Exam Information

Amateur Radio Exam Sessions #

How to attend an exam session #

Exams are being held on the fourth Saturday of each month, 12:00pm, at the Danvers Central Fire Station on High Street. E-mail our Exam Session Coordinator KB1LYJ at nsradio dot org for information (no links to prevent spam).

EXAM LOCATION:
Danvers Central Fire Station
64 High Street
Danvers, MA 01923
N42 33.721 W70 55.958

What to bring to an Examination #

For examination sessions held during 2024, you need to bring:

  1. One photo ID, or two non-photo ID’s. A driver’s license is the most common form of ID used. If two non-photo ID’s are used, insure that one has your current address.
  2. Your FCC Registration Number. Failure to provide a FRN number will delay or prevent your application from being processed. To obtain an FRN via the CORES system, visit https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.
  3. If you currently have an amateur license, bring your Original FCC-issued license, and a photocopy. The photocopy is kept by the examination team. The original will be examined and promptly returned to you. If you do not bring your original license it can delay any upgrade you might earn.
  4. If you have any “Certificates of Successful Completion of Examination”, or CSCE’s, you need to bring the Original plus photocopies of them as well.
  5. The 2024 test session fee is $15.00. This applies even if you are upgrading without taking a test. If you retake a failed exam element you will be required to pay another fee.

There are 2 fees associated with the exam: The $15 exam session fee paid at the time of the exam, and a $35 application fee paid directly to the FCC by using the CORES FRN Registration system. The FCC will email a link with payment instructions to each qualifying 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 or, in very rare instances, an explanation for why the application was dismissed or denied. The link will be valid for 30 days.

Other things to keep in mind #

  1. Bring a calculator. If you bring one, make sure it’s not a programmable calculator, or be prepared to remove the batteries to prove the memories are erased.
  2. Only NCVEC form 605’s can be used at examination sessions. The VE team will have NCVEC form 605’s on hand. A 605 PDF will be e-mailed out after registration.
  3. Renewals and changes filed with the ARRL/VEC are done using NCVEC 605’s. Filing with the ARRL/VEC is free to ARRL members, non-members must pay a $15.00 fee. Vanity callsign applications cannot be filed with the ARRL/VEC. Renewals and changes can be filed directly with the ARRL/VEC should be sent to ARRL/VEC, 225 Main St, Newington CT 06111
  4. Other sources/VECs, including the W5YI Group, will provide FCC license services for a fee as well. Contact these groups individually for details.
  5. It’s always a good idea to check with the VE team if you have any questions or special requirements.