Online Ham Radio Testing & License Exam Sessions
Thinking about getting your ham radio license? Take your U.S. amateur radio license exam online from home with the West Essex Amateur Radio Club (WEARC). Whether you're taking your first Technician exam or upgrading to General or Amateur Extra, our friendly volunteer examiners are here to help you feel comfortable with the process. We offer regularly scheduled sessions, clear instructions, and a welcoming team to help you take the next step.
Next Steps
- Find a convenient exam session. Browse available dates and times that work for your schedule.
- Choose your exam and register. Review the available options, including any exam fees, and complete your registration.
- Get ready for exam day. Review the instructions for your session, including what you need and how to join your online exam.
- Take your exam from home. Our volunteer examiners will guide you through check-in and answer questions about the procedure.
Watch for your registration confirmation email. If it doesn't arrive within a few minutes, check your spam folder.
Upcoming online exam dates
Upcoming ARRL VEC and SANDARC VEC sessions are combined below, sorted by date. Session times: Eastern Time (America/New_York). Your browser will convert them to its local time zone when available. Registration and availability are confirmed on HamStudy.
- 7:30 PM–9:30 PM EDTSANDARC VEC · Free examView session
- 7:30 PM–9:30 PM EDTARRL VEC · $15 standard / $5 under 18View session
- 7:30 PM–9:30 PM EDTARRL VEC · $15 standard / $5 under 18View session
- 7:30 PM–9:30 PM EDTSANDARC VEC · Free examView session
- 7:30 PM–9:30 PM EDTARRL VEC · $15 standard / $5 under 18View session
- 7:30 PM–9:30 PM ESTARRL VEC · $15 standard / $5 under 18View session
- 7:30 PM–9:30 PM ESTARRL VEC · $15 standard / $5 under 18View session
- 7:30 PM–9:30 PM ESTSANDARC VEC · Free examView session
- 7:30 PM–9:30 PM ESTSANDARC VEC · Free examView session
- 7:30 PM–9:30 PM ESTSANDARC VEC · Free examView session
- 7:30 PM–9:30 PM ESTARRL VEC · $15 standard / $5 under 18View session
- 7:30 PM–9:30 PM ESTSANDARC VEC · Free examView session
For current dates and availability, choose the ARRL VEC or SANDARC VEC listing on HamStudy.
Schedule checked: ARRL VEC: Oct 22 at 09:59 PM EDT · SANDARC VEC: Oct 22 at 09:59 PM EDT. Some dates may have changed since the last check. Confirm availability on HamStudy.
About the WEARC Online VE Team
Established in 1994, WEARC is the West Essex Amateur Radio Club. Our experienced volunteer examiner team conducts online amateur radio license exam sessions for Technician, General, and Amateur Extra candidates. We focus on clear instructions, calm pacing, and helping new operators get licensed and get on the air. We are located in Essex County, New Jersey approximately 15 miles West of New York City.
After the exam, candidates are welcome to connect with WEARC for mentoring, club activities, and help getting started in amateur radio.
Online exam guides and requirements
Select the Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) shown on your exam session. Each VEC has its own candidate instructions.
Not sure which instructions apply? Check the VEC for your session.
ARRL VEC resources
Supplemental ARRL VEC information: Exam payment and Frequently asked questions.
- How to take your ham radio exam online
- Online exam session checklist
- ID requirements for your online ham radio exam
- What to bring to your online VE exam
- FCC FRN how-to guide
- Under 18? Learn about the ARRL youth licensing program
- After you pass: next steps
- Check your FCC application status by FRN
- Online exam troubleshooting
SANDARC VEC resources
Additional information for registered SANDARC VEC candidates.
- Exam registration and FRN
- Cancellation and rescheduling policy
- Camera, Zoom, and computer setup
- Exam room requirements
- Identification requirements
- What to expect during your exam
- Exam and FCC fees
- Free online exam dates and registration
- Accommodations and special circumstances
- Check your FCC application status by FRN
- Contact WEARC with questions
A supportive exam team
We focus on clear instructions, calm pacing, and helping you feel confident during your session.
If you plan to take more than one exam element during the same session, email us in advance so we can schedule enough time.
Get on the air faster
We love helping new hams build stations, choose antennas, and learn practical operating skills.
Start with our Build Your Station guide, then join a meeting to ask questions.
Learn with other hams
Weekly Zoom meetings, mentoring, and friendly nets help you go from licensed to active.
