Upcoming sessions

February 1st, April 5th, June 7th, August 2nd, October 4th, and December 6th

On behalf of the VE team at PCARS, we all look forward to seeing you at the PCARS club site in Ravenna so you can take your license test. Face masks are not State/County mandated at this time, but you are always welcome to wear one.

PCARS VE sessions are scheduled for 9:45 am Registration, 10:00 am Testing starts, on the first Saturday of every even numbered month at the PCARS club site in Ravenna. Any questions? Contact vec@portcars.org

Jim Wilson, AC8NT – PCARS VE Team Liaison

On behalf of the VE team at PCARS, we all look forward to seeing you at the PCARS club site in Ravenna so you can take your license test or an upgrade to your existing license. As of December 6th PCARS will be using the new Exam Tools for testing. This new process will provide instant grading and tell examinees whether they passed of failed immediately after finishing the exam. Most will receive their calls and upgrade within three business days of passing the test. However, it does change what is needed for testing.

1) Examinees must send an email to VEC@portcars.org before the test date. You will then receive an email invitation to the exam session.

2) You must have a valid and working email address for this process. If you pass and the FCC requires a fee, you will receive an email with instructions for payment. This email will only be sent ONCE. It is important that you watch for it.

3) The invitation will provide information on filling out the electronic 605 form and will allow you to apply for an FRN as part of the completion of the 605. If you have an FRN, you will need it to complete the form.

4) You will show up at the club site at 9:45 am on the test date and start the process to take the test. You must have a valid photo ID and a copy of your current license if you are upgrading. See “All the Details” below for complete information.

5) The test is taken on one of the club computers. It is a easy and quick process. Remember there is no time limit for any of the tests. The system also allows you to change your answers if necessary while taking the test.

6) When finished, the system will grade the exam and let you know if you passed or failed. It will automatically transfer all the information necessary for your license directly to the ARRL VEC.

7) You will pay $15 for the VE fee. Checks must be made out to “ARRL-VEC”.

8) If you fail your exam the system will provide information on the questions you missed, so you can prepare for your next attempt.

9) When the FCC processes your exam you will receive and email with payment instructions for paying the $35 FCC fee. This fee will not be charged for upgrades.

10) If you are 17 years old or younger the VE fee is $5 per the ARRL reduced CE fee Youth Program. The ARRL will also reimburse you for the $35 FCC fee.

Any questions? Contact VEC@portcars.org

Print an Official or Unofficial Copy of Your Amateur Radio License

Information provided by Anthony Luscre, K8ZT

As of February 17, 2015, the FCC no longer routinely issues paper license documents to Amateur Radio applicants and licensees. The Commission has maintained for some time now that the official Amateur Radio license authorization is the electronic record that exists in its Universal Licensing System (ULS). The FCC will continue to provide paper license documents to all licensees who notify the Commission that they prefer to receive one.

Licensees also will be able to print out an official authorization — as well as an unofficial “reference copy” — from the ULS License Manager.

I’ve created a set of instructions on how you can request an “official” printed copy of your license* Click here to download the instructions