Online Ham Radio Testing & License Exam Sessions

No. Our remote sessions welcome candidates throughout the United States and internationally. International candidates should review the additional FCC and ARRL VEC requirements below before registering.

Yes. International candidates are welcome and encouraged to register with our team. U.S. citizenship and U.S. residence are not required. Under 47 CFR § 97.5(b)(1), a person who qualifies by examination may apply for an FCC amateur operator/primary station license except a representative of a foreign government.

Before registering, please review these requirements:

• U.S. mailing address: ARRL VEC requires foreign applicants to provide a valid U.S. mailing address for the license application. See ARRL's guidance for foreign applicants. Current 47 CFR § 97.23 separately requires the license record to show the grantee's correct name, mailing address, and email address.
• FCC FRN and email: An FRN and valid email address are required. A foreign applicant who is not eligible for a U.S. Social Security Number can register in FCC CORES as foreign/exempt and receive an FRN. See the ARRL 605 instructions and our FRN guide.
• Phone number: ExamTools may not properly capture some international phone numbers. If the registration form will not accept your number, you may leave the phone field blank, but please email [email protected] with a valid cell phone number, including country code, that can receive voice calls and text messages.
• Photo ID: A government-issued passport is acceptable identification. Your registration name should match your ID.
• NCVEC Form 605 certifications: All applicants must complete the required certifications and Basic Qualification Question. The 605 specifically requires the applicant to certify that they are not a representative of a foreign government. See the current NCVEC Form 605.

For the complete international-candidate guidance, see our online exam FAQ.

Yes. Email us ahead of time so we can plan enough time for you during the session.

Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few minutes. Check your spam folder first. If it is still missing, email us and we will help.

Email [email protected]. You can also call or text Mike at +1-917-502-2203.

Most candidates can use one acceptable legal photo ID. ARRL also provides non-photo ID alternatives when no photo ID is available, plus a special identification rule for students and minors. See the WEARC online exam ID requirements for the complete list.

Yes. You need an FCC FRN to register for an amateur radio license exam. If you do not have one yet, register for an FRN online before the session.

The exam fee is $15 per session, or $5 for candidates under 18. After passing an element, you may take the next higher element(s) in the same session at no additional exam fee through Amateur Extra. Email us in advance if you plan to take multiple elements.

New licenses require a separate $35 FCC application fee paid directly to the FCC. A normal license-class upgrade does not require that fee. Eligible new-license candidates under 18 can apply for ARRL reimbursement after their license is issued. See our payment page and youth guide.