The Test Session
NOTICE: FRN Number Required Before You Take Your Exam
Effective April 1, 2021, the FCC has mandated all individuals wishing to take an FCC exam must have their FRN, or Federal Registration Number, before they are allowed to test.
Please understand this is a requirement from the FCC. Neither your local Volunteer Examiners nor the ARRL has the ability to work around this requirement.
Detailed instructions for obtaining your FRN can be on our site at Getting Your FRN. We suggest reading the rest of the information on this page first, then review the steps to get your FRN.
What to Bring
When you come to the test session, there are several things you need to bring.
- You will need to present a photo ID. For those under 18 who do not have a photo ID, a parent will need to present their ID and vouch for the minor.
- If you are already have an amateur radio license, such as a Technician or General, you must bring a copy of your current FCC license you can leave with us.
- If you have an FRN (Federal Registration Number), you will need to bring it. You may have one of these if you have a GMRS license, for example.
- If you do not have an FRN, you will need to apply for one. Instructions can be found on our site at Getting Your FRN
- You will need to bring your test fee of $15. We can accept cash, or a check made out to the "ARA Group". These fees are passed onto the ARRL, the parent group our testing organization. Please note that we are not able to take debit or credit cards.
- You can also bring a calculator, and a pencil and pen to take the test and fill out forms. We do have pencils and pens available if needed (but no calculators).
If you are unsure if you have an FRN, or need to print a copy of your existing license, you can go to the following website to see:
The FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS)
What to Expect
When you arrive you will be greeted by the a Volunteer Examiner (VE). They will verify your ID, take your test fee, then provide you a packet.
Inside the packet is the FCC Form 605. Take your packet to an available table and fill out the form.
Also in the packet is the answer sheet you'll use for the test. Go ahead and supply your name and other information.
Once you have filled out the forms, bring your packet back to the VE. They will verify the forms have been filled out correctly, then hand your packet back along with a test.
Taking the Test
Once you have the test, you should put the test number, located on the front of the test, onto the answer sheet. There are multiple versions of each exam, the test number lets us know which version so we can grade your test correctly.
You are now ready to begin the test. Open it up and start marking the answers on your answer sheet. Please do not write in the test booklet.
The test sheet has the letters A B C D beside each number, corresponding to the question number. Please mark your answer by making a strong black dot covering the letter.
When you complete the exam, please raise your hand to let a VE know. They will take your entire packet to a group of VE's who will grade your exam.
Please stay in your seat and be patient, it takes a bit to grade an exam, and we grade in the order tests are turned in. There may be several in the queue in front of you.
Grading
A group of VEs will look at your exam and grade it. Every test is verified by three VEs to assure accuracy.
Once the result has been verified, a VE will let you know.
If you did not make it, and if there is time left in the session you have the option of taking the test again, however you will need to pay the test fee for the retake.
If you are taking the Technician or General and pass, you have the right to take the next test at no extra fee. This is entirely up to you.
Once you let us know you are done, please be patient as there's a little bit of paperwork the VEs need to complete.
Once the examiners are done, a VE will return to you. They will get you to sign your CSCE, then give you a copy. This is your proof you passed the test. The CSCE will also have the website to look for your license. It typically takes about 10 days for your license (or upgrade) to appear in the FCC database, however with the on-going COVID situation it may take longer.
At this point you are free to go!
Using Your License
If this is your first license, regardless of the class you will have to wait for your call sign to appear in the FCC database before you can get on the air.
If you have an existing call sign and have upgraded, you can use your new privileges immediately. Until your upgrade appears in the FCC database you will need to append either /AG (for General) or /AE (for Extra). For example, N0NE/AG or N0NE/AE when on the air. Once your call sign is listed in the FCC with your new license class you can cease using the /AG or /AE.
After the Exam
Once you have your license we encourage you to keep up with other amateur radio operators in the area. The ARA Group serves two clubs in the area.
The Shelby County Amateur Radio club meets in Pelham, AL. You'll find their website at w4shl.com
The Birmingham Amateur Radio club meets in downtown Birmingham. You will find their information at w4cue.com
If you are from another part of the state you can do a web search for "amateur radio club" and add the name of your city, you are sure to find something near you.