Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions. Before contacting the PVEET with any questions, please refer to the FAQs below. Your answers might be found.
Questions related to the registration process.
As of April 19th 2022, the FCC has implemented a $35 application fee due to the RAY BAUM (Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services Act) act passed by congress in 2018 that required the FCC to restructure its payments.
In amateur radio, this application fee applies to those obtaining a new license, renewals, vanity callsign requests, rule waiver application and certain modifications.
Those who are licensed and are upgrading to either General or Extra do not have to pay the FCC application fee.
Please note that the FCC Application Fee and Examination fees are not the same!! Thankfully the PVVET/Laurel doesn’t charge an exam fee.
The current the fee is $35USD and must be paid to the FCC. VE teams will not accept FCC application fees. Those who are obtaining a new license will be given instructions at the exam session about FCC application payment.
Yes. There are various groups in the area that also provide amateur radio examinations that are not related to the PVVET and/or Laurel VEC. So you if you are ready to take an exam, please visit the other sources. Please note that fees will most likely apply with other VEC’s and groups.
Laurel VEC web page – You can find other Laurel sponsored examinations using their website.
ARRL’s “Find an Exam” web page – A lot of people will advertise their examinations through the American Radio Relay League. They currently have the largest group of volunteers.
W5YI exam search – Another VEC that operates in the area (Mostly Northern CT/ Eastern MA)
If you didn’t have a FCC amateur radio or GMRS license and you registered for a PVVET exam, during the registration process, you’ve obtained a FCC registration number (FRN). If you take an examination with a different VE team and/or VEC, you should use your FRN in-lieu of your Social Security Number on the Form 605.
The FRN is assigned by the FCC and should be used on all applications (for indivduals) that end up processed by the FCC.
ALL VECS are required to accept the FCC Registration Number
One of the requirements is that candidates pre-register for examinations, If by any chance the PVVET has to cancel an examination, We will send out an e-mail to all those who’ve registered.
We will also post an announcement on our website and any sources of social media (PVVET Facebook Page, Twitter). We strongly suggest you check pvvet.org before leaving to the exam.
If you found us through ARRL’s “Find An Exam Page” without contacting us or we are allowing walk-ins (no pre-registration), there is no way we can contact you. Please check this website before leaving.
The PVVET will do its best to accommodate someone with special needs. We do ask that you contact the PVVET prior to the examination and will try our best to accommodate.
The PVVET will do it’s best to accommodate your needs. If you have limited or no visibility the PVVET has large print exams and we have the option to print on different color paper. Please inform the VE when you checking into the session
The PVVET has the option to read the examination aloud to the candidate. We ask that you contact the PVVET prior to the examination so that we can accommodate you.
The PVVET requires that all applicants have a FCC Registration Number (FRN) prior to any examination.
If you currently hold a FCC amateur radio license and/or a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license, you have already been assigned a FRN.
You can Click Here to register using the FCC’s COmission REgistration System (CORES) website.
The PVVET has created a how-to guide on registering for a FRN
The PVVET will accept many forms of identification. We prefer either State/Government issued photo IDs such as.
- State Issued Drivers License
- State Issued Identification Card
- US Passport
- US Passcard
- Military Identification
We will also accept
- Photo School ID
- Library Card
- Utility Bills in your name/address
- Non photo IDs
It’s suggested that if you don’t have photo ID, that you bring multiple forms of identification.
Most examinations with the PVVET require pre-registration. One of the registration steps requires the applicant to obtain a FRN if they don’t currently have one. Those showing up to the examination should have a FRN. It’s very easy to do. It takes a couple minutes and the FCC will instantly issue you a number.
If an applicant shows up to the examination without pre-registration or an FRN, the PVVET will try to be accommodating but will most likely deny you an examination.
It’s policy of the PVVET to not accept Social Security Numbers (SSN) under any circumstances. The FCC requires all candidates to have a vaild e-mail address and to confirm they have a valid e-mail address. This is something the PVVET can not do and should be done prior to the exam during registration.
If you have a FRN from a different service like GMRS or you’ve obtained a FRN for a prior examination attempt (doesn’t matter which VEC), you should use that FRN instead of trying to obtain a new one.
The PVVET normally requires candidates to pre-register on our website prior to the examination. This allows the candidate to focus on the exam and it allows for faster and smoother check in period.
There will be certain situations where the PVVET will allow walk-ins (Those who haven’t pre-registered). If the PVVET is providing an examination in conjunction with a public event such as an amateur radio festival, we may allow walk-ins.
