License Exam Information
The AHRA VE Team conducts amateur radio license exams under the coordination of the Laurel Amateur Radio Club Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC). Please refer to our schedule for test times.
All amateur radio exams conducted by the VE Teams of the Laurel VEC are FREE.
We prefer that you pre-register, so that we can anticipate how many may attend a test session and alter the location accordingly. Please click here to complete the pre-registration form. While we prefer that you pre-register, walk-ins are always welcome.
Dates, times and locations of other exams coordinated by the Laurel VEC can be found at the Laurel VEC site http://www.larcmd.org/vec
Things to bring:
1. A positive attitude and some patience.
The Volunteer Examiners 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 that you have passed the exam elements indicated and have earned a license or an upgrade, if appropriate, as quickly as possible.
2. For a first-ever license or getting back into the hobby after your license has expired beyond the grace period.
a. Photo ID – No photo ID – NO EXAM
b. Element credits (if applicable) – No original copy – NO EXAM
(1) Original and a copy of your expired pre-21 March 1987 Technician license
You get credit for the Element 3 exam (General written).
(2) Original and a copy of a letter from the FCC confirming you previously held a
pre-21 March 1987 Technician license for which you will be given credit for the
Element 3 exam.
(3) Original and a copy of an unexpired Certificate of Successful Completion of Exam (CSCE) indicated which credit(s) you’ve earned.
3. Upgrading your current, unexpired license.
a. Photo ID – No photo ID – NO EXAM
b. Your current original, unexpired license – No original license – NO EXAM
c. Element credits (If applicable, one or more of the following):
No original document – NO EXAM
(1) Original and a copy of your expired pre-21 March 1987 Technician license
You get credit for the Element 3 exam (General written).
(2) Original and a copy of a letter from the FCC confirming you previously held a
pre-21 March 1987 Technician license for which you will be given credit for the
Element 3 exam.
(3) Original and a copy of an unexpired Certificate of Successful Completion of Exam (CSCE) indicated which credit(s) you’ve earned.
4. Bring water or another appropriate beverage to drink. You’ll be glad you did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to take an amateur license exam?
A: All exam sessions conducted by Laurel VEC-sponsored VE Teams are FREE.
Q: What materials should I use to prepare for the exam?
A: There are study materials available from several places. Our very informal survey indicates that the materials produced by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) are the most popular because they provide easily understandable explanations of the material plus they provide additional non-testable but very useful information. You can also use on-line practice exams to check your progress. There are several sites available but here are two good ones:
www.qrz.com
www.aa9pw.com
There are also free applications (and some paid applications) for IOS and Android smartphones. BE VERY CAREFUL to ensure the question pool is current!
Q: Why do I have to provide my social security number to get my ham license?
A: Because Congress passed a law to track down people who owe the government money. That law requires anyone applying for or renewing any federally issued license to provide their social security number. Once you apply for your initial amateur radio license using your SSN and you successfully qualify for an amateur license, you will be issued a FCC Registration Number (FRN) and it will appear on your license. In almost all future transactions with the FCC you will have to use your FRN in lieu of your SSN. You can acquire a FCC Registration Number (FRN) prior to taking your initial exam by registering with the FCC at https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do
Q: Do I need to bring my own pencils, papers, etc?
A: No. Everything you will need such as pencils, scratch paper and calculators will be provided.
Q: Can I use my own calculator?
A: Yes. We will provide a calculator for you to use. However, if you bring your own calculator, all items in its memory must be cleared prior to the test session.
Q: What do I need to bring to the Exam session?
A: All the stuff listed above these questions as applicable or appropriate (e.g., Photo ID, License – if applicable, Element credit – if applicable). Don’t forget something to drink.
Q: How long will it take?
A: Budget at least two hours from the posted exam start time.
Q: What will the test session be like?
A: Our test sessions are generally run like this:
Registration
Testing Instructions
Exam
Grading
Certificate (if you pass) or an opportunity to test again.
The VE team will strive to score your test, inform you of the results, and process your paperwork as quickly as possible. The size of the test session and the number of VEs on-hand will be factors in how quickly this gets done. Please be patient. If there are any problems, please speak to the VE Team Leader who will try to resolve the problems and answer any questions.
Q: What happens if I fail the exam?
A: Per FCC rules and VEC instructions, we are not required to re-test you if you fail. However, we will look at your test results. If you missed passing the Technician or General exams by 1-3 questions or if you missed passing the Amateur Extra exam by 3-4 questions and if you are willing to take another test, we will administer another exam.
Q: Do I have to pass a Morse code test to get my ham license?
A: No. There is no longer a requirement for Morse code testing.
Q: How soon after I pass my exam can I start operating?
A: If you have earned your initial license no matter which class of license, you have to wait until the FCC grants you a license and it is displayed in their data base. If you are upgrading an existing license you may use your new privileges when you are given your Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) at the end of the exam session. Of course, when you use your new privileges you are required to append your call sign with one of the following designators:
KT –Upgraded to Technician
AG – Upgraded to General
AE – Upgraded to Amateur Extra
Q: How long will it take before the FCC assigns a call sign to me?
A: You can usually find your call sign on the FCC website within 5 to 7 business days. Average processing time is about a business week, depending upon holidays and other mitigating circumstances.