Amateur Radio Operator License Examinations

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Testing Registration Form

Please email KF4AQO James if you have questions.

Pencil on standardized answer sheet.

The Athens Radio Club’s Volunteer Examiner (VE) Team conducts in-person exams for all classes of amateur radio licenses. Exams are held every other month.

When: The First Tuesdays of even-numbered months:
(February, April, June, August, October, & December). See our Calendar of Events.

Time: Testing begins at 6:00 p.m. sharp.
As a courtesy to others, please arrive early.

Where: Athens-Clarke County Police Department East Precinct classroom , 3035 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605

Please bring the following to your testing session: 

  • A Government Issued Photo ID – Driver’s license, Passport, etc.

    • Minors without a Photo ID must bring their Social Security Card and Birth Certificate

  • $15.00 cash/check for the ARRL testing/processing fee.

    • FCC Application Fee: $35.00 – Billed and payable directly to the FCC. This fee is in addition to the Exam Fee. This fee is only billed if you pass your license exam and get a new call sign, and it will be billed directly from the FCC to you (the applicant). This fee applies to anyone getting their first call sign (newly licensed), requesting a new call sign.

      If an applicant is under 18, the ARRL'S Youth Licensing Grant Program will reimburse the $35 application fee one time for a candidate who passes one or more amateur radio exams taken on the same day at a single examination session. Tests would have to be administered by a ARRL Volunteer Examiner Team, such as the Athens Radio Club (VE) team. Qualified candidates also pay a reduced exam session fee of $5 to the ARRL VEC.

  • #2 pencils and a pen

  • Calculator

  • A copy of your current license, if taking the General or Extra exam.

  • Your FCC Registration Number (FRN), If you already have an Amateur Radio license, your FRN will appear on your license. If you are unlicensed, an FRN can be obtained by going to the FCC CORES page and clicking on the Register button. Your application cannot be processed without an FRN. For help navigating the FCC CORES page, you may watch their Video Tutorials.

  • You must provide a valid email address for the FCC to contact you.

  • If you have a Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) form from a previous testing session, bring that.

  • Use this link to access the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) page.

  • For more details on these requirements, see What to Bring to an ARRL Exam Session.

What To Expect at the Testing Session

A Volunteer Examiner (VE) will distribute your application (form 609), an exam answer sheet, check your photo ID, and collect your testing fee of $15.00. Once you have completed your 609 and answer sheet, you will be given the exam. DO NOT WRITE ON THE EXAM.

The VE will collect your answer document and exam when you are finished.

Your exam will be graded.

When you pass the Technician exam, you will have the option of taking the General exam (next level up) at no additional cost. If you pass the General, you may also take the Amateur Extra exam at no added cost.

Once your exam(s) have been graded, you and the VE will complete a certificate of successful completion of an exam (CSCE). DO NOT leave without completing this certificate and be certain that the VE team has the ARRL copy of the certificate. You won’t receive your license if the ARRL doesn’t receive your copy.

This isn't as complicated as it seems, but knowing the testing procedures saves time and confusion.

How To Study For Your Exam

Hamstudy.org - Offers practice tests, flashcards and a “smart study” mode to focus on your weak areas. There is a free online version and a paid mobile app version.

Hambook.org - Offers a online textbook that correlates to the test question pool.

ARRL Study Guide PDF file with Exam Questions - Offers a very basic list of test questions with the correct answers noted in the right margin.

Ham Radio Technician License Prep Videos - A series of 12 Youtube videos produced by the popular host of the Ham Radio Crash Course Youtube channel.

Ham Test Online - Offers subscription based online courses for the amateur radio license exams.

Ham Radio School - Offers a paid online course for amateur radio license exams.

The Technician License is the entry level to Amateur Radio. For information on the three license levels, check out the Why Should I Get Licensed page and the FCC Licenses and Amateur Radio pages on the ARRL web site.

Practice Exams

There are many options out there that offer practice exams. It is recommended that you use more than one to ensure you get a truly random selection of questions.

ARRL Ham Radio License Exam Practice

eHam.net - Ham Exams

HamExam.org - Amateur Radio Practice Exams

HamStudy.org - Practice test

HamTestOnline - Ham radio practice exams

QRZ.com - Practice Amateur Radio Exams

N3FJP - Amateur Exam Study Buddy

Please email KF4AQO James if you have questions or comments.

Feel free to help us provide this testing service by making a donation.

Other Tests and Classes

Many Amateur Radio Clubs offer classes to help learn the material needed to pass the Technician class license. They also have groups of Volunteer Examiners (VEs) that administer the FCC exams on a regular basis and at special events. Many hamfests offer examination sessions for all classes of Amateur Radio licensing.

The ARRL and Hamstudy.org maintain lists of testing locations. These lists do not contain all of the tests offered so be sure to use Google to search for testing sessions in your area. Also contact local amateur radio clubs or check their websites for testing oppourtunities.