FCC Exam Guide
Introduction
A few days ago, I published my article titled "FCC Exam Guide" on the HamCQ forum. After reviewing it carefully, I realized that the original article was quite amateurish and embarrassing. Therefore, I have rewritten the entire article and apologize to all my fellow members for any errors or disrespect in the original version.
I first learned about the FCC exam from "Amateur Radio Communication" (Blue Book). It was September 2023, and I was preparing for my A-class license exam. I discovered that in the United States, it's possible to obtain the highest level of license with a single exam, which immediately caught my attention. The book recommended taking the exam through Mr. Sheng (@BA1AJ) conducted the exam offline, but due to my busy studies, language proficiency issues, and lack of a US address, I was unable to participate in the FCC exam held in Hangzhou in May 2024. Now that I feel my radio knowledge has significantly improved, I have decided to register for the FCC exam, both to assess my own abilities and to facilitate future plans for installing equipment abroad.
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I. Basic Introduction
1. What is the FCC exam?
This discussion focuses solely on the FCC amateur radio license exam. This is the exam used to obtain a U.S. amateur radio license, similar to the amateur radio license exams in China.
2. What are the similarities and differences between a U.S. license and a domestic one?
In the United States, licenses are divided into three levels, from lowest to highest: Technician（T）, General（G）, Amateur Extra（E）They are similar to the ABC documents used in China.
Differences:
- A T-band radio can also operate on shortwave (10m band, maximum power of 200W).
- In the United States, no radio station license is required; call signs are issued with the license.
- The exam difficulty is relatively higher than domestic exams.
- Maximum power in the UV segment: 1500W, with more available frequencies.
- It is possible to obtain a license/permit from another country.
3. What is the format of the exam?
Similar to domestic exams, but with some differences.
1. Organizer
Volunteer examiners (VE) and the examination organization VEC. VEC is responsible for organizing and maintaining exam questions. VE, comprising members of VEC, are responsible for invigilating and verifying exam results.
2. Exam Content and Questions
- Level T: Passing score achieved through Element 2 test questions, selected from the question bank; 35 correct answers, 26 passing.
- Level G: Based on Level T, using Element 3's questions, selected from the question bank, with 35 correct and 26 passing.
- Level E: Based on Level G, using questions from Element 4, selected randomly from the question bank, with 37 out of 50 questions answered correctly, resulting in a pass.
Once you pass each level of the exam, you can immediately take the next level until you pass Level 1. With thorough preparation, you can obtain the highest-level amateur radio license with a single attempt at the exam.
4. What is the significance of obtaining this license?
Regarding this section, my understanding is relatively limited. I will directly quote and supplement Professor BH1NAF's insights with my own perspectives.
In fact, I think it would be beneficial to also provide some more positive and constructive examples when discussing the role of international call signs. For example, in communities like HelloCQ, I've noticed that several experienced amateur radio operators have been active in multiple countries, and they have made significant contributions to cross-border communication within the hobby. Their experiences also demonstrate that obtaining multiple call signs is a means, not an end in itself.
To conclude, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Sheng for introducing the FCC exam to China. @BA1AJ . I lived and worked in the United States for two years, obtained a license to transmit from the US, and participated in local amateur radio activities. Therefore, my FCC call sign was indeed effective. Unfortunately, I didn't keep records of my communications at the time. I also wrote some articles about American radio (e.g.,This article), which also represents a small but significant achievement in international exchange.
Regarding my Japanese call sign, I applied based on an article by a senior member on HelloCQ. Since I had a visa, I wanted to try contacting local HAMs while traveling. However, the conditions for foreign non-residents obtaining a license in Japan are quite strict, and the license used to have a 1-year validity period, but now it's only valid for 90 days, which makes it somewhat useless. So, I just considered it as an opportunity to experience the spirit of amateur radio enthusiasts.
FCC Exam Guide - HamCQ Community
- Just as there are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand different minds, each amateur radio enthusiast has their own unique preferences. Some enjoy collecting QSL cards, others focus on achieving specific contacts and earning awards, while still others prefer to study equipment or build antennas. I'm currently trying to collect a few call signs, which is also a way for me to "experiment" with the hobby.
- On an international level, as a high school student, my understanding was still quite limited and I hadn't considered this aspect. Although I don't currently have the opportunity to communicate with foreign friends, I am sure that opportunities like this will become more frequent in the future. Through the question bank, I learned a lot of knowledge, and I also hope to become an amateur radio enthusiast with high technical skills, contributing my own efforts to the development of radio in China and around the world. This exam is also a way for me to assess my own level.