All candidates, regardless of their registration method, must obtain a FCC Registration Number (FRN) prior to the exam date.
The PVVET employs an online pre-registration process using Hamstudy.org’s exam tools (exam.tools). We require that all applicants register for an examination online anytime prior to the day of the exam. Candidates that show up to an examination without pre-registering on this website will possibly be denied.
Candidates will need to bring Identification, supporting documents and copies of their supporting documents.
The FCC requires the applicant to check either “Yes” or “No” next to the question “Has the Applicant or any party to this application, or any party directly or indirectly controlling the Applicant, ever been convicted of a
felony by any state or federal court?”
The FCC wants to ensure each new licensee and licensees who upgrade
have the necessary character to be a licensee in accordance with the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended. It is also required on form 601 that are used by other services applying to the FCC.
You can read more about it here.
Please note that this is an FCC requirement and not a VEC or VE Team requirement.
It’s policy of the PVVET to only accept FCC Registration Number (FRN). We prefer to not handle Social Security Numbers (SSN) due to possible privacy concerns.
Accepting FRNs only also speeds up the registration process. This allows the applicant to pre-register on our website. Focus can now be dedicated to the exam instead of having to deal with paperwork.
It only takes minutes to obtain a FRN from the FCC. If you have a FCC amateur radio or GMRS license, you already have a FRN. Please see the FAQ for more information
ZERO! ZIP! NADA! FREE!.. Technically. Please read below
There are no fees associated with the administration of PVVET examinations in any way shape or form. There are no strings attached. No donations needed and there should be no admission fees associated with the examination.
We do require that candidates pre-register on our website prior to the examination. Candidates that currently do not have a license will be required during signup to obtain a FCC Registration Number (FRN).
After April 19th 2022, the FCC implemented a $35 application fee. This applies to those who are obtaining a new license, renewals, vanity callsign applications and rule waiver applications. Those who are already licensed and are upgrading to either general or extra are exempt from application fees.
The PVVET (or any other VE Team) will not and can not accept the FCC application fees. The passing candidate will be given instructions at the end of their exam.
Questions concerning the examination process.
During the examination, if you need to a place to do math, write out formulas or draw charts, please use the back of your answer sheet. Do not write in the test booklet.
If by any chance you need more scrap paper, please inform a VE and they will hand you a new answer sheet that you must fill out.
The PVVET does have basic calculators on hand for those who need calculators.
We do not allow electronic devices capable of mass storage to be used at or during the examination. This includes graphing calculators, cellular phones, smart phones, tablets, PCs, laptops, PDAs and other devices.
Calculators must be checked by the VE team.
All phones or other devices must be either turned off or silenced and put away from view before and during the examination.
Candidates are not allowed to converse with each other while examinations are out.
All applicants need to obtain a FCC Registration Number (FRN) and pre-register on our website. At the examination, all applicants should bring their identification, writing utensils (pens and/or pencils) and a basic calculator.
Applicants who are upgrading must bring their signed license and a photocopy of their signed license to be given to the team. If the applicant doesn’t pass the examination, documents will be handed back.
Applicants who recently passed an examination but the FCC’s ULS HAS NOT UPDATED, must bring their original CSCE and a copy of their CSCE
Applicants who’s licensed has lapsed must provide proof of exam credit.
When you are ready!
It’s suggested that the applicant take multiple practice examinations online. https://hamstudy.org offers excellent resources for those trying to obtain or upgrade their FCC amateur radio license.
The PVVET feels that when the applicant starts averaging 80% or higher on the practice examinations, the applicant is ready for their examination. We also suggest that if possible, to look at the materials related to the next element as some of the questions from one element can also apply on the others.
If you are ready, you can look at our schedule for the next PVVET sponsored examinations. If not, you can also look at the Laurel VEC schedule. You can also find an exam on Hamstudy.org or visit the ARRL’s find an examination page. FEEs may apply when using other VE teams/VECs
VEs have to be accredited and sponsored by a VEC (Volunteer Exam Coordinator). There are currently 14 VECs operating in the US. Each VEC has their own unique set of policies and guidelines that might differ from other VECs.
Most (if not all) of the VECs are part of the NCVEC (National Conference of Volunteer Exam Coordinators). They are responsible for producing and maintaining the questions and answers to amateur radio examinations. That’s why the test questions are the same throughout different VECs. The NCVEC also helps solve any issues that might come up between the FCC and VECs. The NCVEC, VECs, VE Teams and VEs all have to follow the rules set by the FCC.
