Folsom-VE :: Ham License Exams

Welcome to the information page for Ham Exams in Folsom, California!

Folsom

We are a group of Amateur Radio Operators that volunteer our time to help with proctoring license exams endorsed by the FCC and ARRL. We understand that taking an official test like this can be stressful, but we are committed to making the experience enjoyable and see you succeed.

If you came here to learn about Amateur radio in general, here are some good introductions

What Is Ham Radio by ARRL (the national association for amateur radio)
Interested in Ham Radio by North Hills Radio Club
How to get an amateur radio license (YouTube) by Ham Radio Crash Course
Amateur Radio as fast as possible (YouTube) by Linus Tech Tips
Ham - Documentary (YouTube) by University of Montana

 

Step 1 :: Preparation

There are many ways to study for a new Amateur Radio license, or upgrading your existing license. There are books, Youtube videos, classes and software. Here are links to some resources:

ARRL Licence Manuals : Technichian, General, Amateur Extra
Gordon West Books
Sierra Foothills ARC Classes
Ham Radio Crash Course Youtube Technichian Class
Dave Casler Youtube Technichian Class
Hamstudy.org practice tests
AA9PW info and practice

We recommend that you practice taking the test(s) several times. When you reliably get more than 80% correct answers on the practice tests, you are ready for the real exam.

Step 2 :: Registration with the FCC

To sign up for the exam, you need to register with the FCC to get a FRN number. Registration is free and you are issued the FRN number immediately. If you already have a FRN number, you should not register again.

To get the FRN number, first create an account here: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do
Then log in using the same link and request a new FRN number (or look up the one you were issued earlier) .

Step 3 :: Register for the exam

With your knowledge and FRN number ready to go, find a suitable VE session here and register for it. The cost for taking the test is $15. If you are under the age of 18 at the time of the test, the fee is $5.

To make the exam run smoothly, please pay before arriving at the exam. The payment link will be in the registration confirmation email.

If you pass the test, you can request to take the next higher test in the same session at no additional cost.
If you fail the test, and want to try again, you need to pay another $15.

Step 4 :: At the exam

Location is inside Mountain Mike's Pizza, 717 E Bidwell St, Suite 4 Folsom, CA 95630

You need to bring a government issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport.

If you do not have a DL/passport, bring at least TWO of the following:
  • Non-photo ID
  • Social Security card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Work permit, School ID card, Library card
  • Utility bill/Bank statement showing your name and the same address as you registered with the FCC
  • If under 18, you can bring your parent with their ID.

You may optionally bring a calculator as long as it is non-programmable and you can show the VE's that is has nothing stored in memory. We have extra calculators if you need one. You are not allowed to use your own phone or tablet.

If you did not pre-register, you will also need your FRN number and go through the registration on site..
If you did not pay before arriving, you will need a debit/credit card to pay the $15 exam fee.
We recommend you register and pay before arriving.

When you arrive, we will check your ID, assign you a tablet, calculator and pencil/scratch paper.

When you have answered all the questions on the tablet, we will let you know the result instantly. We will go though a short sign-out process and your paperwork will be electronically filed with the ARRL.

An email containing your CSCE form (the proof of passing the test) will be sent to the address you registered with. Do not leave until you receive the email with your CSCE.

We are happy to stay after the test and talk about the hobby, what radios, antennas or other gear you could get, and how to get more information or get in touch with a club.

Step 5 :: After the exam

If you already had a license and passed an upgrade exam, you can begin using your new privileges immediately. Use the /AG or /AE suffix respectively until your status is upgraded in the online FCC ULS system.

In the next few days, you will receive an email from the FCC asking you to pay the $35 fee. This fee must be paid at https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do within 10 days from receiving the email.

If you are a new licensee, as soon as your new call sign is listed in the FCC ULS system you can get on the air.

We look forward to welcoming you into this great hobby!

 

If you have an expired ham radio license

If your license expired less than two (2) years ago:

You do not need to take a test. Just renew your license in the FCC ULS system.

If your license expired more than two (2) years ago:

If you had a license above Technician, bring proof of your prior license (a printout of the ULS page) that we can submit with your paperwork. You will be assigned a new call sign, but if your prior call sign is available you may apply for it through the vanity call sign program.
Note that a prior Advanced class license translates to a General class license.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@folsomhamexams.org.