II. Detailed Examination Process
1. Register with FCC CORES and obtain an FRN.
You will need to have a U.S. address first. If you don't have any American family or friends who can help, you can choose to use SF Express for the shipping.
1. Obtain a U.S. address
2. Register with FCC CORES
Detailed documentation
Please look inside the archive file yourself.
Note: If you cannot open it, you will need to use magic.
2. Practice exam simulation
The best way to prepare for an exam varies from person to person, and here's how I personally prefer to do it:
- Print a copyPaper-based question bankAnd read through it thoroughly.
- EnterWebsiteStudy question bank. Achieve 100% "Seen" status, with at least 60% accuracy for each subelement.
- Achieve an 80% score on practice exams.90If the accuracy rate reaches X%, you can proceed to learn the next level.
- Review the material multiple times, and selectively skip some questions. Some questions are long and difficult (specifically, the E7 and E9 units from the E-class question bank), so it's not necessary to study them in detail. Use the exam's tolerance range effectively to achieve efficient review.
3. Choose an exam on the website.
Looking for an examChoose an appropriate time to register. You will need the address and FRN number provided above, so please keep them safe.
Send an email to the exam group, confirming the time and making payment. You will need a PayPal account for this.
Exam discount policies
- The ARRL VEC offers discounts for minors, charging $5 for the exam fee and offering a refund of $35 for the license fee. However, it appears that the refund is made by check, so if you use an address at the US forwarding warehouse, you will not receive this money.
- GLAARG's exam groups may waive the $10 exam fee for minors.
4. Exam
1. Before the start of the competition
Find a laptop and verify that its microphone and webcam are working properly; also, install Zoom in advance.
Before the exam starts, VE will send you an email. The email typically includes a Zoom link and important instructions for the exam.
2. Preparation before the exam
Prepare the computer and enter the conference room.
Initially, you will enter Zoom's virtual waiting room, where you can adjust your camera and microphone.
Then, the examiners will enter the room, typically there are five or six of them. The VE will assign you to a specific exam room, and they will then guide you through the pre-exam preparation process.
They will verify your identity information; at this point, hold up your passport in front of the camera.
They will instruct you to raise your camera and scan your surroundings to ensure that there are no prohibited items (such as mobile phones) nearby. It is recommended to take the exam in a bathroom to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
3. Begin the exam
Enter the exam group number and password as instructed by VE, and proceed with the exam. All "submit" and "confirm" actions you take here must be synchronized by VE before you can proceed to the next step.
The exam can be taken by selecting answers using either a keyboard or a mouse.
After completing the exam, click on "Grade Exam" below to confirm your results. The results will then be displayed.
Then you can proceed with the General level exam. In summary, follow VE's instructions and you can progress all the way to Extra level.
VE will confirm your results with you after you sign, and then the exam will be over. Some things will let you know at this point, for example:Do not arbitrarily change the information for the FRN.If the VE is not properly submitted, it may be rejected by the FCC, resulting in wasted time and the need to resubmit.
4. Obtain a license
Wait for the email from the FCC to arrive in the email address you specified for your exam.
Payment: Click on the payment link he sent, or directly access the FRN system to make a payment. You can use Mastercard or Visa cards. Some cards may be declined, so try again.
After payment, please wait 1.2. Issuance of licenses and call signs by the relevant authority. This is also done via email notification.
III. Summary
What kind of people are eligible to take the FCC exam?
- I have some free time and would like to take an exam to test my abilities.
- There is a demand or plan for overseas installation.
The exam process is much simpler than in China, and the total duration is also shorter.
Acknowledgments
@Ken @BA1AJ
References / Useful links you might find helpful
US Amateur Radio License Online Exam Guide - HamCQ Community
Here's a brief overview of the FCC amateur radio exam – the HamCQ community.
Obtain an FCC amateur radio license (Class T) online – Lyphix's Weblog
FCC Amateur Radio License Guide | Hisen's Blog (hisenz.com)
FCC Exam Record - asdf (shuf.io)
Question bank
Exam registration
Exam materials
FCC Core
FCC ULS Database
Additional: Domestic local exams
The exam was organized by a group led by Ms. Sheng, and it was an in-person exam. The format of the exam is similar to that in other countries, with an exam fee of 120 yuan (RMB). The license fee is separate. The last exam took place on November 17, 2024, in Shanghai. For details, please see:HereYou can also consult with Mr. Sheng. (It seems that this exam is already full, so you could inquire about the exam plan for next year or opt for online exams instead.)
So, thank you for getting this far. DE BG5CYY/AC3ND 73!
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