What is this $35 application fee?

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.

Are there other examinations in the area?

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)

What if I registered for an exam with PVVET and want to take one with a different VEC?

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

What if there is a cancellation

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.

What if I have limited or no vision?

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.

How do I get a FCC registration number (FRN)?

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

What type of identification is accepted?

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.

 

What if I show up without an FRN?

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.

Are “walk-ins” accepted

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.