GCARC VE Sessions
Gary Reed, N2QEE : glreed49 (at) verizon (dot) net
Our Club holds regularly scheduled VE Sessions for the administration of the FCC written Amateur Radio exams.
The sessions are coordinated by Gary Reed N2QEE. Pre-registration is required. You can reach out to Gary via email at glreed49 <at> verizon <dot> net.
Our VE Sessions are held on the second Thursday of each month at 1900 hrs, at the W2MMD Clubhouse. The Clubhouse is located on the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds site on Bridgeton Pike in Mullica Hill, NJ.
Any candidate taking the Element 2 (Technician) exam will first need to obtain an FRN, which can be done online very easily and at any time by simply browsing to https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do and clicking on the "Need a User Name" button to get started. Then follow the directions to register and obtain the FRN, which is issued immediately. Note that you will be required to give the FCC a valid email address - it is not optional any longer. The FCC will use email to get in touch with licensees for issuance of licenses and so forth. The is no fee associated with obtaining an FRN.
Any candidate taking an upgrade exam will need to bring along a copy of the current license under which that candidate operates.
All candidates will need to bring a valid photo ID.
A calculator is permitted for the exam. Any programmable calculator used must be shown to have all memories cleared before being allowed for the exam. Call phones are not allowed to be used as calculators, and must be turned off if brought into the testing place.
Finally, all candidates must bring the ARRL exam fee of $15.00 (fifteen dollars), which must be paid prior to taking the exam. Cash is preferred and is quicker for the candidate, as there is no check-clearing delay involved that way. Note that this exam fee is separate from and not related to the newly-instituted FCC application fee. That fee must be paid directly to the FCC within ten days of being notified of the fee by the FCC. Such notification will arrive when the FCC receives the candidate's successful exam completion paperwork. The actual license or upgrade will be issued only after the federal application fee is paid to the FCC.
The sessions are coordinated by Gary Reed N2QEE. Pre-registration is required. You can reach out to Gary via email at glreed49 <at> verizon <dot> net.
Our VE Sessions are held on the second Thursday of each month at 1900 hrs, at the W2MMD Clubhouse. The Clubhouse is located on the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds site on Bridgeton Pike in Mullica Hill, NJ.
Any candidate taking the Element 2 (Technician) exam will first need to obtain an FRN, which can be done online very easily and at any time by simply browsing to https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do and clicking on the "Need a User Name" button to get started. Then follow the directions to register and obtain the FRN, which is issued immediately. Note that you will be required to give the FCC a valid email address - it is not optional any longer. The FCC will use email to get in touch with licensees for issuance of licenses and so forth. The is no fee associated with obtaining an FRN.
Any candidate taking an upgrade exam will need to bring along a copy of the current license under which that candidate operates.
All candidates will need to bring a valid photo ID.
A calculator is permitted for the exam. Any programmable calculator used must be shown to have all memories cleared before being allowed for the exam. Call phones are not allowed to be used as calculators, and must be turned off if brought into the testing place.
Finally, all candidates must bring the ARRL exam fee of $15.00 (fifteen dollars), which must be paid prior to taking the exam. Cash is preferred and is quicker for the candidate, as there is no check-clearing delay involved that way. Note that this exam fee is separate from and not related to the newly-instituted FCC application fee. That fee must be paid directly to the FCC within ten days of being notified of the fee by the FCC. Such notification will arrive when the FCC receives the candidate's successful exam completion paperwork. The actual license or upgrade will be issued only after the federal application fee is paid to the FCC.
VE Newsletter July 11 2022 - FCC Application Fee Update
Maria Somma, AB1FM
Important Message from ARRL VEC
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FCC APPLICATION FEE AND VEC FILED APPLICATIONS
It’s been three months since the FCC application fee was implemented on April 19, 2022. Here’s what we know so far :
1. MAKE SURE EXAMINEES UNDERSTAND THEY MUST PAY WITHIN 10 DAYS. Examinees do NOT have to wait for the email from the FCC to pay the fee. As soon as an the application file number is issued by the FCC, they can pay by logging into the CORES Payer FRN System (https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/paymentFrnLogin.do) (easier to use but only temporarily available) or the CORES FRN Registration system (CORES - Login : https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do). Application File Number search using an FRN : FCC Application File Number Search (https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/ApplicationSearch/searchAppl.jsp?fromRefine=Y). CORES payment system background information and instructions : Information (https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/fees/cores-payment-system). CORES step-by-step payment instructions : FCC Application Fee Instructions (https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/knowledge-base/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/payment-process-uls).
