Volunteer Examination FAQ
Q) How much will it cost?
A) The current cost for the examination is $6.35 per element taken,
excluding the Novice portion of the test (Novice written and 5 WPM code
tests are still free).
Q) How old do I have to be to test for my Amateur Radio License?
A) There is NO age restriction on the FCC Amateur Radio Exam.
You must, however, be at least 18 years of age to become a
Volunteer Examiner.
Q) What do I need to bring to the test session?
A) You will need to bring:
(2) #2 lead pencils - sharpened. (If you forget, there are usually some
available)
A Calculator (please erase the Memory if it has one BEFORE entering
the room)
A Photo ID - In lieu of a photo ID, you may bring any 2 of the following:
- A valid nonphoto ID/Drivers license
- Birth Certificate (must have appropriate state seal)
- Minors work permit or school report card.
- Utility bill, bank statement or other business
correspondence that specifically names the person; or
- Postmarked envelope addressed to the person at his or her
current mailing address as it appears on the Form 610.
A photocopy of your current license (if applicable).
Any valid CSCE's showng element credit (if applicable).
Cash, check or Money Order for $6.35 for each element you plan to take.
Q) How long will it take to get my new license after I pass the test?
A) Today, it usually takes about 2 weeks for someone to receive
their new license in the mail, and
about 1 week for a new call sign to be
posted on the internet.
Q) Where can I look up my new call sign on the web?
A) You may access the QRZ call sign database at
www.qrz.com
or the CallBook Server Summary (updated every 24 hours) at
www.lantz.com/htbin/cbs_today
Q) If I find out what my new call is, can I use it right away?
A) Yes. In the past, you had to wait until you received your
license in the mail before you could get on the air,
even if you called the FCC and found out what your
call sign would be. But today, that is no longer
required. As soon as your call is posted you may begin using it.
Q) How many elements may I take in a single session?
A) You may take as many elements as you can pass in a single
session. If you fail one element, you may be able to
retake that element (at the V.E.'s discretion).
Some folks have entered a test session without any
prior license or element credit, and passed ALL
the exam elements in a single sitting!
You must, however, take each element in its sequential
order. You can not, for example, take the General written
test before taking the Technician written test.
To confuse matters even more, you MAY, however,
take a higher speed CODE test at ANY time.
For example, you may take the 20 wpm code
test first, and, if you pass, you will not
have to take any of the other code tests!
Q) What if I pass one element, but don't pass another to get my license?
A) When you pass an element, you will receive what is called a CSCE (or
Certificate of Successful Completion). This shows
that you have passed that element, and is honored
at any VE test session in the US for up to one year.
In a nutshell, what this means is that after passing
an element, you have up to 1 year from that date
to pass the next one, or you will have to re-test.
REMEMBER to bring any CSCEs
with you to the test session!
Q) I took the novice written test in Tennessee, but Im in the Military and stationed in California.
Is my CSCE still good even out here?
A) In a word, Yes. A VALID CSCE will be accepted at any ARRL/VE test session
or W5YI test session in the US.
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