Hello and welcome to the Huntsville Hamfest testing information page. 

The testing will be held both Saturday and Sunday, The testing location will be in a different area this year.  Look for the signage as you come in the main doors to the VBC South Hall.  The testing area is the first main hallway to your left by the stairway.

Exam Schedule:

There have been a few changes we would like to highlight to make the testing process smoother for you.

New FCC Requirement Effective 20 May 2021

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) REQUIRES those preparing for their initial exam to register an FCC profile and FCC Registration Number (FRN), before taking an exam.  This means any filed applications that do not have an FRN, will no longer be accepted. If the application does not contain an FRN it will be rejected.

There is information posted on fcc.gov/rofrn, informing potential applicants about the new requirement. Also on that web page, is a step-by-step video, which instructs new applicants on how to use the “new” CORES system to register an FCC profile and FRN.  You can view, the instructional video from here.

This is the link to fill out and print the Interactive (fillable) NCVEC Quick-Form 605 Application.  You can go ahead and fill out this NCVEC 605 and bring it with you if you prefer.  You only need to fill it out to the signature.  The testing team will handle the rest of the form.  We will also have blank NCVEC 605 forms available at the testing session if needed.

As a reminder, all applicants are encouraged to provide an email address for licensees on all applications. When an email is provided, the licensees will receive an electronic issuance of an official copy of their licenses upon application grant. The FCC stated “We are aware that certain email preferences and email services may potentially block or filter incoming email attachments. If this is a concern, we suggest that the applicants email preferences be set to allow incoming email from authorizations@fcc.gov before their applications are submitted.  If no e-mail is provided, the licensees will need to login to ULS and download their authorizations, as no paper copies are distributed. The instructions for downloading an authorization can be found at: https://www.fcc.gov/support/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/how-obtain-official-authorizations-uls“

What you need to bring to the exam session:

1) Government-issued picture ID.
2) If currently licensed, the official copy (signed) and an extra copy of your current FCC amateur radio license. The extra copy will be attached to your NCVEC Form 605 (License Application.)
3) Test fee, CASH ONLY, exact amount (if possible):  $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for students (a current student ID may be requested.)
4) Any current CSCEs that have not yet shown up in the FCC database.
5) Your FCC Registration Number (FRN).  It’s recommended you apply for an FRN at the FCC website at least one week ahead of the exam session you plan to attend.  See the section above for instructions on obtaining an FRN.

Calculators: Non-programmable calculators are allowed. Programmable calculators are NOT ALLOWED unless their memories can be cleared or reset at the exam session site by the testing crew prior to the start of the exam. The decision as to whether a calculator will be allowed to be used rests with the Chief Volunteer Examiner/Session Manager and that decision is final.  Cell phone/tablet Calculator Apps will not be used.

Cell Phones, Tablets and other Personal Electronic Devices: These devices will be placed on “silent” or turned off and removed from the examinee’s position prior to the start of the exam. 

Special Needs Accommodation: The Hamfest setting is busy by nature based on the large number usually testing.  We prefer you test in your local area where attention can be better provided to address your needs.  However, if you plan to test and cannot take the exam in its standard written form, please contact us ahead of the Hamfest exam session and we will work to find a way to offer you an exam session that takes your needs into account.

We look forward to serving you and being a positive part of your amateur radio experience. Please feel to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Online Question Pools & Test Preparation:

STEP 1: Get the Technician questions (currently 2022-2026 pool), General and Extra Class are also provided.
From the NCVEC website (linked above), you can download all questions and answers in doc, pdf or txt format. Print out all questions and answers or read them electronically. If a study book is preferred there are several available from online vendors. i.e. Amazon, ARRL

STEP 2: Practice tests at QRZ.com

• You’ll need to create a login and password.
• On the QRZ page under “Resources” tab click on Practice Amateur Radio Exams  2022 Technician Exam Practice Test category (General and Extra are also available) to take the practice test. Circle correct answers for each question.
• Repeat 9 times.
• When consistently scoring above 80 percent on practice test come see us in August to take a test. or schedule time and date to take the exam.

Other online practice tests:

• ARRL exam practice
• HamExam.org exam practice
• eHam.net exam practice