SANDARC online ham radio exam instructions

Register on HamStudy and bring your FRN

1. Choose a session offered through SANDARC VEC on HamStudy. Complete the registration and ExamTools application questions.
2. Have your 10-digit FCC Registration Number (FRN). Anyone with an existing FCC license already has one; never create a second FRN. New applicants can register through FCC CORES.
3. Use your legal name exactly as shown on your identification and FCC record, and provide a working email address.
4. Watch for your HamStudy/ExamTools email with the Zoom meeting link and session instructions. Check your spam folder if necessary; contact us if it is missing.

One Zoom device, one camera and one active screen

• Join Zoom with one device only. One camera is the standard. Your device must have a working webcam, microphone, and speaker. A second camera is used only when necessary, not as a routine requirement.
• A computer or laptop is recommended for Zoom screen sharing and ExamTools.
• Use reliable Internet, install the latest version of the Zoom client on your exam device, and test the camera, microphone, speaker and screen sharing before the session.
• Use only one active monitor or screen. Disconnect or cover additional monitors and unused screens, including TVs in your field of view. Disable virtual or blurred Zoom backgrounds and enable HD video in Zoom camera settings.
• No headphones or earbuds are permitted; use the device speaker and microphone. Remove hats, sunglasses and smartwatches before the exam.
• Exit personal or corporate VPN software before joining; some VPNs can prevent ExamTools from loading.
• Before joining Zoom, close all other applications, including background programs in the Windows taskbar notification area. Keep Zoom open and be ready to share your screen and open ExamTools when directed. Examiners must check for unauthorized applications.

A quiet room and a clear desk

• Choose a quiet, private room with no interruptions or visible study aids. Only the candidate should be in the room during testing, unless an accommodation has been arranged. A parent or guardian helping with check-in may be present for the ID check.
• Be ready for a slow 360-degree room scan with your camera, including the desk, nearby floor, and walls. Notes, posters, and whiteboards will be checked.
• On your desk, keep only the computer, keyboard, and mouse, unless an accommodation has been arranged.
• No physical calculator is permitted for remote SANDARC exams. The exam software includes an on-screen calculator; we will show you how to access it before the exam begins. Put away books, notes and study materials.

Have acceptable identification ready

Adults should show a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID). The legal name should match your FRN and ExamTools application. Examiners will check your ID visually over camera; no ID is photographed, recorded, or copied.

Under 18 without your own photo ID: Bring both of the following to check-in:

1. Parent or guardian's photo ID: A parent or guardian must attend, show their own photo ID, and confirm your identity.
2. A separate document bearing the candidate's name: Bring a school ID or library card. The Team Lead may accept another similar name-bearing document at their discretion; contact WEARC in advance to confirm an alternative.

A parent or guardian's ID and verbal confirmation alone are not sufficient.

Have your existing amateur license or a qualifying CSCE ready if claiming element credit or taking an upgrade. Ask WEARC ahead of time about unusual documentation.

What happens on Zoom

We will verify your identity, walk you through the process and help you feel comfortable before the exam begins.

1. Join Zoom 5–10 minutes early on your one exam device using the link in your registration email. Check your audio and video. You will enter the Zoom waiting room until the VE team is ready.
2. A lead VE will welcome you and introduce the exam team, including at least three accredited VEs. The team will check your identification, conduct the room scan, check the computer and ask you to share your screen.
3. Open ExamTools when directed and follow the exam instructions. At least three accredited VEs will observe throughout. Remain visible, connected and focused on your exam.
4. When you complete the exam, ExamTools grades it. If you pass and time allows, you may be able to attempt the next element.
5. If you do not pass, an immediate retest is at the VE team's discretion, not guaranteed. A new exam version is used, and a retest carries no SANDARC fee.
6. At the end, review the certification statements, confirm your information and provide an electronic signature for the NCVEC Quick-Form 605 and CSCE under VE direction. ExamTools issues a CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination) for passed elements once the session is finalized.
7. After the form is signed, there are some final instructions and often a friendly casual discussion that will follow.

The process from entering the VE Zoom room to leaving typically takes about 30 minutes, depending on your exam time. If you want to take more than one exam element, email WEARC in advance so we can schedule enough time.

If your video connection drops, contact the team promptly. A prolonged outage may invalidate an exam attempt.

SANDARC exam fee: $0

All SANDARC exams are free, including permitted retests. There is no WEARC exam fee to pay for your SANDARC session. View upcoming free online exam appointments.

The FCC separately charges a $35 fee for a new amateur license application. When a passing application reaches the FCC, the FCC emails payment instructions. Pay at FCC CORES within 10 calendar days to avoid dismissal. Routine class upgrades do not incur this FCC application fee.

New licensees cannot transmit until their grant appears in FCC ULS. An already-licensed applicant who upgrades may use their CSCE to operate at the new privileges immediately, with the appropriate temporary call-sign identifier (such as /AG or /AE).

Check your FCC application status by FRN.

Accommodations and special situations

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation for a disability, please contact WEARC in advance.

Felony question: SANDARC VEs will not ask about the circumstances. If you answer “Yes” to the FCC Basic Qualification question, SANDARC directs you to submit an explanation with your FCC application number to [email protected] within 14 days after the application is submitted.

International applicants: A valid FRN and complete FCC application are required. For applicants unable to register an FRN normally, SANDARC directs them to FCC support for alternate registration. If ExamTools does not accept your international phone number, leave that field blank and email WEARC a contact number with country code that can receive calls and text messages. Contact WEARC in advance if you have questions about eligibility or documentation.