Testing
The Amateur Radio hobby is a great one! One of the challenging aspects is that one must pass exams and achieve an FCC license before being able to transmit on a Ham Radio. DELARA is now recognized as a Volunteer Examiner Team through Laurel VEC. This means that DELARA can give ham license exams (at no charge!)
The DELARA VE team will be offering FREE amateur radio exams at 10:00am on the following date:
Find test dates for DELARA Exams:
Check ALL Laurel exams:
Find Laurel VE Teams:
Find ARRL Exams:
[ ARRL Exam Finder ]
Exam sessions are conducted by accredited examiners of the Laurel VEC.
All exam sessions are provided at no cost. The FCC also does not charge a fee to issue and email or print an initial license or for standard changes to a license.
Note: Starting February 17,2017, the FCC no longer will routinely issue paper license documents to Amateur Radio applicants and licensees. Under the new procedures, a new license applicant who already has an FCC Registration Number (FRN) and provides a valid e-mail address under "Applicant Information" in the ULS will receive an official ULS-generated electronic authorization via e-mail. New license applicants lacking an FRN will receive in the mail an FRN and a temporary password to access the Commission Registration System (CORES). New applicants will no longer automatically receive a license document and must request one by changing their "Paper Authorization Preference" in the ULS License Manager.
If you take and fail an exam by a few questions, the VE team may let you take another version (different questions selected from the same pool) of the exam.
Ready to go? Register HERE:
Ready to take your test?
Here’s what you need to bring.
A legal photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, etc.) Note: Children without IDs may be tested providing that they can prove their identity to the satisfaction of the LARC VEC Team Leader.
A copy and original version of your current, signed, amateur radio operator's license (if you are currently licensed). A copy of your amateur radio operator's license may be a reference copy printed from the FCC website.
The original and a copy of any document on which you will be relying to prove element credit. These documents may include:
A Technician license (Original and/or a photocopy) granted prior to March 21, 1987 Element Credit: Element 3.
An expired and subsequently canceled General class license. Element credit: Element 3.
An expired and subsequently canceled Advanced class license. Element credit: Element 3.
An expired and subsequently canceled Amateur Extra class license. Element credit: Elements 3 and 4.
A letter from the FCC confirming that you previously held a specific class of license for which you will be given credit for the Element 3 exams.
An unexpired Certificate of Successful Completion of Exam (CSCE) indicating the credit(s) earned.
Your FCC issued Federal Registration Number (FRN) or your Social Security Number (SSN). You may register your SSN with the FCC and receive your FRN prior to exam day.
For instructions on how to register your SSN with the FCC and receive an FRN, go to our “FCC license database” page. If you have an FCC license (Amateur, GMRS, or other) you have an FRN and it is printed on the license.Two number two pencils with erasers and a pen.
If you want to use a calculator and if it has a programmable memory, the memory must be cleared. The VEs will inspect your calculator before letting you use it. iPhones, iPads, Androids, smartphones, Blackberry devices and all similar electronic devices with a calculator capability, may not be used.
Cell phones must be silenced or turned off during the exam session.
A positive attitude and some patience. The folks administering the exams are dedicated volunteers. They will do their best to get you tested, your exam graded, inform you of the results, and if applicable, prepare and present to you a certificate stating you have earned a license or an upgrade as quickly as possible.
I passed the exam! When can I start operating?
When you earn a new license, you can start operating as soon as your license grant is shown in the FCC's ULS license database. Usually your license will be listed in the FCC data base within 7-10 days following your exam after you take your test. (See below for info on how to search for your new license) If you included an email address on your 605 form and the ULS has processed your information, the FCC will send you an email (From "authorizations@FCC.gov") that has a subject line similar to this: "FCC Application Grant OR Official FCC License"
This email will also include a link and instructions that guide you to your new license. You may print an official license copy by following the link provided in that email.When you upgrade to a higher class of license, you may begin operating with your new privileges immediately after you pass your exam, and you must identify yourself when you are using your new privileges by appending your call sign with the appropriate suffix:
Using PhoneYour call sign followed by "temporary" or "Interim" KT or Kilo Tango (This indicates you have upgraded to Technician);
Example: This is WN4FUI temporary Kilo Tango.Your call sign followed by "temporary" or "Interim AG" or "Alpha Golf" (This indicates you have upgraded to General);
Example: This is KA2JUQ temporary Alpha Golf.Your call sign followed by "temporary" or "Interim AE" or "Alpha Echo" (This indicates you have upgraded to Extra);
Example: This is KA2JUQ Interim Alpha Echo.
Using CW, Digital, Imagery
Your call sign followed by a slant bar and the appropriate suffix: WN4FUI/KT, KA2JUQ/AG, KA2JUQ/AE
Once your upgrade is in the FCC data base you may drop the suffix.
The good news is that with the Laurel VEC the results of your exam session are usually uploaded to the FCC on the first business day following your exam session and you may start operating using your newcall sign as soon as it appears in the FCC Database.