Exam Information
APPLICATION FEE
While the exam is free, the FCC charges a $35 Application Fee for new licenses, renewals, and vanity call signs. Upgrades do not have a fee. After you pass your exam, we will submit your application to the FCC. The application will get assigned an application number and you will get an e-mail requesting payment. You must pay within 10 calendar days or your application will be dismissed.
To pay your fee go to
https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/html/coresintermediate.html
FCC REGISTRATION NUMBER (FRN)
The FCC requires that you identify yourself on the Amateur Radio license application “Form 605” for your Amateur Radio license with an FCC Registration Number (FRN). Please obtain an FRN BEFORE testing.
If you have an Amateur or GMRS license you will already have an FRN. You can find it on your license or at
http://wireless2.fcc.gov/.../searchLicense.jsp
If you don't have an FRN, you can obtain one at
https://apps.fcc.gov/.../regEntityType.do
Once you have your FRN we ask that you preregister at
https://hamstudy.org/sessions/ . This is the same form you will fill if you walk in.
EXPIRED LICENSE
If you have let your license expire you should still have an FRN number in the database, unless it has been more than 10 years. Before applying for a new FRN check
https://apps.fcc.gov/.../advancedSearch.do . If it has been less than 2 years you will get your old call sign reissued. If it has been more than 2 years you will get a new call sign in the sequence issued. If you had a General or Extra class license that you let expire, you only need to take the Technician test and proof of your previous class and you will get your previous class license re-issued. You can apply for your previous call sign as a vanity request if it is still available.
IF YOU ARE UPGRADING
If your current license class is shown in the FCC database you do NOT need to bring a copy of your license. If you have taken an upgrade and your upgrade is NOT in the FCC database bring the original Certificate of Successful Completion of Exam (CSCE) AND a copy.
VANITY CALL SIGN
If you have a vanity call sign application pending at the time of your test you MUST check the database before testing. Your application will be rejected if there is a call sign mismatch.
IDENTIFICATION VERIFICATION
The Volunteer Examiner (VE) Team is required to validate your identity and be satisfied that the person taking the test is the applicant. This is usually done with a photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or School ID. Non-photo IDs such as a school ID, library card, or report card may be used. If you have any questions on this please email info@jaxlaurel.com BEFORE coming to the test.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring a pencil and eraser. You may bring a calculator - you are NOT allowed to use calculators on your phone. Calculators must be factory reset in front of a VE.
If your current license is not in the FCC database, bring a copy of your Certificate of Successful Completion (CSCE)
COSTS
There are NO fees for taking an exam. The FCC charges an application fee after you have passed the exam. We do not accept donations.
ACCOMMODATIONS
If you need an accommodation, such as a large print exam or the exam read to you, please check the appropriate box in our online registration. If you forget to do so, please email us and let us know so we can make sure we have arrangements in place. If your young child is testing make sure they are comfortable with correctly marking an answer sheet (i.e., don't transpose letters when reading from a question and can mark the correct answer number to the question number). If they have trouble with this but are able to provide the correct answer when reading the question let us know ahead of time and we can accommodate.
TAKING THE TESTS
You may take the tests in any order. If you fail, you may take the test again if you miss Technician or General by 3 or Extra by 5. This is also dependent on the availability of the room. If you fail, you are permitted to review the exam and any questions you missed. When you retest you will be given a different exam.
After you complete taking the exam(s), you must wait for them to be graded. You will have to sign paperwork once you pass.
YOUR NEW LICENSE OR UPGRADE
We submit an electronic file directly to the FCC database (unlike most other VE groups who submit by mail) and therefore new call signs are usually issued the within one business day. You may get on the air as soon as your call sign is in the database. We will send an email out to you when we see it in there and/or when we get a confirmation file back from the FCC.
If you are upgrading you may use your new privileges immediately. If operating on frequencies permitted by your new license you will need to add "/AG" (for a new General) or /AE" (for a new Extra) until your new license appears in the FCC database.
CALL SIGNS
Your new call sign will be issued sequentially. If you pass Technician and/or General, you will get a 2x3 (2 letters, the number 4 and 3 letters), i.e., KO4ABC. If you pass the all three or pass Extra and request a new call sign, you will get a 2x2 (2 letters, the number 4, and 2 letters), i.e., KX4AB
VANITY CALL SIGNS
You may apply for a vanity call sign (one where you choose the letters) as long as it is authorized for your class of license. Technician and General holders can get a 1x3 or 2x3 call Extra holders can get a 1x2, 2x1, or a 2x2.
HAM RADIO NETS
There are nets many nights of the week on repeaters and simplex. Some local ones are the Wacky Wing Dings, ARES, Sky Warn, and Saturday Night Net. There are regional ones such as National Traffic System and Hurricane Nets.
HAM RADIO CLUBS
We encourage you to join a club. Some local ones are Beaches Amateur Radio Society, Jacksonville RANGE Association, North Florida Amateur Radio Society, Orange Park Radio Club, RANGE, Clay Amateur Radio Emergency Service(ARES), and Duval Amateur Radio Emergency Service(ARES)
Welcome to the hobby and we look forward to catching you on the air.