2. The FCC help center stated there is a known issue with individuals paying the $35 application fee via a smartphone or tablet. This is not a new issue and they haven’t been able to help troubleshoot the issue at the support center. Encourage candidates to login and pay the FCC application fee from a computer.
3. Examinees should NOT amend any applications that a VEC submits on their behalf, especially NEW license applications. Amending VEC filed applications will cause the application to be dismissed without action in the FCC system and potentially require the applicant to pay another $35 fee. If there is a minor mistake on the application, either call us and we can correct and resubmit the application, or the individual can pay the fee, be issued the call sign, and then log back in and make corrections.
4. Individuals should review their application BEFORE paying the fee. If there is a major error on the application, such as the licensee’s name or license class earned is incorrect, or the answer to the felony question is wrong, DO NOT PAY the fee. Call the VEC immediately.
5. When in doubt, call the VEC! Even if you think you shouldn’t bother us with your question, call us anyway.
6. Distribute these instructions to candidates as needed and refer them to our FCC application fee (https://www.arrl.org/fcc-application-fee) webpage for information and instructions.
Maria Somma, AB1FM
Important Message from ARRL VEC
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FCC APPLICATION FEE AND VEC FILED APPLICATIONS
It’s been three months since the FCC application fee was implemented on April 19, 2022. Here’s what we know so far :
1. MAKE SURE EXAMINEES UNDERSTAND THEY MUST PAY WITHIN 10 DAYS. Examinees do NOT have to wait for the email from the FCC to pay the fee. As soon as an the application file number is issued by the FCC, they can pay by logging into the CORES Payer FRN System (https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/paymentFrnLogin.do) (easier to use but only temporarily available) or the CORES FRN Registration system (CORES - Login : https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do). Application File Number search using an FRN : FCC Application File Number Search (https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/ApplicationSearch/searchAppl.jsp?fromRefine=Y). CORES payment system background information and instructions : Information (https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/fees/cores-payment-system). CORES step-by-step payment instructions : FCC Application Fee Instructions (https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/knowledge-base/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/payment-process-uls).
2. The FCC help center stated there is a known issue with individuals paying the $35 application fee via a smartphone or tablet. This is not a new issue and they haven’t been able to help troubleshoot the issue at the support center. Encourage candidates to login and pay the FCC application fee from a computer.
3. Examinees should NOT amend any applications that a VEC submits on their behalf, especially NEW license applications. Amending VEC filed applications will cause the application to be dismissed without action in the FCC system and potentially require the applicant to pay another $35 fee. If there is a minor mistake on the application, either call us and we can correct and resubmit the application, or the individual can pay the fee, be issued the call sign, and then log back in and make corrections.
4. Individuals should review their application BEFORE paying the fee. If there is a major error on the application, such as the licensee’s name or license class earned is incorrect, or the answer to the felony question is wrong, DO NOT PAY the fee. Call the VEC immediately.
5. When in doubt, call the VEC! Even if you think you shouldn’t bother us with your question, call us anyway.
6. Distribute these instructions to candidates as needed and refer them to our FCC application fee (https://www.arrl.org/fcc-application-fee) webpage for information and instructions.
NOTE that the long-planned FCC Application Fee of $35.00 per application sent up to the Commission will go into effect on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. The fee will not apply to administrative changes such as address or email address updates, but it will apply to all new licenses, upgrades, and call sign changes including vanity call signs.
UPDATE: As of 30 March, the FCC clarified the fee program to assure Amateur Radio operators that the Federal Application Fee will NOT apply to license upgrades or to changes of club station trustees. This is welcome news for all hams looking to upgrade their licenses!
UPDATE: As of 30 March, the FCC clarified the fee program to assure Amateur Radio operators that the Federal Application Fee will NOT apply to license upgrades or to changes of club station trustees. This is welcome news for all hams looking to upgrade their licenses!
Important Message Update from ARRL VEC - March 31, 2022
New FCC Application Fee Will Not Apply To Amateur Radio License Upgrades
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) staff has clarified in response to an ARRL request that the new $35 application fee will not apply to most license modifications, including those to upgrade a licensee’s operator class and changes to club station trustees. The FCC staff explained that the new fees will apply only to applications for a new license, renewal, rule waiver, or a new vanity call sign. As previously announced, the new fees take effect on April 19, 2022.
