Congratulations, you’ve mastered the materials to get your license or upgrade to the next level! We offer testing in two ways, in-person and online via Zoom.
Here are the things you’ll need to take your license exam.
Prior to taking your ham license test we recommend studying at hamstudy.org.
- Register for free, then use the Study Mode until you are proficient.
- Once proficient, use the Practice Tests to determine your overall readiness.
- When you can consistently pass the practice tests you’re ready for the real thing.
For ONLINE testing you will need:
- A computer capable of supporting a Zoom session with Video and Audio.
- Zoom Video Conferencing software (required).
- You can get and test zoom here, you only need the free zoom client.
- Zoom must be configured and tested before the exam.
- Your device must be able to simultaneously share the screen and display your image.
- A reliable Internet connection.
- You may only use the calculator app on your testing computer or tablet.
- You may NOT use the calculator on your phone or other communication devices.
- Government-issued Photo ID: Driver’s License or Passport
- An FCC Federal Registration Number (FRN).
- Follow this link to obtain a FCC Federal Registration Number – FRN Registration.
- Once registered with the FCC the required information will be available for testing.
- If you register at hamstudy.org, you will be able to obtain your FRN then.
- Follow this link to obtain a FCC Federal Registration Number – FRN Registration.
- This is a proctored test!
- You will need a private place to take the test ( we recommend bedroom or bathroom).
- The test area must be clear of any testing or study materials, study aids, or devices.
- The best practice is nothing around your test area.
- No other people or animals (except service animals) are allowed.
- Another person may help you configure your computer, but must leave before testing begins.
- Exception: If you are under 13 a parent must be in the room.
- Headphones, earbuds, smart watches, and smart glasses are not allowed.
- Multiple Monitors are not allowed (monitors/TVs within your field of view must be turned off and covered).
- The test cannot be conducted unless ALL of these conditions are met.
- $14.00 for the exam fee, payable via PayPal at ([email protected]) or ([email protected]) BEFORE the exam.
- The test fee is per session, during which you can take multiple tests, time permitting.
- So long as you pass the prior element and are prepared, you can challenge the next element.
- The test fee is per session, during which you can take multiple tests, time permitting.
- We are required to monitor the room during the test with both video and sound.
- The test proctors will ask to see the room before the test. (Webcam or cell phone can be used to show the room.)
- With your camera, you will scan the walls, ceiling, floor, and test area.
- Webcam must be on with you centered in the view and mic must be on for the entire test session.
- The test proctors will ask to see the room before the test. (Webcam or cell phone can be used to show the room.)
- If testing conditions are violated the test will be stopped and the exam fee forfeited.
For IN-PERSON testing you will need:
- We recommend you pre-register at hamstudy.org
- A government-issued Photo ID: Driver’s License or Passport
- An FCC Federal Registration Number (FRN).
- An FRN may be obtained when you register for the exam at hamstudy.org or
- Follow this link to obtain a FCC Federal Registration Number – FRN Registration.
- If you register at hamstudy.org, you will be able to obtain your FRN then.
- An FRN may be obtained when you register for the exam at hamstudy.org or
- $14.00 for the exam fee, payable in cash at the exam or via PayPal at ([email protected]) or ([email protected]) BEFORE the exam.
- The test fee is per session, during which you can take multiple tests, time permitting.
- So long as you pass the prior element and are prepared, you can challenge the next element.
- The test fee is per session, during which you can take multiple tests, time permitting.
Scheduling:
- Find a session at hamstudy.org/sessions/w5pfh or hamstudy.org/sessions/k5jhh to determine a time, date, and registration.
- Complete the registration process.
Day of the test:
- Be prepared: Have your Photo ID and FRN.
- If you pre-register we’ll have your FRN and PIN.
- For On-Line Testing.
- 2 hours before the test, ensure the room, paperwork, and computer are ready for testing.
- The room should be isolated from others and no study materials, extra monitors or TVs (turn off and cover monitors/TVs if they cannot be removed)
- Laptops should be fully charged or plugged in.
- 15 to 30 minutes before test time you will receive an email with Zoom logon credentials. Start the zoom session and join the meeting, be patient you’ll be admitted to the testing session shortly.
- Cell phones may be used as a second video monitoring aid and to scan the room.
- When finished with your cell phone it should be turned off and out of your view and reach.
- 2 hours before the test, ensure the room, paperwork, and computer are ready for testing.
- For In-Person Testing.
- Arrive 15 minutes before test time, register, find a testing tablet or computer and sit down.
- Turn off your cell phone and put it away for the duration of the test.
- A test will be generated from Exam Tools either on your computer or the tablet provided for you at the testing location.
- Take the test.
- Complete post-test “paperwork”. At the completion of the exam, your VEs will help you navigate Exam Tools, complete the electronic forms and sign with your electronic signature.
- For all Testing
- If this is your initial license exam, (i.e. Technician), and you pass the test, we will submit the results to the VEC. The VEC will send the results to the FCC, and within 1 or 2 business days, the FCC will email you with instructions to pay a $35.00 registration fee. Be sure to check your junk mail.
- When you receive the FCC payment instructions, you have ten (10) days to log on to the FCC website and pay.
- You DO NOT need to wait for the email from the FCC to pay your fees. Once your successful exam is submitted to the FCC, you may login to the FCC CORES site https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/paymentFrnLogin.do and pay your fees BEFORE receiving the FCC email!
- If you don’t receive an email from the FCC within a few business days contact us at [email protected].
- It’s IMPORTANT that you pay within 10 days or your application will be dismissed and you will have to contact the VEC to resubmit.
- When you receive the FCC payment instructions, you have ten (10) days to log on to the FCC website and pay.
- VEC is Volunteer Examination Coordinator. There are many VECs in the U.S. In our area, you will test with either W5YI or ARRL VECs. The VEs in our club can test with either one.
- If this is your initial license exam, (i.e. Technician), and you pass the test, we will submit the results to the VEC. The VEC will send the results to the FCC, and within 1 or 2 business days, the FCC will email you with instructions to pay a $35.00 registration fee. Be sure to check your junk mail.
Final Thoughts
- Please remove Headsets/Earbuds/Smart Glasses/Smart Watches.
- Well-prepared candidates typically complete in 13-18 minutes. Testing is VERY efficient!
- Remember, your exam is never timed, so grab a cold drink, get comfy, relax, breathe and prepare for a smooth experience. You got this!
- Psst! It’s OK to be nervous! Try thinking of this as a ‘Practice Test’ that is simply observed! We love seeing applicants like you succeed!
Questions:
Any additional questions contact Paul Harrington, or Jack Hendrickson at [email protected] with a contact phone number.