After submitting your registation, you will recieve an automated email reply with more details regarding preparation for your exam session. Here are those details as well to help make your process much easier.

 

Exam Preparation- We highly recommend using hamstudy.org to prepare for your exam. Using "Study Mode", seeing 100% of the questions, and having your aptitude to at least 85% will get you where you need to be.

 

Accepted Identification- We accept any form of Goverment Issued Photo I.D. i.e. State Drivers License/Learners Permit, State Issued ID's Passport, Passport Card, Military ID, Permanent Resident Card, Tribal Nation Card. For ID under age 18, a birth certificate and your parent/legal guardian present with their ID will suffice. No Social Security Cards Accepted.

 

Accepted Devices- You can take your exam on about any device, that has a working camera, microphone, soeakers, and a web browser. Applicants are welcome to use the following: Laptop, Desktop, Tablet, or Smart Phone.

 

Device Preparation- 1. Your exam can be better streamlined if you download the "Zoom Application" on your device. You don't have to create an account, you'll just click the zoom link you receive via email the day of your test, and it will utilize the app.

2. Also, please test zoom ahead of time to make sure that your camera, microphone, and speakers are working properly

3. Only 1 monitor allowed. If using multiple monitors, please turn off, cover them, or turn the opposite direction. 

4. During your exam, the only applications allowed to be open are: Zoom, Calculator, and Internet Browser.

5. The list of apps that need to be closed include but not limited to:

a. Communication apps such as: Teams, Faceboook, Discord, WhatsApp, Skype, E-Mail, etc.

b. Word Processing apps such as: Microsoft Office, NotePad Google Drive, etc.

c. Remote apps such as: Team Viewer, RealVNC, AnyDesk, Remote Access Plus, Chrome Remote Desktop, etc.

d. Device cloud connections to other PC's, Tablet's, or Smartphones. 

 

Exam Testing Area- You can literally test from about anywhere. Applicants have tested at work, in their vehicles, outside, any room of their home (a lot of applicants prefer the bathroom, due to the small space/minimal items). Just a few key points to remember about your testing area:

1. Please be in a room by yourself, as no one is allowed in the same room.

2. If a TV is in your view, turn it off, and cover with a towel or blanket.

3. Make sure the surface where your device will be sitting and around you are clear of any paperwork, study material, ham radio related documents, books, etc.

4. If needed, you are allowed a single sheet of blank paper and wiritng utensil. No physical calculators permitted. 

5. Please silence your phone, and place it out of reach. (unless using it for your exam device.)

6. Remove Smart watch/GPS watch and place out of reach.

7. Headphones/Earbuds/Hearing Aids not permitted during the exam. (If you need them to communicate, we will have you remove them during your exam, and place them back on after.)

8. If using a laptop/tablet/smartphone, please make sure your charger is present with you in the testing area.

9. Drinks are permitted in the testing area during your exam.

10. Small children or pets are permitted in the room during the exam if no other option is available. 

 

We understand that life happens, and it's 100% okay. If there is an interruption, family emergency, work pulls you away, internet/power outage, tech issues, etc, we can pause your exam, void it and start a new one, or reschedule. We are here to help you succeed, and have no problem working through issues. 

 

Applicants with Disabilities- No problem at all! we Make every reasonable effort to accomodate. If this is you, reach out to us with any questions or concerns! You deserve to enjoy this hobby as much as anyone!

 

 

Exam Day Is Here!

Zoom Link- You will receive an email 10-15 minutes before your scheduled exam time. This will contain some final instructions and your zoom link. When you do join the meeting, zoom will place you in the waiting room. Relax and enjoy the video, we will admit you shortly. 

Upon Entering the Session- Once you're admitted into the session, you'll be greated by the session manager. We will then ask you about your device/OS, your ability to share your screen on zoom, and workout any technical issues. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. We will wish you best of luck, and send you to the breakout room.

 

Breakout Room-  1. Upon entering the breakout room, you'll be greeted by the VE leading the exam. There will be a minimum of 4 VE's present to observe ytour exam.

2. They will ask your permission to record your exam, as we do this for integrity and training puroposes. 

3. The lead will ask to see your ID, to verify you are the correct person. 

4. The lead will then have you give a 360 degree tour around the room, and the area where your device will sit. (This is only for exam integrity, we don't judge on cleanliness or observe specific personal items.) 

5.  The lead will have you share your device screen, to check for any apps that aren't allowed. 

6. The lead will have you go to exam tools to log into the testing system. We have your PIN #, no need to worry) 

7. You'll verifyyour pesonal information from registration, the VE's will then get your test generated. 

8. The lead will give you a quick walk through of the simple exam system, ask if you have any questions, and wish you best of luck. 

9. After you've answered all questions, they'll quickly get your exam graded. You have the opprotunity to take the next exam if you'd like, this is your choice. 

10. After finishing the exams, you will verify your infomation 3 more times. 

11. We will get your signature on your paperwork, explain what's next, and let you ask any questions. 

12. You'll then return to the main room for closing remarks from the session manager.

IT'S JUST THAT SIMPLE! MOST APPLICANTS ARE IN & OUT IN LESS THATN 20 MINUTES! 

After Your Exam

After completing your exam, you will receive your Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) in your email.

Your electronic documents will be forwarded to the respective VEC. Typically within one business day, they weill be sent to the FCC.

 

If you passed the Technician Exam- Once the FCC receives the electronic documents, on the same business day, you will receive an email to pay your $35 application fee. A few key points:

a. Upon receiving the email, you have 10 calendar days to pay the fee.

b. It is best to use a desktop or laptop computer to pay the $35 fee. Their systems aren't smartphone or tablet friendly.

c. Don't edir any personal information in your FCC account unitl your license is issued. It can delay processing. 

d. If you pay the fee upon receipt of the email, you'll typically receive an email the next day containing your Offical License Copy, and Callsign. Now on to studying for the General Exam!

 

If you passed the General Exam- Upon receipt of your CSCE, you may use the Geneeral band prvillages, but append your callsign with /AG. Begin checking the ULS periodically the following business day to see if your upgrade has processed. If it has, you're official. Now on to studying for the Amateur Extra Exam!

 

If you passed the Amateur Extra Exam- Upon receipt of your CSCE, you may use the Amateur Extra band prvillages, but append your callsign with /AE. Begin checking the ULS periodically the following business day to see if your upgrade has processed. If it has, you're official. Please consider becoming a Volunteer Examiner (VE) for in-person or remote testing as a way to give back & promote your hobby. It's a easy, rewarding process!