MMARC VE Exam Applicant Information & Pre-Registration
If you have questions or need assistance, contact Mike ka2jai@arrl.net
Exam dates are posted on the Laurel website here and on Hamstudy here - Check periodically for changes or cancellations
Pre-registration is done at Hamstudy.org by 3:30 PM on 1st Tue exam days
Exams are taken on-screen using ExamTools. You should bring your own device, such as a laptop, Chromebook, iPad, tablet, or smartphone, to take your exam. Your device only needs a browser to access the internet. No software will need to be installed. We will have a limited number of devices available for you to borrow to take your exam.
Important:
Pre-registration speeds up the process and ensures an exam session will be conducted. Walk ins are accepted, however, exam sessions are cancelled if no one pre-registers. Pre-registration is done at Hamstudy.org by 3:30 PM on 1st Tue exam days.
Bring your FRN with you to the exam session if you have not pre-registered. If you have difficulty obtaining it, a VE may be able to help you at the exam session.
If you do not feel well, have any sickness symptoms, or were with someone who was ill, do not come to the exam session
You must have an email address and a mailing address
Under the FCC’s rules, address information submitted by an applicant is considered public information in the Universal Licensing System (ULS) and may be accessible online through ULS and internet searches. If you would prefer not to disclose your home address, you may provide an alternate address, such as a P.O. Box or a business address.
Bring a government-issued photo ID with you to the exam session
If you are applying for exam credit, bring a paper copy of your proof with you to leave with the VE team.
Exam Dates and Times
Exams are given by the Laurel VEC MMARC VE Team on 1st Tuesdays, except we skip Jan, Jul, and Sep due to holidays. Check here for scheduled dates and changes. Exams are given in the hall at the American Legion Post 175 in Severna Park.
Exam location:
American Legion Post 175
832 Manhattan Beach Rd
Severna Park, MD 21146
Look for the sign for the hall outside of the building
1st Tuesday exams begin approximately 6:00 PM, after registration has been completed. Please arrive between 5:45 - 6:00 PM if possible and not later than 6:30.
Pre-Registration and Walk Ins
Exam sessions are held only if at least one person has pre-registered, and then walk in applicants will be accepted. Walk in applicants take a risk that they might arrive at a cancelled exam session if no one pre-registered. Pre-registration is done at Hamstudy.org. Pre-registration must be completed by 3:30 PM on 1st Tue exam days, and you must receive an emailed acknowledgement that you have been registered, to ensure an exam session will be conducted. Email Mike at ka2jai@arrl.org if you have questions or do not receive your pre-registration acknowledgement by email.
Exams Available
Exams for all 3 license classes are available at all exam sessions: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra. Applicants may take any exam(s) they have prepared for. Exams are taken on-screen using ExamTools. You should bring your own device, such as a laptop, Chromebook, iPad, tablet, or smartphone, to take your exam. Your device only needs a browser to access the internet. No software will need to be installed. We will have a limited number of devices available for you to borrow to take your exam.
Exams are closed book. No books, notes, or other materials are allowed on the exam tables.
Applicants who are not successful may be allowed, at the discretion of the VEs, to retest at the same session if they were very close to passing, and there is time for another exam. Many applicants have found it helpful to take any of the on-line practice exams that are available, more than once, to determine whether they were ready to take their license exam.
FCC Registration Number (FRN)
The FCC requires you to use a Federal Registration Number (FRN). The FRN is a unique number the FCC uses to identify you. Your Social Security number is required by the FCC when you obtain an FRN, but the FRN is used after that for your transactions with the FCC. The FRN you use must be your own personal FRN. An FRN can be obtained here. If you need assistance obtaining an FRN, a VE may be able to help you at your exam session, time permitting, and you will need access to your email at the session, such as from your cell phone.
If you currently have an Amateur Radio license your FRN will appear on your license, in the FCC ULS database, and in the FCC CORES database. FRNs are not just used for amateur radio licenses. You might already have an FRN if you have a GMRS license or had some other transaction with the FCC.
FCC CORES Registration Tutorial Video using the CORES system.
