We will be administering VE Test session for new and upgraded amateur radio licenses administered under the Laurel VEC. Exam sessions given under this VEC are free of cost. Please see below for additional details of the test session.

Get an FRN Number from the FCC

We test under the Laurel VEC which doesn’t charge an examination fee (ARRL VEC and others do). On the FCC side of things, Ham Radio licenses used to be no charge…but the FCC recently changed that in 2022. They now charge a fee ($35) on their side. To streamline the process, the FCC requires new applicants to pre-register via the FCC’s COmmission REgistration System (CORES), to obtain an FRN, and it requires applicants to use their FRNs when filing Form 605 at the exam session. The FRN uniquely identifies an applicant in all transactions with the FCC. As of Spring of 2022, use of Social Security Numbers on Form 605 is no longer permitted.

Note that if you are upgrading to a higher amateur radio class from an existing class or have other/previous licensing with the FCC, such as a GMRS license, then you should already have a FRN Number. Be sure to locate that and bring it with you for your exam session.

Taking the Exam and What to Bring

What to Bring

1. Your FCC issued FRN Number (see the section above).
2. One legal photo ID (identification):
   1. State Driver’s License
   2. Government issued Passport
   3. Military or Law Enforcement Officer Photo ID card
   4. Student School Photo ID card
   5. State Photo ID card
3. If no photo ID is available, two forms of identification:
   1. Non-photo State ID card (some states still have them)
   2. Birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal)
   3. Social security card
   4. Employer’s wage statement or Minor’s work permit
   5. School ID card
   6. School or Public Library card
   7. 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. Minor children (under the age of 18) may be accompanied in the room by an adult during the test.
5. For those upgrading license classes, bring a printed copy of your Amateur Radio license or be able to show proof of the license in the official FCC database. 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.
6. Two number two pencils with erasers and a pen for in-person sessions.
7. OPTIONAL: A calculator with the memory erased and formulas cleared is allowed. Slide rules and logarithmic tables are acceptable, as long as they’re free of notes and formulas. In addition, iPhones, iPads, Androids, smartphones, Blackberry devices and all similar electronic devices with a calculator capability, may NOT be used as a calculator.
8. A positive attitude and some patience. The folks administering the exams are dedicated volunteers. They will do their best to get you tested, your exam graded, inform you of the results, and if applicable, prepare and present to you a certificate stating you have earned a license or an upgrade as quickly as possible.

What is not allowed

1. You may not bring any written notes or calculations into the exam session.
2. Cell phones must be silenced or turned off during the exam session and put away. The phones’ calculator function may not be used.
3. Smart watches or any type of “smart” accessories must be removed and put away. 
4. Please do not bring food or drinks in the exam session. Bottled water is acceptable.
5. You may not leave the exam session to go to the bathroom once your test is underway. Please use the restroom before your exam session. If you are testing for multiple elements, you may be permitted to go to the bathroom between element exam sessions.

After the Exam – Pay the FCC

After a user passes their exam and it’s been filed with the FCC, they will have a 10-day window to log in and pay the FCC the $35 fee.