Get Your Amateur Radio License by Attending an Online Exam Session
The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation, and radio amateurs have quickly adjusted to the situation
The global pandemic has accelerated digital transformation for many industries and activities. With amateur radio enthusiasts being innovators in many fields, we are also taking advantage of digital technologies to improve safety by reducing physical encounters.
When I took the amateur radio exam in 2015, I was in the presence of three Volunteer Examiners (VEs), who administered the test. It was the same when I upgraded in 2016. The test was fairly quick. The VE team checked my exam results right there and then, and they submitted the documents to the VEC shortly thereafter.
I got my license and callsign in around two weeks after taking the exam.
With safety considerations due to the pandemic, online or virtual options are now available. And it’s so simple and easy, you can also utilize online tools or classes for review.
My daughter recently took her Tech exam. Since she is a minor, the session was free. I guided her during the self-review process, and she passed (currently waiting for her callsign as of this writing).
Her amateur radio license is essentially free, with a 10-year validity and likewise free modifications and renewals (hopefully the FCC does not apply additional charges as being discussed of late).
She attended the GLAARG VE session led by Heather KM6ZQB. They are very accommodating, and you can check out more details and upcoming exams here.
Some steps and resources
- You will need to go to the FCC ULS website to get an FCC Reference Number or FRN (click the Register with the FCC link if you don’t have an account yet). You will need this for all your transactions relevant to your radio license.
- You will need a U.S. address to use with the system. Note: You don’t need to be physically present in the U.S. at the time of the exam, but you do need a valid address.
- Visit hamstudy.org for resources on amateur radio. This site also provides a reviewer and practice tests. I recommend that you learn the theory behind the questions to enhance your understanding of radio and electricity.
- Click the “Find a Session” link on the upper-right corner.
- Sign up for your desired schedule. Note that since different VE teams administer the tests, there may be different setups and payment schemes.
- With some GLAARG VE teams, the session is FREE for minors, students with current ID, first responders, active military, and veterans. Otherwise, this costs $10 or $15, depending on the VE team.
- Upon signing up, the VE team may send you schedules or instructions to join a review session. If you are confident of your understanding of electrical theory, radio communication, etc., you can simply do a self-review.
- You will have to pay the fee online using a debit or credit card, or other arrangements. If you qualify for the free exam, get in touch with the VE team so that they can process your schedule without payment.
- You will get instructions via email, as well as links to other resources.
- On the exam schedule, you need to be in a quiet room, preferably as empty as possible. The Zoom session will be with screen-sharing on, video on, and mic on. Three VEs will watch you at all times, to ensure you are not cheating. A simple calculator or scratch paper may be used. You will need to give a tour of your room via the video-chat, to ensure no one else is with you and that you do not have ways to cheat.
- The exam is online, done via examtools.org. You will get your results checked automatically by the platform. Upon passing, the platform then asks you to sign a digital copy of the certificate, which is also emailed to you after.
- The VE team submits the results to the VEC (which processes the license). Wait a few days before your license or upgrade appears on the FCC database. You will usually get an email.
Here are some FAQs from GLAARG. Here is a recommended study method by Noji, KN0JI.
Check out this video:
Using your amateur radio license
Once your license and callsign appear on the FCC database, congratulations, you are officially a ham. If you are using your FCC license in another country, be sure to comply with that jurisdiction’s reciprocal licensing rules or reciprocal operating arrangements.
