UnitedTechsHam RadioUnitedTechs Home

After your exam: next steps

What to do after you pass, and what to do if you are not there yet.

FREE GUIDE

If you passed

  1. Your volunteer examiner (VE) team files your results with the FCC. You do not mail anything yourself.
  2. Watch for the FCC email about the application fee, and pay it through the FCC's licensing system. Your call sign appears in the FCC's database after the license is granted. Details: FCC Amateur Radio Service.
  3. Wait for the grant before you transmit on new privileges, unless the rules allow otherwise. See 47 CFR Part 97.
  4. Your first station ID, done right. Give your call sign at least every 10 minutes and at the end of a contact (47 CFR 97.119). Our free station ID timer counts it down for any radio. On an Icom IC-7760? Learn more about CallMinder.
  5. Ready for the next license class? Pick the next pool on the exam practice page.

If you didn't pass yet

  1. Review the questions you missed on the exam practice page, then take another practice exam.
  2. Find an exam session when you're ready: ARRL exam session search. Ask the VE team about retesting and fees.
  3. Read the official question pools at NCVEC question pools.

This page is general guidance, not legal advice. The FCC and your VE team have the final word.