What To Expect At An MMARC Exam Session
v Nov 30 2024a
The MMARC VE Team is part of the Laurel VEC. All Laurel VEC sessions are free, so you will not be asked to pay anything to take your exam(s). However, there will be an FCC processing fee for new licenses and renewals. There is no FCC processing fee for license upgrades, name changes, or address changes. You will be responsible for paying your fee directly to the FCC online after taking your exam, and within 10 calendar days of being issued a file number.
The MMARC VE team can renew licenses that have vanity call signs, but we cannot process applications for new vanity call signs.
MMARC is not connected with the American Legion. The American Legion Post 175 very kindly provides us with a place to administer license exam sessions.
The VEs you see working at the session want you to pass as much as you do. By FCC rules, you must follow their instructions.
In most cases you will be at the exam session for about 1 ½ hours. It takes most people much less time than that to take an exam, but 1 ½ hours is about how long the entire process will take, including grading exams and processing paperwork.
You will be directed to a check in table with a computer operator.
Only person is allowed at this table at a time.
The VE at the computer will obtain information from you that is needed to fill out and print a LARC-VEC Form 605. If you pre-registered, we will already have this information.
You will be given a folder. Remember your folder number. You will need to write it on your exam answer sheet.
It's best if you obtain an FRN before coming to the exam session. You will have done this if you pre-registered, as it is part of the pre-registration process. A VE may assist you at an exam session in obtaining an FRN, if needed and time permits.
After finishing at the computer table you will proceed to the Registration and Document Inspection table. VEs here will check your government-issued photo ID. If you are applying for exam credit, it will be checked here.
Exams books and answer sheets will be distributed to the applicants at their seats.
Technician and General exams each have 35 multiple choice questions. You need to answer at least 26 correct, which is the same as not more than 9 wrong, to pass.
Amateur Extra exams have 50 multiple choice questions. You need to answer at least 37 correct, which is the same as not more than 13 wrong, to pass.
You may be allowed to test again at the same session if you do not pass. This is at the discretion of the VEs based on how close you came to passing, and time permitting..
Some exam questions may refer to a figure. All figures are found in the back of the exam book.
Large print versions of the exam books are available. Ask the VE who distributes the exam books for a large print version if you want one.
Cell phones, smartphones, and anything that can connect to the internet or make noise must be turned off and out of sight. Phones may not be used as calculators.
The exams are closed book. No books, notes, or any other materials are allowed to be used or in view.
Once you open your exam book you must complete the exam. If you leave your seat before you are finished, we must grade your exam at that point.
Do not write in the exam books. Use the back of your answer sheet for scratch paper.
There is no talking during exams. At least 3 VEs will observe the exam session. Raise your hand to get the attention of one of them if you need assistance, or to turn in your completed exam.
When you receive your answer sheet, fill out the top.
Use the folder number from your folder.
Write the test number legibly and accurately. This is extremely important so that your exam is graded correctly.
Use an "X" to indicate the answer you want, not a circle. If you need to change an answer, erase as cleanly as you can and select another by marking again with an “X”.
You may take exams for more than one license class. It is recommended that you only take exams you have prepared for.
The grading and other paperwork done by the VEs takes time. Please be patient, and quiet if others are still taking exams. Do not go near the grading table or the computer. A VE will tell you your exam result after it has been graded.
Do not leave without your personal papers, if you brought any, or your CSCE if you passed. Review your CSCE for accuracy before you leave.
If you fail all of your exams you will not receive a CSCE and your LARC-VEC Form 605 will be returned to you.
We have calculators you may borrow. You may use your own calculator if nothing is stored or programmed in it.
You may not use smartphone or cell phone calculators.
Applicants are to demonstrate to the VE Observers prior to taking exams that their calculators do not have anything in the memories or programmed in them.
When you pass your Technician exam at a Maryland Mobileers exam session you are eligible for a free 1-year club membership. Mentors are available to help you get started as an amateur radio operator. See David WB3IGW before you leave. If David is not there, ask any VE for information.
Anyone who already has a license and is interested in learning about or joining the Maryland Mobileers should see David WB3IGW, or any other VE if David is not there, for information.