Step 5 of 5: Exam Day

Exam Day Protocol

The Exam Manager reads this protocol at the start of the examination, and the candidate must agree to it. Review it before the day of the examination.

Before Admission

• The Zoom link is emailed at least 45 minutes before the examination. Check spam and junk folders.
• Join on both devices 45 minutes before the examination and remain in the waiting room. A candidate in the waiting room is on the schedule, even when the session is running late.
• Screen sharing and other Zoom features must not be tested in the waiting room. Doing so results in removal from the session.

Candidate Agreement

The parent or guardian of a child candidate must be present for this part of the protocol and must answer the questions.

1. You must complete the examination without any interruption that could raise doubts about the integrity of the testing environment.
2. You are asked to complete the examination within your assigned 15-minute time block, which is sufficient for most candidates.
3. You must keep your attention on the computer screen at all times. Your eyes may not wander to other parts of the room, and you may not leave your seat.
4. You may not read the questions or answers aloud or talk to yourself. Mouthing the words counts as talking, even without sound.
5. Drinks, snacks and any other items that could distract you must be removed from the testing area.
6. Visitors and pets may not enter the room; the doors must be closed and locked.
7. You will scan the room with the phone camera to show that nothing could assist you, and then position the phone so that it shows you, the keyboard and both hands.
8. Scrap paper, calculators and all other assistance are prohibited; use the calculator built into ExamTools. All browsers, email and note applications must be quit completely, leaving only the Zoom application open.
9. You must agree to share your entire screen with the exam team, not only a browser window.
10. You must agree that the session is recorded and stored for up to 30 days in case of any question about a breach of the exam protocol.
11. You must agree that if the exam team suspects cheating, the examination may be terminated, the fee forfeited, and you may be barred from future online examinations.

Examination Procedure

1. Present your photo identification, front and back, to the camera until every examiner has verified it.
2. The Exam Manager starts recording your screen, webcam and phone camera.
3. Using the phone camera:
   1. Step back to show the computer and workspace.
   2. Scan the walls and floor, under the table and chair, and under the laptop and keyboard.
   3. Show a close-up of the computer, keyboard, hands and arms.
4. Position the phone at a distance, aimed at the computer, so that it shows you, your hands and the computer.
5. Share your full desktop in Zoom, not only a browser window: select the green Share Screen button at the bottom of the window, then the blue Share button in the pop-up window.
6. Open a browser window in the center of the screen (the examination questions are approximately 4 inches wide) and show that nothing else is open.
7. Open Display Settings to show that only one screen is in use.
8. Enter the address provided by the Exam Manager, select Join Exam Session, and enter the session call sign, KJ4PJE, and the 4-digit code provided by the Exam Manager.
9. The Exam Manager opens the examination. Verify your name, address and telephone number at this point. They cannot be changed later; any change after the examination voids it.
10. The examiners turn off their video and microphones, and the examination begins. Keep your attention on the screen and your camera and microphone on. The right arrow key advances to the next question.
11. When finished, select Grade Exam, at the bottom of the page or at the top right. The score is displayed; the specific questions missed cannot be shown.
12. Select Finish and Sign Forms, verify your name and address, and sign electronically to complete the application and CSCE. The forms are shown on the next page.
13. Select Finish Session, then Logout. The Exam Manager stops the recording and ends the screen share.

After the Exam

• The CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination) is emailed within 48 hours.
• The application and scores are uploaded that evening, so a license may appear in the FCC database the same day during FCC business hours, or within approximately 5–7 business days. New licenses are granted only after the FCC’s $35 application fee is paid. The FCC emails payment instructions, and payment is due within 10 days.
• The Exam Manager recommends joining a local radio club and the ARRL, and explains how to contact PARC or AUARC regarding examinations and training. For online training, PARC recommends New England Sci-Tech and can provide a referral.
• Leave the session by selecting the red Leave button at the bottom right of the screen. The Exam Manager may disconnect the candidate instead.

CSCE and FCC Form 605 After Passing the Exam