What accommodations can be given to disabled applicants?
§97.509(k) of the FCC Rules states, “The administering VEs must accommodate an examinee whose physical disabilities require a special examination procedure. The administering VEs may require a physician’s certification indicating the nature of the disability before determining which, if any, special procedures must be used.”
The special examination procedures may include, but are not limited to:
- Reading the questions to the examinee.
- Marking the answer sheet for the examinee after they have stated their answer.
- Conducting a special examination session at the applicant’s home.
Applicants with disabilities that will require special examination procedures should always check with the VE team in advance to be certain that the team will be able to provide the necessary accommodations. Please put the applicant needs in the EXAM Registration form. Any questions, you may send a request for more information and clarifications via the request
How much does it cost to get an amateur radio license?
The FCC charges an application fee of $35 to:
- Apply for a new amateur radio license.
- Renew an existing license.
- Change the station call sign of an existing license.
(NOTE: This fee is paid online directly to the FCC. The HRAC does not collect or handle this fee in any way.)
You may have to pay for study materials and/or licensing classes. HRAC VEs DO NOT charge any fees for any licensing related services (e.g., Exams, renewals, administrative updates, etc) and never have.
Can I use my cell phone as a calculator?
No! In fact, all cell phones must be turned off. If you use your phone in any way, or if it makes any kind of noise, you could be prohibited from further participation in the exam session.
I have an expired license and want to claim the element credit, What do I need to do to?
- You must provide copies of your proof of element credit.
- If you are currently unlicensed, you must pass the Element 2 (Technician exam) before you can apply any element credit. You may also take another exam element if desired and based on your element credit.
- The VEs will verify the validity of your element credit and apply it to your application with any element exams you may have passed and submit it to the FCC.
- The FCC will grant your new license based on you having passed the Element 2 exam and any other exams, and the element credit that was applied to your application.
- If you are currently licensed, you may also take other exam elements if desired and based on your current license class and element credit.
- The VEs will verify the validity of your element credit and apply it to your application with any element exams you may have passed and submit it to the FCC.
- The FCC will grant your new license based on your current license and having passed any other exams, and the element credit that was applied to your application.
How soon after I pass my exam can I start operating an amateur radio station?
You can start operating as soon as your license grant is shown in the FCC’s ULS license database. This normally occurs the next business day after you pay the application fee.
More questions, send a request to the team via the form below.