Currently the largest VEC operating in the US is the ARRL VEC. They are responsible for approximately 70% of the examinations administered. The PVVET is accredited by the Laurel VEC. Even though the exam questions/answers are the same, the registration process, grading and submission process is different.
What applies to PVVET sponsored examinations will be different from other area VE Teams and their respective VECs.
Yes! It’s very possible that you could take all three exams in one sitting.
The PVVET will issue one exam at a time. When you are finished with the examination, please inform the VE that you would like to take another test. The examiner will usually make an offer to take the next element.
If you’ve failed an exam, it may be possible to re-take the exam depending on the venue and allotted time. You will be issued a different version of the examination.
Depending on the exam, you will have to answer 35 or 50 multiple choice questions.
- Technician (Element 2) – 35 Questions – Must answer at least 26 questions correctly to pass
- General (Element 3) – 35 Questions – Must answer at least 26 questions correctly to pass
- Extra (Element 4) – 50 Questions – Must answer at least 37 questions correctly to pass
All questions and possible answers are published for the general public.
Cell phones or other devices capable of mass storage can not be used as calculators during PVVET exams. We only allow basic calculators. The PVVET does have calculators that can be loaned out.
We ask for cellphones to be turned off during examination. No electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, PCs, PDAs and others are allowed to be used during the examination. Smart watches must be removed during the exam.
You may be able to use a calculator.
Please show the calculator to the VE Team before use. Calculators capable of mass storage (i.e. graphing calculators) are not allowed to be used. Cellular/Smart phones are not allowed to be used as a calculator.
Retakes are given at the discretion of the team. If applicants failed by only a couple questions and there is time allowed, the team will suggest a re-take. Applicants will be given a different version of the examination.
Retakes will not be given if the venue’s allotted time is running out.
Questions about what happens after the exam
As of April 19th 2022, the FCC has implemented a $35 application fee due to the RAY BAUM (Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services Act) act passed by congress in 2018 that required the FCC to restructure its payments.
In amateur radio, this application fee applies to those obtaining a new license, renewals, vanity callsign requests, rule waiver application and certain modifications.
Those who are licensed and are upgrading to either General or Extra do not have to pay the FCC application fee.
Please note that the FCC Application Fee and Examination fees are not the same!! Thankfully the PVVET/Laurel doesn’t charge an exam fee.
The current the fee is $35USD and must be paid to the FCC. VE teams will not accept FCC application fees. Those who are obtaining a new license will be given instructions at the exam session about FCC application payment.
The FCC stopped automatically printing and mailing official licenses in 2015. However, you can request for a paper copy from the FCC for any future upgrades or modifications.
If you don’t have a GMRS/Amateur Radio license, during the registration process, you had to create an account with the FCC. You would need to login using your FRN (Or username after March 1st 2019) and password and change “Set Paper Authorization Preferences” to yes.
If you already have a FRN, you will need to login (if you never logged in, you will need to do a password reset to obtain one) and do the above.
Please note the FCC no longer mails out licenses printed on their special type of paper. You will receive just a plain white photocopy of your license. The FCC will also not mail out a license until you’ve obtained, upgraded, renewed or changed your callsign.
Typically the PVVET will submit its session electronically after the examination. Upon VEC (Laurel) approval, the information will be sent to the FCC (electronically) for processing. This process can take a few hours up to a couple days depending on when the exam was administered (weekend applications will not be processed until the following Monday). This is assuming the FCC’s EBF is up and running.
Those who are already licensed and have upgraded at the exam, soon as application is processed by the FCC, you should see it updated so you no longer have to use /AG or /AE after your call.
For those who are obtaining a new license (didn’t have a license prior to the exam), you’ll receive an e-mail from the FCC about the $35 application fee that must be paid to the FCC within 10 days. You should have been provided with instructions prior to leaving the exam.
Once your callsign appears in the FCC’s ULS, you are legally allowed to use it on the air.
It’s strongly suggested that you print and sign at least 2 copies of your license. If you wish to upgrade, you must bring a signed copy of your license that will be given to the team.
If you’ve already been issued a license and have upgraded at an exam session, soon as you get the signed CSCE, you will be allowed to use the frequencies allowed by your license immediately.
