FCC Amateur Radio Exams

NEXT EXAM SESSIONS:  (Run by New England Amateur Radio, Inc. and New England Sci-Tech, Inc.)

• Exam session dates are no longer posted here. Please go to http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session to find sessions in your area.

The VE Team of New England Amateur Radio, Inc. (NEAR) holds regular exam sessions in Natick at New England Sci-Tech, 16 Tech Circle, Natick. Most sessions are open to the public.

PARENTS: Download a concise After School HAM RADIO FAQ for Parents discussing exams, how your child may participate, the benefits and opportunities, and links to other resources. A “must read” for parents who have children who want to get their HAM radio license.

BONUS: All children and their parents are welcome to join New England Amateur Radio and Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society – STARS, a radio club specifically for youth and families.

WHAT TO BRING TO THE FCC EXAM:

1. A legal photo ID such as driver’s license or passport. If no photo ID is available, two forms of ID must be presented:
   • birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal)
   • social security card
   • library card
   • bank statement, utility bill, or business correspondence that specifically names the person
2. Under-18 students may bring any of the above items and/or a school ID, report card, or a legal guardian may present a photo ID.  (Note: it is not recommended that young children handle original documents. Parents please call ahead to discuss the best way to verify ID for children.)
3. Federal Registration Number (FRN) to be submitted on the exam application. Register for an FRN before the exam. Visit the FCC’s Registration page and click “Register for an FRN.”
4. Upgrading to a new license class?  You must bring the original and a photocopy of your current Amateur Radio license and/or any Certificates of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) you may hold from previous exam sessions.  The photocopy must be submitted with your exam application. You keep the original.
5. Bring two pencils with erasers and a pen.  (We will have some in case you forget.)
6. A calculator with the memory erased and formulas cleared.  You may not bring any written notes or calculations into the exam session.  Slide rules and logarithmic tables are acceptable, as long as they’re free of notes and formulas. Cell phone must be silenced or turned off during the exam session and the phone’s calculator function may not be used. In addition, smartphones, tablets, and all similar electronic devices with Internet capability may NOT be used.
7. Check or cash for exam fee(s).  Normally the exam fee is $15 for one attempt at all three license elements.  However, if a candidate does not pass a test and wants to re-test for the same element, an additional fee will be required. Checks must be made out to New England Amateur Radio, Inc.
8. Exam Application (optional). You may save time by filling out the application FORM 605 interactive PDF ahead of time. Do this on a computer, then print the paper double sided and bring it to the test session.

DIRECTIONS:  To New England Sci-Tech, 16 Tech Circle, Natick.

PRACTICE SITES:  If you would like to practice the test on-line before taking the real one, visit HamStudy.org.

CONTACT:  For more information, or to reserve a place at the exam, contact info@nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.