Testing

Next Testing Session will occur sometime in March or April. Please check the website for updates.

Services:

We offer testing through the W5YI VEC, and are authorized to provide ntesting for Technician, General, and Extra licenses.  Morse code is no longer required or offered for licensing.

    
All testing is now done electronically. We provide computers for testing purposes. Testing will be offered approximately 3-4 times per year.
   

About Amateur Radio Tests and Testing:

Anyone can become a ham except representatives of foreign governments. There are no age restrictions. If you can pass the written tests, you can be a licensed ham operator. There have even been 6 year old ham operators. The entry level license is the Technician Class license. That license class began in 1991 and now has the largest number of participants. To become a Technician Class operator, you need only pass one very simple (35 question) multiple choice written test (Exam Element 2) to obtain your FCC license.

Until April 15, 2000 there were six classes of Amateur Radio operator licenses, each authorizing varying levels of privileges by passing written exams and or a 5, 13 or 20 WPM Morse code test. As of April 15, 2000 there are only three: Technician, General and Amateur Extra Class, and Morse code exams were reduced to a single 5 WPM Element 1 exam for General and Extra.

Then, effective February 23, 2007 the FCC removed all testing requirements for Morse Code for all classes of licenses. The written examinations are comprised of questions taken from the various question pools. Technician Class Question Pool, effective July 1, 2006, valid until June 30, 2010 General Class Question Pool, effective July 1, 2007, valid until June 30, 2011 Extra Class Question Pool, effective July 1, 2008 valid until June 30, 2012.

The class for which each applicant is qualified is determined by the degree of skill and knowledge of operating a station that the applicant demonstrates, and by passing a license examination before a team of three volunteer examiners (VEs). New amateur operators start at the Technician class and then advance to the General Class ...and to the top-of-the ladder Amateur Extra Class.

Preparing for the Test:

Testing for Amateur Radio licenses has been simplified over the years, but preparation is still needed to ensure success in passing the exams.  The General Class and Extra Class licenses can be particularly difficult for some people who have little or no preparation in subjects such as electrical theory and wave propagation. But have no fear, for there are many resources available to help you get ready for your next exam.  In the past, it was often the Morse code requirement that kept many people from upgrading their license.  Now that the Morse code requirement is gone, the only things keeping you from moving up the ranks in licensing in Amateur radio is your time, desire, and willingness to learn. With a little bit of self-motivation, you can self-study and prepare to upgrade your license.  We at SevierARC may offer another training class in the future, but you can get started right now!  Most find it easiest to simply take practice exams online until they start passing them consistently.  Others want to take the time to study the material and learn the "why" behind the questions.  In either case, here are some resources that you should find helpful in preparing for your next exam:

What to bring to the Test:

Exam sessions are conducted by volunteers working under the direction of the FCC. If you have any special needs, be sure to notify the exam session administrator before exam day so special accommodations can be made for you.

1. Bring a legal photo ID (drivers license, passport) OR, when no photo ID is available, two forms of identification must be presented (birth certificate, report card, library card, Social Security card, utility bill, bank statement. Non-photo ID/driver's license, etc.). Students may bring a school ID card, minor's work permit, school report card, library card and/or a written note from a legal guardian.  You must supply a valid street address or P.O. Box number. 
   
2. If applicable, bring the original and a photocopy of your current Amateur Radio license and any Certificates of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) you may hold from previous exam sessions. The photocopy(s) will not be returned.
3. You must bring your Social Security Number (SSN) or your FCC issued Federal Registration Number (FRN). VEC’s are required by the FCC to submit either your SSN or your FRN number with your license application form. If you prefer not to give your SSN, then you may use your FCC issued FRN, if you have one. For instructions on how to register your SSN with the FCC and receive a FRN, visit the ARRL web page: http://www.arrl.org/fcc/uls101.html.
4. Bring a check or money order for $14 payable to Scott Brady. Cash is also acceptable. In accordance with W5YI specifications, half of the fee goes to the W5YI VEC, and the other half goes to a local fund that is strictly used for future testing and ham-related materials.
5. To be prepared you should also bring two number two pencils with erasers and a pen.  Scratch paper will be provided for you. A calculator with the memory erased and formulas cleared is allowed.
6. You may not bring any written notes or calculations into the exam session. All will take their tests via computer. Your test will be loaded by one of the VEs present.  When you are finished with your test, raise your hand and one of the VEs will make sure that you answered all the questions.  When you submit your test, you will be asked to enter your name and call sign (if you have one).  The results for the test are shown immediately as Pass or Fail.  In either case, the test must printed before leaving the exam. If you pass your first test, then you may attempt to take the next class test at no extra charge.  However, if you fail the next test, then you must pay an additional $15 to take the test again. For example, let's say you take your technician test and pass
7. it. Then you may attempt to take the general exam.  If you pass it, then you will be licensed as a general class operator. You may then attempt to take the extra class test.  If you pass it, then you will be licensed as an extra class operator.  If you fail any test, then you must pay an additional $15 to take that test again.
8. Once you pass one or more of your exams, then the VEs present will fill out the appropriate paperwork which you will then sign.  You CANNOT use your amateur radio operator priviledges until your call sign shows up in the FCC's ULS database.  Normally it takes about 5-7 days after your test for your new call sign to show up in the database.  Go to the website QRZ.com to check.  Once you see your name and callsign (or your upgraded license), you may then use your new operating priviledges immediately.  Within about three weeks you will receive paperwork from the FCC in the mail.

      
We require pre-registration, so please contact Scott or Shalice at (435) 527-4700 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are planning on testing.