If you upgraded to general class (element 3), you will have to sign with “/AG” or “Temporary AG” or “Stroke AG” when you are on frequencies reserved for general and above. For example you would say, “This is KC1XXX temporary AG”
If you upgraded to extra class (element 4), you will have to sign with “/AE” or “Temporary AE” or “Stroke AE” when you are on frequencies reserved for extra class operators. For example you would say, “This is KC1XXX temporary AE”
Once the FCC ULS has updated with your new license class, you no longer have to add the temporary AG or AE suffix to your callsign. You also don’t have to add the temporary AG or AE on frequencies that you were allowed to operate on with your previous license.
If you did not have a license and passed your element 2 along with element 3 and/or 4, you can not transmit until your callsign is issued in the FCC’s ULS. Once your license has been issued and appears in the FCC’s ULS, you do not have to attach the temp suffix since you were issued either a general or extra class license.
There so many aspects to amateur radio that it would be impossible to list them all here. The PVVET strongly suggests that you join an area club.
First thing we usually suggest to new hams in the area is to get on the air! You went through all that studying for license, put it to good use. There are many active repeaters in the valley. There are even some that are networked that make a device like a handheld radio communicate around the world using IP (Internet Protocol). There are even some newer digital modes such as DMR, D-STAR and Yaesu System Fusion in operation around the valley.
You can find a list of up-to-date frequencies at the New England Repeater Directory.
Yes!!
There are many amateur radio clubs in the pioneer valley. Some of them will offer a free 1 year membership to newly licensed hams. It’s strongly suggested that you join at least 1 club. There may be representatives from area clubs at PVVET examinations who will help you obtain membership.
Check out our clubs page for area clubs
Why?
By joining a club, you’ll be able to meet many operators that live in the area. You will also be able to explore the many aspects of amateur radio and what it has to offer. You may learn something new that you can apply to the hobby or your everyday life. The clubs will also be there in a time of need. Have trouble deciding on what antenna to put up or you need a hand putting it up? The club could be there to help. Or you might have a unique skill that could help out your fellow club members.
Clubs also help out the community in a time of need when normal means of communications has been compromised. There is a network of dedicated hams in the pioneer valley who focus on communications in a time need.
Now that you have your license, there are many aspects of amateur radio that you can enjoy. There is so much that we wouldn’t be able to list them all.
The PVVET does suggest that you join a local club. That way you can interact with area operators and see what the area has to offer.
You can view our list of area clubs
Congratulations!
After the examination is completed, the session will be submitted electronically for review. Once the review process is finished, the information will be submitted electronically to the FCC for processing.
You will be provided with a Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) before leaving the exam. The CSCE is proof that you’ve passed your examination(s).
If you are obtaining your first (new) license, you will be given instructions since the FCC requires a $35 application fee. When the session is processed by the FCC, you should receive an e-mail with further instructions. Candidates have up to 10 days to pay the application fee.
If you are upgrading to a General or Extra class license, you are legally allowed to immediately use those privileges. However, if you are transmitting on those frequencies, you have to affix /AG for general and /AE for extra to the end of your callsign whenever you are identifying
For example: This is “KF1XYZ Stroke AG”
If by any chance you take another examination before the FCC’s ULS is updated, you will need to bring the CSCE and a copy of the CSCE to the examination. If the ULS has updated, it’s best if you print 2 copies of your license, sign them and bring them to the examination.
Questions about the Pioneer Valley VE Team
Yes. There are various groups in the area that also provide amateur radio examinations that are not related to the PVVET and/or Laurel VEC. So you if you are ready to take an exam, please visit the other sources. Please note that fees will most likely apply with other VEC’s and groups.
Laurel VEC web page – You can find other Laurel sponsored examinations using their website.
ARRL’s “Find an Exam” web page – A lot of people will advertise their examinations through the American Radio Relay League. They currently have the largest group of volunteers.
W5YI exam search – Another VEC that operates in the area (Mostly Northern CT/ Eastern MA)
Other than being volunteers for the Laurel VEC, the PVVET is not associated or sponsored by any club of any kind. We’re an independent group of hams dedicated to providing free examinations here in the pioneer valley.
We also help find area clubs for candidates depending on their home location. Many of the VE’s within the team may belong to various clubs, other VECs or other VE teams. It’s all about helping!
A VE is known as a Volunteer Examiner.
A VE is responsible for administering or helping with the administration of examinations. The includes checking in the candidates, answering any questions, issuing exams, grading exams and to ensure that paperwork related to the examination and candidate is properly filled out.
Each examination session will have an appointed “Team Leader” Or “Liaison”. They are responsible for securing a venue, setting up the examination, ensure the paperwork is in order and submitting the paperwork.
