The Jamestown Amateur Radio Club offers in-person testing. Here is the general information that you will need to get ready to take the exam. Testing for all 3 elements (2, 3, and 4) will be offered. Specific test dates will be updated on this page, as well as on the club calendar.
Upcoming Testing Dates:
April 13, 2024 – 11AM earlier than normal start time to accommodate for the ND QSO Party which starts at 1PM
June 15, 2024 in Ellendale, ND – Details on exact location soon
Unless otherwise noted, the exams will be conducted in the lower level of the Law Enforcement Center (LEC), which is located at 205 6th Street SE in Jamestown, ND. Follow the signs to the testing location.
We now have the ability to conduct “on-the-spot” testing. Please note that at least three VEs need to be present when you take your test, so “on-the-spot” does not necessarily mean “on demand”. We will still need to schedule a time, but this will allow you to take your test earlier than the next upcoming scheduled exam date. Please use the contact information at the bottom of this page to discuss this.
What to bring to an exam session (more detailed information here):
The FCC now requires that all license applications use an FRN number. Before coming to take an exam, be sure that you have an FRN number. You can obtain one by going to the COmmission REgistration System (CORES) on the FCC website. Be sure to use a valid email address on the application form.
You will need to also bring a photo ID. A valid State Driver’s License or State ID card (or others) will work. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two other forms of ID, which are detailed here.
If applicable, bring a copy of your Amateur Radio License or be able to show proof of the license in the FCC database, or bring any Certificates of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) you may hold from previous exam sessions. If you have an expired license, proof must be submitted to the team and to the VEC for processing to FCC.
A calculator with the memory erased and formulas cleared is allowed. You may not bring any written notes or calculations into the exam session. Slide rules and logarithmic tables are acceptable, as long as they’re free of notes and formulas. Cell phone must be silenced or turned off during the exam session and the phones’ calculator function may not be used. In addition, iPhones, iPads, Androids, smartphones, Blackberry devices and all similar electronic devices with a calculator capability, may NOT be used.
Bring $15.00 in the form of a check, a money order or cash to cover the exam session fee.
Be aware that some information about you will be made publicly available on the FCC’s website (FCC Licensee Privacy) including a felony conviction status. All applicants must answer the Basic Qualification Question (felony conviction status question) on the 605 Form at the exam session. Applicants that answer “YES” for the question must follow these FCC procedures: FCC qualification question instructions.
After you successfully pass the test:
After you pass any of the exam elements, there is an additional cost of $35.00 which you will pay directly to the FCC using the CORES system. The $35.00 fee is NOT collected at the exam session. The $35 application fee applies to new, modification (upgrade and sequential call sign change), renewal, and vanity call sign applications. The fee is per application.
When the FCC receives the examination information from the VEC, it will email a link with payment instructions to each successful candidate who then will have 10 calendar days from the date of the email to pay. (Note: At this time, only computers that are running Windows can be used to make payment. No other operating systems or portable devices will work.) After the fee is paid and the FCC has processed an application, examinees will receive a second email from the FCC with a link to their official license. Paper copies of official licenses are no longer physically sent, and must be downloaded. The link will be good for 30 days.
If you have any questions, please contact us using the form on this website, or call Tom at 701-269-5292 with any urgent questions.