Ham Radio Exam Day Checklist — Everything to Bring

The Required Items — Do Not Arrive Without These

• Your FCC Registration Number (FRN) — Your 10-digit FRN, written on paper or accessible on your phone. Since April 2022, this is mandatory. Your Social Security number is not accepted as a substitute. How to get your FRN →
• Government-issued photo ID — A state driver's license, state ID card, US passport, military ID, or similar government photo ID. Your name on the ID must match your CORES registration exactly.
• Exam fee in cash (exact change preferred) — Most in-person sessions charge $14–$15. Some VECs (notably Laurel VEC) charge nothing. Check your specific session's listing on ARRL.org or HamStudy.org before attending. Credit cards are rarely accepted — bring cash.
• Pre-registration confirmation (if required) — Some sessions require advance registration; walk-ins are not guaranteed a seat. Check your session's listing. If you pre-registered, bring your confirmation email or registration number.

Bring These If They Apply to You

• Your current license (if upgrading) — If you are upgrading from Technician to General, or General to Extra, bring your original FCC license or a printout from the FCC ULS database. The VE team needs to verify your current license class.
• CSCE from a recent exam (if applicable) — If you passed a licensing exam in the last 365 days but haven't received your official license yet, bring the Certificate of Successful Completion. Bring both the original and a photocopy.
• A basic calculator — Most technician-level math is simple, but a basic (non-scientific, non-graphing, non-programmed) calculator is allowed at most sessions. No phone calculators — a dedicated device only.
• A pencil — Paper-based sessions use pencils. Many sessions now use computer-based testing and provide everything, but check your session listing to be sure.

Optional But Useful

• A copy of your CORES registration — If you can't access the internet at the test site, having your FRN printed on paper is a backup.
• A second form of non-photo ID — If your photo ID has a different address than your FCC registration, a utility bill or bank statement showing your current address helps resolve any discrepancies.
• Water and a snack — Exam sessions can run 1–2 hours, especially if the session is large or if you plan to attempt multiple license levels in one sitting.

What Happens When You Walk In

1. 1

   Check In with the VE Team

   A volunteer examiner will greet you, verify your ID, record your FRN, collect the exam fee, and have you fill out a Form 605 (your FCC license application). This takes about 5 minutes. They will check that your name matches your ID and CORES registration.

2. 2

   Take the Exam

   The Technician exam is 35 multiple-choice questions drawn from the public question pool. You need 26 correct answers to pass (74%). Most sessions are untimed but expect to finish in 20–40 minutes. You may use a basic calculator for the small number of math questions.

3. 3

   Get Your Score Immediately

   VEs grade your exam on the spot. You will know within minutes whether you passed. If you passed, they will ask if you want to attempt the General exam immediately — you are allowed to take the next level on the same day. There is no time limit between attempts.

4. 4

   Receive Your CSCE

   If you pass, the VE team gives you a Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination. Keep this document. The VE team will submit your results to the FCC electronically; the CSCE is your personal record and proof of passing.

5. 5

   What Happens If You Fail

   You can retake the exam at the same session if time allows. There is no mandatory waiting period — different questions are drawn from the same pool. Many sessions charge a small re-test fee ($5–$10). If the session has ended, you must attend another session, but there is no waiting period between sessions. Most people who fail by a small margin pass on a second attempt with another week of focused practice testing.

Walk-In vs. Pre-Registered Sessions

Every exam session listing on ARRL.org and HamStudy.org specifies whether walk-ins are allowed. Many sessions explicitly welcome walk-ins — but "walk-ins allowed" does not mean guaranteed seating. If a session is full, walk-ins may be turned away. Pre-registering takes two minutes and guarantees your spot.

Online exam sessions (conducted via video conference) always require registration in advance and have their own technical requirements — stable internet, a webcam, and a specific browser setup. Check with the exam sponsor well before your scheduled date.

How to Find an Exam Session Near You

Two reliable databases list upcoming sessions nationwide:

• ARRL.org — arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session — searchable by zip code and date.
• HamStudy.org/sessions — lists both in-person and remote sessions with clear walk-in/pre-registration status.

Sessions are held in libraries, fire stations, community centers, club meeting rooms, and churches across the country. Most areas have at least one session per month within a reasonable drive.

• Can I take the exam online from home?
  Yes. Remote online exam sessions are available through several VECs, including ARRL and W5YI. You need a webcam, stable internet, and a supported browser. You will be monitored via video during the entire exam. Check the specific session's requirements before registering — each VEC has slightly different technical specs.
• Can I use my phone as a calculator during the exam?
  No. Phones and internet-connected devices are not allowed during the exam. If you need a calculator, bring a basic, standalone calculator — not a scientific or graphing calculator with programmable memory. Most VE teams have loaners available if you ask.
• What if my name is different on my ID versus my FCC registration?
  This causes check-in problems. Update your CORES registration before exam day to match your current legal name exactly as it appears on your ID. If you have a name difference due to marriage or legal name change, bring supporting documentation (marriage certificate, court order) to the session.
• Is there an age minimum for the ham radio exam?
  No minimum age. Children as young as 5 have passed the Technician exam. Minors need a parent or guardian present at most sessions — check with the specific VE team. Some sessions charge a reduced fee for minors under 17 or 18.
• What if I forget my FRN on exam day?
  If you have internet access on your phone, log into FCC CORES (apps.fcc.gov/cores) to retrieve your FRN. Some VE teams will allow you to look it up on-site. However, if you cannot produce your FRN, most VE teams cannot process your application, and you will be unable to take the exam that day. Always bring it written down.