  at Pacificon
Saturday 8:00am to 1:00pm
Sunday 9:00am to 12:00pm
At every Pacificon we offer License Testing for those who want to get their first amateur radio license, or those who want to upgrade to a higher class license. Examination sessions are available on Saturday and Sunday. We will assist you with completion of the necessary paperwork prior to taking your exam. Requirements A fee of $15 dollars is charged for the examination. You may pay with cash or check. Please bring a government-issued ID like a driver's license. Otherwise, bring a current utility bill or a postmarked envelope to establish your current residency as shown on the exam registration paperwork, and one of the following: * a birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal) * a social security card *a library card or * a student body card If you would prefer to not use your Social Security Number on your application, obtain a Federal Registration Number (FRN) from the <FCC.gov> website before coming. Otherwise you'll need to use your Social Security Number. Upgrade Examinations
If you are already licensed and are taking an upgrade examination: Please bring your printed original license, and a copy of your current license that we can keep.
Retaking the Exam
If
you almost passed the exam on your first try, and would like to try
again, you may retake the exam for an additional $15 fee. Morse Code Not Required!
Morse Code is no longer required for any level of amateur radio license. All Morse Code testing requirements for the Amateur Radio Service in the USA were eliminated on February 23, 2007. Some portions of the ham bands remain reserved for Morse Code use, and the mode remains popular, but Morse testing is no longer a requirement to be licensed. In
the US, there are three license levels, or "license classes". These
are: Technician Class, General Class and Amateur Extra Class. The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) grants these licenses. With only three
License Classes and no Morse Code requirement, getting started in ham
radio or upgrading your license class has never been easier!
Amateur
radio operators are required to pass a written exam displaying
knowledge and understanding of key concepts. This practice is in
contrast to other personal radio services such as CB Radio, Multi-Use
Radio Service, or FRS that are unlicensed and more heavily restricted.
In return, amateur operators are granted operating privileges in larger
segments of the radio frequency spectrum and are allowed to use both
higher power levels and a wide variety of communication techniques. Once
you pass your first exam and become a licensed amateur operator you are
given a unique call sign. The holder of a call sign uses this on the
air to legally identify the operator or station during any and all radio
communications. If you'd prefer to have a different call sign, you may
apply to the FCC for a "Vanity" call sign.
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