APPLICATIONS
It?s been three months since the FCC application fee was implemented on April 19, 2022.
Here?s what we know so far?
11. MAKE SURE EXAMINEES UNDERSTAND THEY MUST PAY WITHIN 10 DAYS.
Examinees do NOT have to wait for the email from the FCC to pay the fee. As soon as an the application file number is issued by the FCC, they can pay by logging into the CORES FRN Registration system (
https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do).
Application File Number search using an FRN: https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/ApplicationSearch/searchAppl.jsp?fromRefine=Y
CORES payment system background information and instructions:
https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/fees/cores-payment-system.
CORES step-by-step payment instructions: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/knowledge-base/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/payment-process-uls
12. The FCC help center stated there is a known issue with individuals paying the $35 application fee via a smartphone or tablet. This is not a new issue and they haven?t been able to help troubleshoot the issue at the support center. Encourage candidates to login and pay the FCC application fee from a computer.
13. Examinees should NOT amend any applications that a VEC submits on their behalf, especially NEW license applications. Amending VEC filed applications will cause the application to be dismissed without action in the FCC system and potentially require the applicant to pay another $35 fee. If there is a minor mistake on the application, either call us and we can correct and resubmit the application, or the individual can pay the fee, be issued the call sign, and then log back in and make corrections.
14. Individuals should review their application BEFORE paying the fee. If there is a major error on the application, such as the licensee?s name or license class earned is incorrect, or the answer to the felony question is wrong, DO NOT PAY the fee. Call the VEC immediately.
15. When in doubt, call the VEC!1-800-9ARRLVE (1-800-927-7583) Even if you think you shouldn?t bother us with your question, call us anyway.
