PARC Radio & Technology

Step 3 of 5: Prepare

Preparing Your Room

Diagram of a desk seen from above, with seven numbered items that are not permitted.
The examination cannot proceed while any numbered item is present. The examiners will require the item to be removed or the examination to be rescheduled.
  1. Paper and notes
  2. A second monitor
  3. A calculator
  4. A phone lying on the desk
  5. Headphones or earbuds
  6. A watch
  7. Radios or QSL cards
Diagram of a correctly arranged desk seen from above: a computer, a phone on a stand at 90 degrees to the side, and photo identification.
One computer with its camera facing the candidate, the second device on a stand at 90 degrees to the side, and the photo identification. No other items may be on the desk or within reach.

Room Selection

  • Use a room with a door that closes, where no one will enter during the examination. A bathroom or a large closet is often suitable because it is small, quiet and easy to clear.
  • Vehicles, outdoor locations and any location with uncontrollable noise are not permitted.
  • Sit at a desk, table or counter, on a stable chair that does not rock or recline. Beds and couches are not permitted.

Clearing the Room and Desk

  • Remove anything that could assist with the examination, or appear to do so:
    • notes, books, papers and sticky notes
    • calculators, additional screens and other electronic devices
    • amateur radio items, such as radios, posters and QSL cards
  • Clear the desk and the surrounding floor of all items not required for the examination, including food and drinks, headphones, waste baskets, vapes, ashtrays and tobacco products.
  • Open closet doors and shower curtains for the room scan, and close them before the examination begins.

Other Persons and Animals

  • No other persons or animals may be present in the room. The only exceptions are a service dog and the adult required to remain with a candidate under age 13, as described under Acceptable Identification.
  • A candidate who cannot hold the phone for the room scan may have a helper do so. The helper must then leave the room before the examination begins.
  • Instruct household members not to enter the room and to avoid noise, including from pets, during the examination. If anyone enters the room, the examination must be stopped.

Acceptable Identification