W4ETA Amateur Radio
Tennessee Valley
VE Testing Team
Amateur Radio License Testing
Congratulations to our successful applicants!
Welcome!
Here is all you need to know to get started in the exciting
world of amateur radio, or upgrading your license.
Getting Started
There is plenty of study material on the market, but in the opinion of our VE Team, and the majority of the folks we test, nothing beats Hamstudy.org!
Why HamStudy you ask?
1. It's Free to create an account and study.
2. It tracks your progress.
a. It shows you the precentage of questions you've seen.
b. It tracks your aptitidue to show your overall competancy.
3. Has explanations of why the answer is what it is.
4. Also shows any tips/hints to help remmber the correct answer.
Click "HamStudy" to head on over, and create an account.
If you are new, and haven't obtained an FCC Registration Numer or FRN, you'll need to register for one before you test. Click "FRN Registration" to head on over, and create an account.
If you are ready to register for your exam, it's a very simple process! Click "Exam Registration" to head on over to our scheduled exams.
1. Click the time bubble on the date you'd like to test.
2. Read the information regarding the exam.
3. Click Register (new applicants) or Old Registation (returning applicants).
4. Select if under age 13 or not. (Students/Under age 13, see "Student Testing".
5, Input FRN or Callsign,
6. Verify your personal information. (click slide tabs if needing to change info)
7. Select what exam(s) you plan to take.
8. Answer the Bssic Qualification Question.
9. Enter E-Mail and Phone Number (Phone not required but recommended).
10. Then submit! It's just that easy!
After registration, you'll recieve an automated email with more information. Please read this email, and contact us if you have any questions.
*If you need a specific date and/or time for your exam, please contact us using the contact form below*
Exam Fee Rates: W5YI-VEC: Regular Testing: $14 Students: Click "Student" ARRL-VEC: $15 ARRL-VEC Student: $5
After registration is complete, please submit your testing fee ASAP, so your scheduled spot is guaranteed. We accept payement using the following methods (links are clickable except Zelle).
"PayPal" "Venmo" "CashApp" Zelle: w4eta@outlook.com
Note: If using a payment method that charges fees, we'd appreciate it if you'd send the fees "Friends & Family". Our testing team is not a business, as we recieve no compensation for administering exams. Exam funds are split between the VEC's, and covering the costs of required systems such as zoom.
The Day of Your Exam
Well prepared applicants are usually complete within 20 minutes!
To streamline your exam process, we ask that you please make sure your device and testing enviroment is prepared prior to your scheduled exam.
Your Device:
1. Please download the "Zoom Workplace App". It isn't required, but makes it easier for you.
2. Please make sure your picrophone, speakers, and device camera are functioning properly.
3. Please close ALL unnecessary programs. E-Mail, VNC, TeamViewer, Microsoft Teams, Discord, Steam etc. Only a Web Browser, Zoom and a Calculator may be active.
4. Please disable any Virtual Backgrounds applied to your Zoom video.
5. Please power off AND cover (bath towel/pillowcase) additional monitors/TVs that are within your field of view.
6. Please remove Headsets/Earbuds/Smart Glasses/Smart Watches. Place smartphone out of the room/out of reach.
Your Testing Area:
1. Please scan the room/test area and remove any paperwork, posters, physical calculators, etc.
2. Please have your Goverment Issued Photo I.D. handy. (We have your PIN# & FRN, no need to worry about that)
3. Please have any other person(s) in the room vacate it, and advise them to kindly not interrupt you during your exam. (Small children & animals may be permitted)
4. You are more than welcome have a drink during your exam.
*You will receive your final e-mail with zoom link about 10-15 minutes before your scheduled exam time.*
1. Once you click the zoom link, it will ask if you'd like to open it in the app, and you'll proceed.
2. We will be notified you have joined, just relax and enjoy the video.
3. Upon entering the session, you'll be greeted in the waiting room by the session manager. You'll have the opprotunity to ask any questions you may have.
4. They'll wish you best of luck, and you'll recieve an invite you join a breakout room.
*Your exam will be recorded for integrity & training purposes*
1. You'll be greated by the lead examiner.
2. You'll be asked for your verbal permission to record the exam.
3. You'll be asked for a slow, eye level, 360 degree view of your testing area.
4. You'll be asked for a view of your device surface.
5. You'll be asked to share your device screen. The lead will ask to see certain aspects of your device for exam integrity.
6. You'll be asked open a brower, and enter the testing website.
7. You'll be asked to enter a test ID and PIN number, and click "join exam".
8. You'll be asked to verify your information, and click "start exam".
9. You'll be given some exam instructions, and begin answering questions.
10. After clicking "grade exam", your exam will be graded. If applicable, you'll have the opprotunity to take the next exam.
11. You'll verify your information again.
12. You'll review your NCVEC Form 605.
13. You'll review your CSCE.
14. You'll type your full name & Sign, then exit the test site.
After completing your exam, you'll be advised:
Technician applicants:
1. Be on the lookout for your email from the FCC to pay your $35 application fee.
2. Must be paid within 10 calander days.
3. Must be paid using a desktop/laptop, not tablet/phone.
4. Don't edit any info on FCC account until license is issued.
5. If paid immediately when recieved, license/callsign should be recieved next day.
General/Amateur Extra applicants:
1. Append /AG or /AE to callsign, until ULS update.
2. Begin checking ULS next business day for upgrade, no e-mail will be recieved.