Congratulations as you made it to the licensing page and hopefully you are ready to take your test. We do not have a published schedule of when we conduct license examinations as we can set one up for you as needed. We have given license exams on the applicants front porch, at the gazebo in the park and at Roane State Community College. Prior to scheduling an exam you will need to apply for and received your own FRN (FCC Registration Number) which will eventually be assoaited with your license. The FRN is a unique number assigned to you and requires a password. You will need this number prrior to your exam and for paying the FCC license fee. Here is the link to register for an FRN:  FCC Registration – (Login  https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do)  After that we just need to know approximately when (day and time) and what would be a convenient location for you. Just drop us an email to our session manager at KF4TY at-sign ARRL.NET along with which license class you wish to test for and if an electronic or paper-based exam is preferred. We will then schedule a session for you on ExamTools which is what we use for the exam. Don’t worry we will send a message with step by step instructions!

Follow the procedures below for IN-PERSON Ham Radio Exams given by Big South Fork Amateur Radio Club.

You will need to create an account on HamStudy.org which will allow you to register for the exam. Our exam information will be posted on their website as a public announcement. We will also send you a link to register as well. Once you have registered you will receive an email from Exam Tools with our VE leads contact information and detailed information about your exam. You will need to let us know IN ADVANCE if you would like to take a computer-based exam or if you want a paper test. Both exams cover the same material and will have the graphics as needed for the questions. We also need to know IN ADVANCE of any special accommodations that you may need in order to take the exam such as someone to read the exam questions if you are unable to.

Practice! Be sure you are consistently scoring above an 85% on practice tests.

Know the material! You should be able to complete the technician or general class exam within about 20 minutes. You will have more time to complete the test but this shows you know the material. Most questions are short and simple concepts.

Practice Sites: We recommend either  HamStudy.org, a free site with lots of tips, or  ARRL Exam Review for Ham Radio™, a free site from the national organization who is helping to process your exam with the FCC.

One Exam per Session. Due to tight scheduling of other events after the exams, you may normally take only ONE exam per session, unless you have prearranged for multiple exams with the exam team. You must have studied, practiced, and are scoring passing grades for the exams you want to take. Email us in advance so we can ensure we have the right resources and time allocated for you.

We will verify your identification (see below) and collect the exam fee of $15.00. We will help you get settled and ready to take either a computer-generated exam or a paper-based test. We will need to know in advance which type of exam you wish to take.

The Exam Manager will read to you the PROTOCOL for IN-PERSON Exams:

(*Parent or guardian of a child candidate must be present for the rules and answer questions. If child is under 13, a parent or guardian must remain in the room with the child.)

1.    You must complete the test without any interruptions that would raise suspicion about the integrity of the exam.

2.    Keep attention on your exam workspace at all times. You may not leave your seat during the exam session.

3.    Do not read questions out loud or talk to yourself. Silence your cell phone during the exam.

4.    You ARE permitted to use a scrap paper, pencil, and manual calculator. You may not use any other kind of assistance unless pre-arranged and within FCC rules. (We supply paper, pencils, and calculators, but you may bring your own.)

5.    You agree that if the Exam Team suspects a possibility of cheating, the exam may be terminated and the exam fee forfeited.

6.    The exam manger will explain how to take the exam on a computer or to fill out the answer sheet if taking a paper exam.

7.    When you finish your exam will be graded, the exam manager will show you how to sign electronically.

8.    The exam manager will email your Certificate of Completion of Exam (CSCE) to the email address you used to register.

9.    The exam manager will explain how the FCC will email instructions and link to pay the $35 license application fee for new candidates and how upgrade candidates may get on the air right away.

One legal photo ID, or two forms of official ID.

1.    Legal ID

2.    State Driver’s License

3.    Government issued Passport

4.    Military or Law Enforcement Officer Photo ID card

5.    Student School Photo ID card

6.    State Photo ID card

If no photo ID is available, two forms of official identification:

1.    Non-photo State ID card (some states still have them)

2.    Birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal)

3.    Social security card

4.    Employer’s wage statement or Minor’s work permit
School ID card

5.    School or Public Library card

The test fee which is $15.00 and cash is preferred but we can take a check (sorry no Paypal or Vemo).

A basic calculator with the memory erased and formulas cleared. 

A copy of your current amateur radio license, if you have one. If you’ve passed an exam but have not received your new or upgraded license, please bring your Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination form (CSCE). We will also need your FRN from the FCC ( FCC Registration – Login).

You may not bring any written notes or calculations into the exam session. You may not use devices with Internet capability such as smartphones, smartwatches, etc.

More information on what to bring, IDs, and how to get a copy of a current license can be found  here

ARRL will cover the one-time $35 FCC application fee for new license candidates younger than 18-years old for tests administered under the ARRL VEC program. The $35 FCC application fee will be reimbursed after the  ARRL VEC receives the completed reimbursement form and the new license has been issued by the FCC. The reimbursement check will be mailed to the fee payer. Also, candidates younger than 18-years old would pay a reduced exam session fee of $5 to the ARRL VEC VE team at the time of the exam. Visit the  Youth Licensing Grant Program webpage for more information and for the reimbursement instructions.