VE Sessions

Upcoming sessions – 2024

June 8th, August 3rd, October 5th, December 7th

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 KB8UUZ@gmail.com

Tom “Parky” – KB8UUZ PCARS VE Team Liaison

Quick Facts

  • Yes, PCARS VE test Sessions are held at the club site in Ravenna starting at 10 am – see schedule.
  • Walk-Ins are accepted. Would appreciate an email to KB8UUZ@GMAIL.COM if you plan on attending.
  • You MUST have an FRN Number (SSNs no longer accepted) Taking Technician Test? – You MUST apply for your FRN and get it prior to testing
  • You MUST have a valid e-mail address for the FCC to be able to contact you.
  • Picture ID required
  • Original and Copy of your valid FCC license and original of any applicable CSCE
  • VE fee is $15 – Cash or Check payable to “ARRL-VEC”
  • FCC License Fee $35 – payable after FCC sends you a link. DOES NOT APPLY to upgrades
  • 17 years old or younger? VE Fee is $5 per the ARRL reduced CE fee Youth Program
  • 17 years old or younger? ARRL will reimburse you the $35 FCC Fee

Okay – now all the Details

• If you are sick, have a cough, a high temperature or have been exposed to COVID-19 or other communicable germs, or someone that has been infected – please, do not come to the club site. Use of masks is optional.
• No food or snacks allowed.
• Ensure you have the following:
o A picture ID such as a valid Driver’s License, State ID, School ID, or US Passport.
o If you are under 16 years of age, a parent or guardian must be able to vouch for you and you need a copy of your birth certificate (you do not have to give us a copy, we just have to see and verify).
o If you are upgrading to General or Extra – You MUST bring your original valid amateur radio license and a copy of your valid amateur radio license to turn in with your Form 605.
o Calculators are okay to use (if you need one) as long as the memories are cleared.
o NO cell Phones allowed

First-Time Exam Applicants MUST Obtain FCC Registration Number BEFORE Taking Exam

First-Time Exam Applicants MUST Obtain FCC Registration Number BEFORE Taking Exam – All amateur examination applicants are required to provide an FCC Registration Number (FRN) to the Volunteer Examiners (VEs) BEFORE taking an amateur exam. This is necessary due to changes the FCC has made to its licensing system. Applicants will create an FCC username and account, respond to the verification email from FCC, and then register for the FRN. Register on the FCC’s Commission Registration System (CORES): https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/

Email Addresses REQUIRED

Email Addresses REQUIRED – All applications are required to contain an email address for FCC correspondence. Applicants will receive an email direct from the FCC with a link to the official electronic copy of their license whenever a license is issued or changed. ARRL VEC suggests that those without access to email to use the email address of a family member or friend. Licensees will be able to log in to the ULS using their FRN and password to download the latest version of their license at any time. The FCC no longer provides paper license documents via regular mail.

FCC – $35 Amateur Application Fee

FCC – $35 Amateur Application Fee – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) staff has clarified in response to an ARRL request that the new $35 application fee will not apply to upgrade to an amateur radio licensee’s operator class and changes to club station trustees. The new fees will apply only to applications for a new license, renewal, rule waiver, or a new vanity call sign.

VECs and Volunteer Examiner (VE) teams will not collect the $35 fee at exam sessions. New applicants will pay the $15 exam session fee to the ARRL VE team as usual.

When the FCC receives the examination information from the VEC, it will email a link with payment instructions to each successful candidate. The candidate will have 10 calendar days, from the date of the application file number being issued, to pay. After the fee is paid, and the FCC has processed an application, examinees will receive a second email from the FCC with a link to their official license. The link will be good for 30 days.

Youth Licensing Grant Program

 The ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program, in effect since April 19, 2022, will cover the one-time $35 application fee for new amateur radio license candidates 17 years old or younger for tests administered under the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) program. The $35 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) application fee will be reimbursed after the ARRL VEC receives the completed reimbursement form and after the new license has been issued. The reimbursement check will be mailed to the fee payer. Also, candidates 17 years old or younger would pay a reduced exam session fee of $5 to the ARRL VE team at the time of the exam. The $5 fee is for all candidates 17 years old or younger, regardless of the exam level taken. Proof of under 18 status is required.

Visit the ARRL website for the program instructions and reimbursement form at www.arrl.org/youth-licensing-grant-program.

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