FCC FEES
The MMARC Volunteer Examiner Team is sponsored by the Laurel VEC. We administer free amateur radio license exams.
You will have to pay an FCC processing fee for certain applications. FCC processing for new licenses and renewals are subject to FCC processing fees. Vanity call sign applications are also subject to the FCC processing fees, however, we cannot process applications for new vanity call signs. We can process license renewals that have vanity call signs. The FCC does not charge processing fees for license upgrades.
The FCC fee is charged per application. You will have 10 calendar days to pay after the FCC receives your exam result and assigns a file number. The FCC will dismiss applications if the fee is not paid within 10 calendar days. If that happens, you may bring your unexpired CSCE to another exam session to re-apply and your 10 calendar days will begin again. CSCEs are good for 365 days.
FCC fee payment is done in CORES. Payment is not made to the VE teams. There are no FCC fee refunds. The MMARC VE team strives to keep informed on FCC rules and requirements, and provide the best service we can. We are proud of our record and rarely make errors that could result in additional FCC fees. However, we are a volunteer organization that charges no fees to take our exams and has no income. We cannot be financially responsible for fees that result from any VEC, VE, or VE team errors.
LARC-VEC Form 605
We will computer-generate a LARC-VEC Form 605 for you even if you bring a filled out one with you.
License Renewals for Individuals
License renewal applications are accepted at MMARC VE exam sessions. A government-issued photo ID is required. Licenses can only be renewed during the 90-day period prior to the license expiration date, or within the 2-year grace period following the expiration date. If your license is within the 2-year grace period, you may not transmit on the air until your license has been renewed. We cannot issue or renew club call signs. We can renew, but not issue, vanity call signs.
Name and Mailing Address Changes
The FCC requires amateur radio licencees to have correct addresses and email addresses in their ULS records. The MMARC VE team can assist you in updating this information and making name changes in the ULS. Contact Mike at ka2jai@arrl.net if you have questions.
Paper Licenses
The FCC no longer mails paper licenses. You can print one yourself from your ULS record if you wish.
Important! Do you have any actions pending with the FCC?
If you do, let the VE team know when you check in at your exam session. It can affect how we process your exam results, and can avoid processing delays. Examples are vanity call applications, and name or address changes that are in process.
What To Bring To Your MMARC Exam Session
A government-issued photo ID. Youth applicants who do not have a government-issued photo ID may use other forms of ID including a school ID, library card, or report card.
The FCC requires a mailing address and an email address. A phone number expedites processing your exam results if the VE team needs to contact you with questions.
Your FRN, if it was not provided during pre-registration. It’s best to bring a printout from the FCC CORES web site, or be able to display your FRN on your phone or other device, if you did not pre-register.
If you are applying for exam credit, bring your proof with you. A paper copy must be left with the VE team.
Acceptable forms of proof are listed here. Exam credit can be pre-reviewed to verify it is acceptable by scanning and emailing the information to Mike at ka2jai@arrl.net prior to the exam session if you wish.
An original, unaltered CSCE issued at a previous exam session, and a paper copy, may be used if your current license class is not showing in the FCC ULS database yet. The paper copy must be left with the VE team. CSCEs will not be accepted with changes of any kind, including crossed out text, handwritten additions, or the use of white correction fluid.
You will be allowed to take your exam if your previous results have not been processed, but it might not be possible to process your new results until all pending actions have been completed by the FCC. Once any pending issues with the FCC are resolved, the results from exams taken with the MMARC VE team and other Laurel VEC teams are usually processed within a few business days.
Optional:
An on-screen calculator will be available during your exam. You may bring your own calculator to use as long as nothing is programmed in it or stored in its memories, and you will be asked to demonstrate this prior to taking your exam. You may not use the calculator in a smartphone or cell phone. Cell phones, devices that can be connected to the internet, any other electronic devices, or devices that make noise must be turned off and out of sight during your exam.
Applicants passing their Technician Class exam at an MMARC VE exam session receive a one-year free MMARC club membership! Look for David WB3IGW or ask any other VE about it at an exam session.
If you have any questions, send an email to Mike at ka2jai@arrl.net.