Taking your Exam & Getting Licensed through WCARC

Getting or upgrading your Amateur Radio License is simple with the Western Colorado Amateur Radio Club. Exams are held most months right after the WCARC Club Meetings, usually on the second Saturday. The schedule for upcoming exam sessions is posted 30–60 days in advance—check available dates at HamStudy.org.  Exam testing is immediately after the WCARC club meetings. The meeting begins at 9:30 am and ends around 11 am; most club members arrive by 9:00 am for coffee and donuts. You are welcome to attend the meeting to meet members before exams. Exams typically start at 11:00 am.

THREE STEPS for Preparing for and Taking Your Test

STEP 1: GET YOUR FRN: IF YOU ALREADY HAVE AN FRN YOU CAN SKIP STEP 1 

You are required to have an FRN (FCC Registration Number) before registering and taking your test.

      1.  You need a CORES account to apply for an FRN at no cost. Get your CORES account at:  FCC CORES  
      2. Log into your CORES Account and select “Register New FRN”

STEP 2: PREPARE FOR YOUR TEST

Tips for ensuring you’re fully prepared for your ham radio test and pass the 1st time!

      1. Practice! Be sure you are consistently scoring above an 85% on practice tests.
      2. Practice Sites: We recommend HamStudy.org, a free site with lots of tips. Be sure to register for the free account and use “Study Mode” in addition to just taking practice exams, so you can ensure you’ve seen every question in the question pool.
      3. Know the material! You should be able to complete the exam within 30 minutes, however there is no time limit. Most questions are short and simple concepts.

STEP 3: FIND A TEST SESSION AND REGISTER FOR YOUR TEST

Please register in advance to ensure we have adequate Volunteer Examiners available.

      1. Instruction on when and where to take your test are included when you register on HamStudy.org
      2. There is an ARRL exam fee of $15.00 or $5.00 for youth under 18.  We don’t process digital or check payments, so please bring exact change to pay the ARRL exam fee. 

After Passing the Test: Getting your Call Sign & Downloading a Digital Copy of Your License

Post Exam (Getting Your New License)

If you have questions, contact Andrew Maddox, AE0WZ@outlook.com.

Youth Licensing:

 

Additional Testing Option:

We recommend taking your exam with your local Amateur Radio Club.  However, if our exams sessions do not meet your schedule, online exams offer convenience and flexibility.   The online testing services from WM7X and WAVE are highly recommended.