BVARC FCC License Testing

An Amateur Radio License Examination Session is for license examination and/or upgrade purposes. They are held each month, usually on the first or second Saturday of the month. Please check the following link to see the list of upcoming BVARC  exams sessions and also for pre-registering for the session. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration helps us plan for VE proctors to attend:

https://hamstudy.org/sessions/arrl/77008/inperson

The ARRL site is also a resource for confirming date and place for BVARC test sessions, and that of other test sessions in the region, checkout:

http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session

The current test fee is only $15.00 — we will take cash (exact change is appreciated) or check. Check(s) are to be made payable to “ARRL-VEC”.

Note that in addition to the $15 test fee, paid at the session, the FCC will require a $35 fee. This $35 fee is paid online after the session, before a new license is issued.

Our present exam session site is:
Bayland Park Community Center
6400 Bissonnet St.
Houston TX 77074 

Look for signage on the entry doors of the community center for the room location. Check in by 10:30 AM – exams start as soon as all pre-registered candidates are present, walk ins will be accommodated as time permits.

Note that BVARC conducts exams via an in-person computer based testing system. If you require special assistance when attending the session and while taking the test, please indicate this to us when pre-registering for the session.

bayland park community center
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What to Bring to an ARRL Exam Session:

1

MANDATORY BEFORE THE EXAM
FCC Registration Number (FRN): Examinees are required by the FCC to submit your FRN with your license application form. New license applicants must create an FCC user account and register their Social Security Number (SSN) in the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES) before attending exam sessions. Registrants will be assigned an FRN which will be used in all license transactions with the FCC. For instructions on how to register your SSN and receive an FRN from the FCC, visit the CORES Registration page and the FCC’s Registration instructions page. Per FCC rules, a valid email address is also mandatory on the application form to receive FCC correspondence, including the official copy of your Amateur Radio license.

2

One legal photo ID (identification):
           a. State Driver’s License
           b. Government issued Passport
           c. Military or Law Enforcement Officer Photo ID card
           d. Student School Photo ID card
           e. State Photo ID card

3

If no photo ID is available, two forms of identification:
           a. Non-photo State ID card (some states still have them)
           b. Birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal)
           c. Social security card
           d. Employer’s wage statement or Minor’s work permit
           e. School ID card
           f. School or Public Library card
           g. Utility bill, bank statement or other business correspondence that specifically names the person; or a postmarked envelope addressed
               to the person at his or her current mailing address as it appears on the Form 605.

4

Students/minors without a photo ID need to bring only one of the above items if a legal guardian presents their photo ID; otherwise two non-photo IDs are required.  Minor children (under the age of 18) may be accompanied in the room by an adult during the test.

5

If applicable, bring a printed copy of your Amateur Radio license or be able to show proof of the license in the official FCC database. Acceptable copies or printouts of licenses are available from the following sources: the official license or reference license printed from the FCC website or license data printed from the ARRL website or QRZ website. The original(s) and photocopy(s) of any Certificates of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) you may hold from
previous exam sessions. If your license has already been issued by the FCC, the CSCE showing license credit is not needed. The candidate is require to show proof of the current license to the team  but the team is no longer required to submit the proof to the VEC. Expired license proof must be submitted to the team and to the VEC for processing to FCC. These photocopies will not be returned. Instructions on how to obtain an official FCC license copy are on our Obtain License Copy web page.

6

A calculator with the memory erased and formulas cleared is allowed. 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 phones’ calculator function may not be used. In addition, iPhones, iPads, Androids, smartphones, Blackberry devices  and all similar electronic devices with a calculator capability, may NOT be used.

7

Bring a check, a money order or cash to cover the exam session fee(s).  Check the ARRL VEC’s current exam fees.

8

Be aware that some information about you will be made publicly available on the FCC’s website (FCC Licensee Privacy) including a felony conviction status. All applicants must answer the Basic Qualification Question (felony conviction status question) on the 605 Form at the exam session. Applicants that answer “YES” for the question must follow these FCC procedures:  FCC qualification question instructions