Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. How much does it cost to take an amateur license exam?

    All exam sessions conducted by Laurel VEC sponsored VE Teams are free.

  2. Do I need to bring my own pencils, papers, etc?

    No. Everything you will need such as pencils and scratch paper will be provided.

  3. Can I use a calculator?

    Yes. In fact, many VE teams will provide a calculator. However, if you bring your own calculator and it is programmable its memory must be cleared.

  4. How soon after I pass can I start operating?

    When you earn a new license, you can start operating as soon as your license grant is shown in the FCC’s ULS license database. Usually your license will be listed in the FCC data base within two weeks after you take your test, and you will also receive a paper copy of your license in the mail. When you upgrade to a higher class of license, you can begin operating with your new privileges immediately, and must identify that you are operating on temporary privileges (temporary KT, AG or AE) pending your upgrade listing in the ULS.

  5. Why do I have to provide my social security number to get my ham license?

    Federal law requires that anyone applying for or renewing any federally issued license must provide their social security number.

  6. What do I need to bring to the Exam session?

    1. A photo ID. Children without photo IDs may be tested providing that they can prove their identity to the satisfaction of the LARC VEC Team Leader.

    2. The original (and one copy) of any current (unexpired) amateur radio operator’s license issued to you.

    3. The original (and one copy) of any document on which you will be relying to prove element credit. These documents may include:

      • Pre March 21, 1987 Technician license: Credit for the Element 3 exam, General written

      • A letter from the FCC confirming that you previously held a specific class of license for which you will be given credit for the Element 3 exams.

      • An unexpired Certificate of Successful Completion of Exam (CSCE) indicating the credit(s) earned

    4. A positive attitude and some patience. The folks 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 you have earned a license or an upgrade as quickly as possible.

  7. Do I have to pass a Morse code test to get my ham license?

    No. The Morse code exam is no longer required to earn a new or upgraded amateur radio license.

  8. What will the test session be like?

    The sessions will vary somewhat due to the teams and the facilities where the test is conducted. However, the session will generally be be conducted as follows:

    1. Registration - You will be asked to complete one or two forms; show your photo ID; inspect the original version of your current, unexpired license and other applicable documentation; and provide copies of your current, unexpired license and other applicable documentation.

    2. Pre-exam instructions - You will probably be given some pre-exam instructions regarding the use of calculators, procedures for asking questions, rules for taking the exam, bathroom breaks during the exam, etc.

    3. The exam - The Technician and General exams each contain 35 multiple choice questions. You must correctly answer 26 questions to pass (74.2%). The Amateur Extra exam contains 50 multiple choice questions of which you must correctly answer 37 (74%) to pass.

    4. Grading - Once you've completed your exam, it will be graded and you will be informed informed of the result. If you passed you will receive a Certificate of Successful Completion of Exam (CSCE) indicating which element(s) you've passed and, if appropriate, which license class you've earned. If you didn't pass the exam, the VEs may, at their discretion, allow you to take a second exam.

      Note: 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.

  9. If I fail my exam, can I take another exam during the same session?

    The decision to let you take a second exam during the same test session after failing a previous attempt is up to the VE Team. The VE team is not required to let you take another exam.

    The team will make their decision based on several factors which include, but are not limited to, the number of applicants being processed, the number of VEs available, and how badly you failed the previous exam. For example, if you missed passing by one or two questions, many teams will let you take another exam (a different version, of course). On the other hand if you missed passing by six or seven questions the VE team will most likely suggest you go home and continue studying.

  10. I heard I can be "Grandfathered" to General. What's the story?

    In some cases a current or former licensee can earn credit for certain exam elements based on the license currently or formerly held. If you hold a Technician license that was issued prior to March 21,1987, you have lifetime credit for Element 3, General written. You must provide proof that you held such a license by producing the original license or a letter from the FCC stating that you held such a license. If you hold a current Technician license, you will be issued a CSCE giving you credit for having earned a General class license. Otherwise, you may take the Element 2 Technician exam and, if you pass, you will be issued a CSCE giving you credit for having earned a General class license.


  11. I can't find my original license in order to claim the "Grandfathered" credit for Elements 1 and 3. How do I get the letter from the FCC?

    Write a letter to the FCC and provide as much information as possible: The call sign of the license in question, a time frame of when the license was issued, address if known, the name under which the license was issued. Provide anything that might help them find proof of you being licensed in order to claim credit for the "grandfathered elements". The address is:

    FCC
    1270 Fairfield Rd
    Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245

  12. How do I become a Volunteer Examiner?

    Contact any Laurel VEC VE Team leader.

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