All VE’s and VE teams must be accredited by a Volunteer Exam Coordinator (VEC). The VEC is responsible for the VE teams and they will act as Liaison between the team and the FCC. There are currently 14 VECs in the US. The PVVET and its VEs are accredited by the Laurel VEC.
VE’s within the PVVET are added by the team leader. VE’s that volunteer with PVVET may also be involved with other VE teams and their respective VEC.
The PVVET is a fairly new group. At this time we are limiting ourselves to 4 examinations a year. If we see large turnouts, we’ll consider monthly examinations depending on venue availability.
No.
The PVVET is not associated with the ARRL. Our examinations are not handled by the ARRL VEC in any way. Our examinations and examiners are accredited by Laurel VEC. This allows us to offer free testing* and electronic submission.
PVVET may make candidates aware of the ARRL and their membership options. Many of our VEs/Volunteers help out with other VECs and their teams and examinations. It’s all about promoting amateur radio and getting people licensed!
*Exam administration is FREE with Laurel VEC/PVVET. However, FCC application fees may apply if you are getting a new license. Those who are already licensed and are upgrading, it’s still completely free with PVVET/Laurel. VE Teams CAN NOT accept FCC application fees at exams. This must be done online.
With the exceptions of the events listed on this website… No.
The PVVET is not associated or sponsored by any club or group other than itself. Most, if not all the VEs that make up the PVVET also help other teams and their VECs in the area administer examinations in the area.
There may be fees associated with other examinations in the area. FCC application fees for those obtaining a new license or renewing apply.
The PVVET does not accept donations or sponsorship of any kind. We’re an independent team and wish to remain so.
If you insist, we ask that you become active in area amateur radio clubs instead. They need your support in more ways other than financially. Please volunteer your time to help support amateur radio in the area! Get on the air, be active!
VEs have to be accredited and sponsored by a VEC (Volunteer Exam Coordinator). There are currently 14 VECs operating in the US. Each VEC has their own unique set of policies and guidelines that might differ from other VECs.
Most (if not all) of the VECs are part of the NCVEC (National Conference of Volunteer Exam Coordinators). They are responsible for producing and maintaining the questions and answers to amateur radio examinations. That’s why the test questions are the same throughout different VECs. The NCVEC also helps solve any issues that might come up between the FCC and VECs. The NCVEC, VECs, VE Teams and VEs all have to follow the rules set by the FCC.
Currently the largest VEC operating in the US is the ARRL VEC. They are responsible for approximately 70% of the examinations administered. The PVVET is accredited by the Laurel VEC. Even though the exam questions/answers are the same, the registration process, grading and submission process is different.
What applies to PVVET sponsored examinations will be different from other area VE Teams and their respective VECs.
Yes!
If you’re a representative of an area club, maker space, hacker space, robotics team, radio controller club, electronics club or an amateur radio instructor or School Instructor and would like to hold an examination for your group/class, we would like to help you.
The PVVET requires at least a one month notice to prepare VE’s and possibly promote examinations if the public is allowed. If the PVVET can not require the needed amount of examiners for the planned date, it will have to be moved.
Thank you for your interest.
The PVVET operates under the Laurel VEC. Volunteer Examiners (VEs) must be accredited with Laurel VEC in order participate in PVVET sponsored exams. The PVVET can not accept accredited VEs from other VECs such as ARRL, W5YI and others.
The Laurel accreditation process is different compared to other VECs. Laurel VEC does not accept VE applications directly. VEs are added by the team leaders and will be reviewed by Laurel before being accepted.
For more information, please visit the Laurel VEC’s website.
At this point in time, the PVVET has enough VE’s but if you are still interested, please contact us and we’ll keep you in mind if we need more.
The PVVET is accredited by the Laurel Volunteer Exam Coordinator. Since 1984, Laurel VEC has proudly been offering free exams.
The PVVET is comprised of amateur operators who volunteer their time to help support amateur radio in the community. The operating costs are funded by the volunteers that are within the team. The PVVET does not and will not accept monetary donations.
Other VECs may charge their candidates a fee which varies depending on the VEC. Funds are used by the VEC to cover processing, printing and mailing of examinations and other materials.
As of April 2022, The FCC has implemented an application fee of $35 USD. This applies to those obtaining a new license applications, license renewals, vanity callsign applications and rule waiver applications. Those who are upgrading to general and/or extra do not have to pay the FCC application fee.