How to take a ham radio exam online
Take your U.S. amateur radio license exam from home with the West Essex Amateur Radio Club (WEARC). Our volunteer examiners administer online Technician, General, and Amateur Extra exams through ARRL VEC.
Before you join
- Get your FCC FRN in advance.
- Prepare two camera-equipped devices, usually a computer and smartphone, with Zoom and a stable internet connection.
- Test your cameras, microphone, and screen sharing.
- Bring acceptable identification and any CSCEs. Review ID requirements.
- Join a few minutes early.
Use the troubleshooting checklist if anything is not working.
Online exam flow
- Pick a session date: Pick a session date on HamStudy.
- Complete registration: Complete registration on HamStudy.
- Pay the exam fee: Pay the exam fee within one hour using the payment page or payment link.
- Watch for confirmation: Watch for the ExamTools confirmation email.
- Prepare your setup: Use two camera-equipped devices and Zoom. Prepare a clear, private room and review the complete setup checklist. Gather your FRN, ID, and any applicable license or CSCE documents.
- Join early: Log in a few minutes before the start time so the VE team can verify your audio and video.
- Take the exam: Follow VE instructions, complete the element, and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Technician, General, or Amateur Extra: which exam do you need?
First-time applicants normally start with Technician. Licensed operators can upgrade to General and then Amateur Extra. Each license class requires passing, or receiving valid credit for, the earlier exam elements.
| License class | Exam | Questions | Correct to pass | Required elements or credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technician | Element 2 | 35 | 26 | Element 2 |
| General | Element 3 | 35 | 26 | Elements 2 and 3 |
| Amateur Extra | Element 4 | 50 | 37 | Elements 2, 3, and 4 |
Technician covers radio fundamentals and operating rules. General adds broader HF operating privileges. Amateur Extra provides all U.S. amateur operator privileges. There is no Morse code exam requirement.
If you already hold a license or have a valid Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE), bring the documents needed to establish your exam credit. Contact the team before registering if you are unsure which elements you need.
Requirements: FCC license qualifications and exam question counts and passing scores.
Can I take the actual ham radio license exam from home?
Yes. WEARC online sessions are supervised license exams administered by volunteer examiners, with results submitted through ARRL VEC for FCC processing. You register for a scheduled session, join the Zoom meeting, complete identity and room checks, and take the exam under VE supervision.
HamStudy study tools and practice tests help you prepare, but passing a practice test does not earn a license. The scheduled WEARC session is the actual license exam. Your first license is issued only after FCC processing and the required FCC payment.
Before exam day, review the room and two-device setup requirements, acceptable identification, and exam-day checklist. For available dates, use the upcoming online sessions or WEARC remote listing on HamStudy.
Exam fee and FCC application fee
The WEARC exam fee is $15 per session, or $5 for candidates under 18. One fee covers one attempt at each element. New licenses also require a separate $35 application fee paid directly to the FCC; a normal license-class upgrade does not. See fees and payment and youth reimbursement.
What if I do not pass?
You can retake an element. ARRL VEC requires an additional exam fee for another attempt at the same element. Ask the VE team whether another attempt can be accommodated during your session or whether you should register for a later date; a same-session retake is not guaranteed. Any elements you pass are documented on your CSCE, which provides exam credit for 365 days.
See ARRL VEC exam and retest fees. After passing, follow the new-license or upgrade next steps.
After you pass
Know when your callsign posts, check your FRN status, and see what to do next.