VEC Testingget Licensed quickly

The Jefferson Amateur Radio Club VEC is now using computer based in-person license exams at the JARC. You will need to bring your fully charged Laptop, iPad or Tablet with an 8-inch or larger screen. We have a limited number of tablets available if you need to use one.

Also available is a free online computer based intelligent study mode, explanations for all questions, and practice exams which are geared towards giving you a realistic look at where you are and where to focus your studies. While it is not a full instructional tool, it may still be enough for many by itself with the included explanations and it pairs well with any other instructional tool you may decide to use.

To access the free online study and practice tests, open your browser and click on this link  https://hamstudy.org/. When you are ready to schedule your in-person exam at the JARC, you must pre-register by selecting a test date from the list of exam sessions that have slots available by clicking on this link https://hamstudy.org/sessions/jefferson/inperson/. You will receive a PIN number when you submit your registration information that you must bring to the testing session.

The VEC testing exams for new and for upgrading Amateur Radio licenses are held monthly at our clubhouse located in the Wally Pontiff Jr. Playground, Metairie, LA. Testing dates are at 6:30 pm on the 3rd Monday of odd numbered months and at 8:30 am on the 2nd Saturday of even numbered months. If these dates are not convenient for you, please check our calendar for any other upcoming special test dates.

The JARC is one of only fourteen VEC’s in the US authorized by the FCC of the US government to electronically submit testing results directly to them. As soon as your callsign has been added or updated in the FCC ULS, you are allowed to operate with your new earned privileges.

Effective April 19, 2022, FCC $35 Amateur Radio Application fees went into effect per Public Notice A-22-307. The Wireless application payment fees is paid through the Commission’s Universal Licensing System (ULS) at https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/universal-licensing- system. For further guidance regarding Wireless Telecommunications Bureau application fees, please refer to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Fee Filing Guide located at https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/fees/application-processing-fees.

  • The FCC $35 Amateur Radio Application fees will apply to the initial grant of a new operator license, but will not apply to most license modifications, including those to upgrade a licensee’s operator class, administrative updates such as a changes of mailing or email address or until you renew your license or apply for a new vanity call sign.
  • Payment of the FCC $35 Amateur Radio Application fees will be the responsibility of the applicant regardless of the filing method and will not be collected by the VEC at the license exam session. After the FCC has received the VEC exam session results and a ULS file number assigned, the FCC will email you a link directly with payment instructions to each successful candidate who then will have ten (10) calendar days from the date of the email to pay. After the fee is paid and the Commission has processed the application, examinees will receive a second email from the FCC with a link to their official license or explanation of other action. If the candidate’s application is not paid within the allotted number of days, the FCC will dismiss the application for non-payment.

Effective January 1, 2024 the JARC exam testing fee will be $5.00 in cash and FREE* for those 17 years of age and younger. We expect that the elimination of fees for the young will lighten the burdens of first licensing and license upgrades to those possibly least able to afford the costs and to encourage the younger generation in obtaining their license and participation in the hobby.

When you’re ready to take your exam test, here is a summary of requirements and things to bring:

    • The VEC exam testing fee is $5 dollars in cash and FREE* for those 17 years of age and younger.
    • Bring a copy of your pre-registration form with PIN number.
    • You are required to bring your driver’s license or other government issued photo identification. Students/minors may also bring a State issued picture ID card, Passport, Birth Certificate (with appropriate seal), School ID, Report card or a legal guardian may present a photo id.
    • First time license applicants must register at the FCC CORES Website before coming to the testing session and create a Federal Registration Number (FRN) by clicking here. There is no cost to register for a FCC FRN and you must bring a printed or photo copy of your FRN to the testing session.
    • Each applicant must have their own email address including minors.
    • If upgrading your operator license class you must bring a copy of your current Amateur Radio Operator license or the original valid Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) that was given to you when you scored a passing grade from a previous exam.
    • A calculator is optional and you must be able to demonstrate that the memories are erased and formulas cleared. Smart phones and other electronic devices with calculator capability or written notes are not allowed.
    • If you have any questions you can send us an email by clicking here.
    • Be sure to pack your brain and we wish you the best of luck on test day!

* Only one Free test per session date.