Exam sessions are conducted by volunteers working under the direction of the FCC. There will likely be a charge for taking the exam. The exam fee is set by the Volunteer Exam Coordinator (VEC), and is usually $15 or less. Contact the exam session administrator to determine the fee that applies to the exam session you plan to attend and to verify the session date and time. The FCC does not charge a fee to issue and print an initial license or for standard changes to a license. However, there are fees for other FCC services.

Not licensed? Call the ARRL’s toll-free number at 1-888-277-5289 and request an informational Amateur Radio prospect package or complete an online form.

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                     ON EXAM DAY BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

      1. A legal photo ID (driver’s license, passport). 

      2. When no photo ID is available, two forms of identification must
          be presented:
          a. non-photo ID/driver's license (some states still have them)
          b. birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal)
          c. social security card
          d. library card
          e. 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.

      3. Students may bring any of the above items and/or a school ID, minor's
          work permit, report card, or a legal guardian may present a photo ID.

      4.  Bring your Social Security Number (SSN) or your FCC issued Federal
           Registration Number (FRN). VEC’s are required by the FCC to submit
           either your SSN or your FRN number with your license application
           form. If you prefer not to give your SSN at the exam session, then
           you may register your SSN with the FCC before exam day. Once you
           have a FCC issued FRN, you may no longer use your SSN on the
           application. For instructions on how to register your SSN with the
           FCC and receive a FRN, visit the FCC's FAQ page and the
           FCC's registration instructions page.  Please note that some
           exam teams will only accept a valid FRN on your application. 
           Check with your local exam team before exam day.

      5.  If applicable, bring the original and a photocopy of your current Amateur
           Radio license and any Certificates of Successful Completion of
           Examination (CSCE) you may hold from previous exam sessions. The
           photocopy(s) will not be returned.

      6. Two number two pencils with erasers and a pen. 

      7. A calculator with the memory erased and formulas cleared is allowed. 
          You may not bring any written notes or calculations into the exam session.
          Slide rules and logarithmic tables are acceptable, as long as they're free
          of notes and formulas. Cell phone must be silenced or turned off during 
          the exam session and the phones' calculator function may not be used.
          In addition, iPhones, iPads, Androids, smartphones, Blackberry devices
          and all similar electronic devices with a calculator capability, may NOT
          be used.

      8. Bring a check, a money order or cash to cover the exam session fee(s).
          Check the ARRL VEC’s current exam fee. 
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                                   Ready to take the test now?
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