Amateur Radio Exam Sessions

Amateur radio license testing will be available for everyone wishing to test for a new license or upgrade their current license.  The tests will be administered by volunteer examiners accredited by the ARRL/VEC.

When:  Generally, the fourth Saturday** of each month.  Testing starts at 9:30 AM local.
(** Be sure to check the home page for club meeting date announcements or HERE

Where:  Houston TranStar Building at 6922 Katy Rd, Houston, TX 77024

Who:  For more information, contact Mark Landress (WB5ANN) at VE@ofarc.org.

How much:  $15.00 cash (exact amount only), check or money order made payable to "ARRL/VEC", no credit cards.

What you will need to bring:
- $15 Cash, Check or Money Order
- A copy of your ID.
- A printout of your FRN. (see below)
- A printed copy of your FCC Form 605. (see below)
FRN: Get your FRN instantly Here.
- Fill this out online, then print out two copies; one for yourself, and one to turn in. DO THIS FIRST, as you will need this number for Form 605 below.

NCVEC Form 605: Get your NCVEC Form 605 Here.
- Please do NOT enter your Social Security number on this form. Enter your FRN (this is for your protection against identity theft). Also, although not required, please enter your email address on the 605. This will allow the ARRL to contact you quickly should there be any questions that need clearing up. Fill out this interactive form, then print out two copies; one for yourself, and one to turn in.

Kindly notify Mark Landress at VE@ofarc.org that you're coming ahead of time. You'll receive this form in response.

Walk-ins are welcome also. 

Candidates who successfully complete an element may take the next higher element at no additional charge.  For instance, if you pass the Technician test (element 2), you may take the General test (element 3) for no additional charge.  The same is true from General to Extra.  If you wish to repeat an exam element not passed, you may do so for an additional $15 fee.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 
If you are planning to upgrade your license, you must bring the original and a copy of your FCC license and any CSCEs that apply.  The copy must be sent in with your application and test materials to the ARRL for processing.

THERE IS NO COPY MACHINE AVAILABLE AT THE TESTING SITE - BRING A COPY OF YOUR CURRENT LICENCE.

Resources

In addition to books, there are many free resources available on the Internet.  Before buying a program or access to a site, make sure that you can't find the material you are looking for on a free site.

Practice Exams

All the sites below will generate correctly weighted practice exams using the current question pools.  In other words, it's the "real deal" in terms of taking a test similar to the one a VEC will issue.

DXzone - A Comprehensive Link to Links

Additional Study Aids

FCC Resources

  • You can apply for your FCC Registration Number (FRN) Here.
  • Search for applications or licenses  Here.
  • You can renew your license online by logging into the license manager with your FRN Here.  Select "Renew Licenses" in the left-hand navigational panel.