“We are pleased that the FCC will not charge licensees the FCC application fee for license upgrade applications,” said ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Manager, Maria Somma, AB1FM. “While applicants for a new license will need to pay the $35 FCC application fee, there will be no FCC charge for future upgrades and administrative updates such as a change of mailing or email address. Most current licensees therefore will not be charged the new FCC application fee until they renew their license or apply for a new vanity call sign.”
ARRL previously reported that the new $35 application fee for Amateur Radio licenses will become effective on April 19, 2022.
Further information and instructions about the FCC application fee will follow as it’s being released.
FCC $35 Amateur Application Fee Effective Date Will Be April 19, 2022
The FCC released a Public Notice on March 23, 2022, stating that the amateur radio application fees, including those associated with Form 605 application filings, would become effective on April 19, 2022. The Federal Communications Commission's authority to impose and collect fees is mandated by Congress.
UPDATED INFORMATION: The $35 application fee, when it becomes effective on April 19, will apply to new, renewal, and modification applications that request a new vanity call sign. The fee will be per application processed by the FCC. If the applicant fails to pay within the 10-day window, the application will be dismissed by the FCC. The application will have to be refiled with the FCC which will restart the 10-day window. For examinees, an application can be refiled to the FCC, by the coordinating VEC, at any time before the CSCE expires.
UPDATED INFORMATION: Administrative updates, such as a change of name, mailing or email address, and modification applications to upgrade an amateur radio licensee’s operator class*, will be exempt from fees. (*this new information was just confirmed by FCC staff on Tuesday March 29.)
The ARRL VEC Staff is Ready to Serve You
As always, the dedicated VEC staff are here to answer any questions you may have.
ARRL VE toll free number: 1-800-9ARRLVE (1-800-927-7583)
Address: ARRL VEC, 225 Main St, Newington CT 06111
Email: VEC@arrl.org
Web: www.arrl.org/volunteer-examiners
ARRL VEC Fax: 860-594-0339
Maria Somma, AB1FM, Manager
New FCC Application Fee Will Not Apply To Amateur Radio License Upgrades
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) staff has clarified in response to an ARRL request that the new $35 application fee will not apply to most license modifications, including those to upgrade a licensee’s operator class and changes to club station trustees. The FCC staff explained that the new fees will apply only to applications for a new license, renewal, rule waiver, or a new vanity call sign. As previously announced, the new fees take effect on April 19, 2022.
“We are pleased that the FCC will not charge licensees the FCC application fee for license upgrade applications,” said ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Manager, Maria Somma, AB1FM. “While applicants for a new license will need to pay the $35 FCC application fee, there will be no FCC charge for future upgrades and administrative updates such as a change of mailing or email address. Most current licensees therefore will not be charged the new FCC application fee until they renew their license or apply for a new vanity call sign.”
ARRL previously reported that the new $35 application fee for Amateur Radio licenses will become effective on April 19, 2022.
Further information and instructions about the FCC application fee will follow as it’s being released.
FCC $35 Amateur Application Fee Effective Date Will Be April 19, 2022
The FCC released a Public Notice on March 23, 2022, stating that the amateur radio application fees, including those associated with Form 605 application filings, would become effective on April 19, 2022. The Federal Communications Commission's authority to impose and collect fees is mandated by Congress.
UPDATED INFORMATION: The $35 application fee, when it becomes effective on April 19, will apply to new, renewal, and modification applications that request a new vanity call sign. The fee will be per application processed by the FCC. If the applicant fails to pay within the 10-day window, the application will be dismissed by the FCC. The application will have to be refiled with the FCC which will restart the 10-day window. For examinees, an application can be refiled to the FCC, by the coordinating VEC, at any time before the CSCE expires.
UPDATED INFORMATION: Administrative updates, such as a change of name, mailing or email address, and modification applications to upgrade an amateur radio licensee’s operator class*, will be exempt from fees. (*this new information was just confirmed by FCC staff on Tuesday March 29.)
The ARRL VEC Staff is Ready to Serve You
As always, the dedicated VEC staff are here to answer any questions you may have.
ARRL VE toll free number: 1-800-9ARRLVE (1-800-927-7583)
Address: ARRL VEC, 225 Main St, Newington CT 06111
Email: VEC@arrl.org
Web: www.arrl.org/volunteer-examiners
ARRL VEC Fax: 860-594-0339
Maria Somma, AB1FM, Manager