See what we do on the Community page.
Common questions
Choose the VEC named on your registered exam session to see the corresponding answers.
ARRL VEC
Questions and answers for ARRL VEC candidates.
Do I need to live in New Jersey?
No. Our remote sessions welcome candidates throughout the United States and internationally. International candidates need a valid U.S. mailing address for the FCC license application, but do not need to live in the United States. Review the international candidate requirements before registering.
Can international candidates take a U.S. Amateur Radio license exam with WEARC?
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: You must provide a valid U.S. mailing address for your FCC license application when testing with WEARC. You do not have to live in the United States. The address must be accurate and able to receive mail. 47 CFR § 97.23 requires the license record to show your correct name, mailing address, and email address.
- FCC FRN and email: An FCC Registration Number (FRN) and a valid email address are required. Use your existing FRN if you have one. Foreign applicants who are not eligible for a U.S. Social Security Number can register in FCC CORES as foreign/exempt to receive an FRN. See our FRN guide.
- Phone number: If ExamTools does not accept your international phone number, leave the phone field blank and email [email protected] with a cell phone number, including country code, that can receive calls and text messages.
- Identification: A government-issued passport is acceptable photo identification. Your exam registration name must match your identification. Review the identification rules for your chosen exam session.
- NCVEC Form 605: You must complete the required certifications and Basic Qualification Question, including confirming you are not a representative of a foreign government.
For more details, see our international candidate FAQ. If you have questions about international registration or your documentation, contact WEARC before booking. We are happy to help.
Can I take more than one exam element?
Yes. Email us ahead of time so we can plan enough time for you during the session.
I registered but did not get a confirmation email. What now?
Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few minutes. Check your spam folder first. If it is still missing, email us and we will help.
How do I reach the team?
Email [email protected]. You can also call or text Mike at +1-917-502-2203.
What identification do I need for an online ham radio exam?
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.
Is an FRN required for ham radio exam registration?
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.
What is the ham radio exam fee?
ARRL VEC sessions only: 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.
SANDARC VEC
Questions and answers for SANDARC VEC candidates.
Do I need to live in New Jersey?
No. Our remote sessions welcome candidates throughout the United States and internationally. International candidates need a valid U.S. mailing address for the FCC license application, but do not need to live in the United States. Review the international candidate requirements before registering.
Can international candidates take a U.S. Amateur Radio license exam with WEARC?
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: You must provide a valid U.S. mailing address for your FCC license application when testing with WEARC. You do not have to live in the United States. The address must be accurate and able to receive mail. 47 CFR § 97.23 requires the license record to show your correct name, mailing address, and email address.
- FCC FRN and email: An FCC Registration Number (FRN) and a valid email address are required. Use your existing FRN if you have one. Foreign applicants who are not eligible for a U.S. Social Security Number can register in FCC CORES as foreign/exempt to receive an FRN. See our FRN guide.
- Phone number: If ExamTools does not accept your international phone number, leave the phone field blank and email [email protected] with a cell phone number, including country code, that can receive calls and text messages.
- Identification: A government-issued passport is acceptable photo identification. Your exam registration name must match your identification. Review the identification rules for your chosen exam session.
- NCVEC Form 605: You must complete the required certifications and Basic Qualification Question, including confirming you are not a representative of a foreign government.
For more details, see our international candidate FAQ. If you have questions about international registration or your documentation, contact WEARC before booking. We are happy to help.
Can I take more than one exam element?
Yes. Email us ahead of time so we can plan enough time for you during the session.
I registered but did not get a confirmation email. What now?
Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few minutes. Check your spam folder first. If it is still missing, email us and we will help.
How do I reach the team?
Email [email protected]. You can also call or text Mike at +1-917-502-2203.
What identification do I need for an online ham radio exam?
Adults should have a government-issued photo ID. Candidates under 18 without government-issued photo ID may have a parent or guardian present their own photo ID and confirm the candidate's identity. If neither option is available, contact WEARC before exam day. The VE Team Lead may accept a school ID, library card, or similar document, but these documents are not automatically sufficient on their own. IDs are inspected visually over camera, are not photographed or recorded, and ID numbers are not written down.
Is an FRN required for ham radio exam registration?
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.
What is the ham radio exam fee?
SANDARC VEC exams are free for every candidate. The FCC separately charges $35 for a new amateur license application, but not a routine license-class upgrade.