Online Ham Radio Exams

PARC gives amateur radio (ham radio) license exams online nearly every day of the week. Candidates across the United States take the exam from home on their own computers, supervised over Zoom by a team of at least three Volunteer Examiners.

Exams Available Online

All three license exams can be taken online. Each is a multiple-choice exam drawn from the FCC question pool for that license class.

• Technician (Element 2): 35 questions, of which 26 must be answered correctly to pass.
• General (Element 3): 35 questions, of which 26 must be answered correctly to pass.
• Amateur Extra (Element 4): 50 questions, of which 37 must be answered correctly to pass.

Taking two or three exams in one session must be arranged before booking.

Two or Three Exams in One Session

An Official FCC License Exam

An online exam is the same examination as one taken in person. The questions come from the same FCC question pools, accredited Volunteer Examiners grade it, and a pass leads to the same license. PARC administers examinations for the ARRL VEC under FCC rules, and was one of the three original teams the ARRL authorized to give exams remotely.

Requirements

• An FCC Registration Number (FRN), not an FCC username, obtained before booking. A license cannot be issued without an FRN.
• Two devices with cameras: a computer for the examination, and a phone or tablet on a stand beside the candidate, at ninety degrees, showing the candidate, both hands and the screen.
• A Windows or Mac laptop or desktop computer. Chromebooks, iPads and other tablets cannot run the examination.
• A quiet, private room with the door closed and a clear desk.
• A physical photo ID, as listed under Acceptable Identification.

Read the Instructions See Available Times Acceptable Identification

From Booking to License

The complete process, in order:

1. Booking

   Select a time on the schedule. The $15 fee is paid when booking; there is no separate payment step. Use the same email address for every step that follows.

2. Registration

   A registration link is emailed within 48 hours. Registrations are processed once a day, so candidates who book for the following day should monitor their email, including spam folders. Complete the registration immediately; it is the FCC license application.

3. Preparation

   Prepare the room, computer, second device and identification, using the pre-exam checklist.

4. Joining the Session

   The Zoom link is emailed at least 45 minutes before the examination. Join on both devices 45 minutes early and remain in the waiting room until admitted. Sessions may run late; a candidate in the waiting room remains on the schedule.

5. Check-In

   Present photo identification (requirements differ for candidates under 18), then scan the room slowly with the second camera so that the team can see the entire workspace.

6. The Examination

   Questions appear on the screen and are answered with the A, B, C and D keys. There is no strict time limit; most prepared candidates finish in approximately ten minutes.

7. Results

   The team grades the examination during the session and reports the result before the candidate leaves. The CSCE, which records the elements passed, is emailed within 48 hours.

8. FCC Application Fee

   For a new license, the FCC emails instructions for its $35 application fee. Payment is due within 10 days, or the FCC dismisses the application. Upgrades do not require a fee.

9. License Issuance

   PARC files electronically, so a license can be granted the same day during FCC business hours. Issuance depends on FCC systems and can take up to 5–7 business days.

Pre-Exam Checklist After Passing the Exam

Arrangements by Situation

Preparation

PARC examiners are volunteers. Allow up to 24 hours for a reply to email sent to vetesting@yahoo.com.